Hanoi’s tourism boom: Over 25 million visitors and counting

Vietnam’s capital city has recorded a surge in tourism this year, with 25.33 million visitors arriving in the first 11 months of 2024, an 11.7 per cent increase over the same period last year, according to figures released by Hanoi Department of Tourism.

Of these, international arrivals accounted for 5.67 million - surpassing the city’s full-year target of 5.5 million. This represents a 35.8 per cent rise compared to last year. Nearly four million of these visitors stayed overnight, underscoring Hanoi’s growing appeal as a global destination. Domestic tourism also saw healthy growth, with 19.66 million Vietnamese travellers exploring the capital, a 6.3 per cent increase from 2023.

Tourism revenue reached an estimated $4 billion, an on-year rise of 17.8 per cent.

International tourists to Hanoi are estimated at 5.67 million, exceeding the target of 5.5 million visitors set for 2024. Photo: baodautu.vn

The momentum showed no signs of slowing in November, a month that brought 2.18 million visitors to Hanoi, up 16 per cent compared to the same period last year. This included 680,800 international travellers - an increase of 28.4 per cent - and 1.5 million domestic tourists, up 7.1 per cent. Tourism revenue for the month was estimated at $385 million, a 20.2 per cent rise over November 2023.

Major cultural events contributed to the influx, including the Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024, which celebrated the city’s artistic and architectural heritage, and the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024, an ode to the capital’s rich gastronomic traditions. Both events drew significant domestic and international attention, boosting Hanoi’s profile as a cultural and culinary hub in Southeast Asia.

Hanoi is also exploring new avenues to sustain its tourism boom. November saw the launch of "Ung Hoa – The Suburban Heritage Land," a programme aimed at promoting lesser-known cultural sites in Ung Hoa district, and "Hanoi Nights 2024," an initiative highlighting the city’s vibrant nocturnal offerings.

Three additional sites, Quan Thanh Temple, Voi Phuc Temple, and Ngoc Ngu Xa island - Truc Bach Lake, were officially recognised as tourist destinations, adding to Hanoi’s already diverse portfolio.

Despite its success, Hanoi faces significant challenges in managing its growing appeal. The city is taking steps to preserve historic sites while accommodating increasing visitor numbers. The Perfume Pagoda complex, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, is at the centre of these efforts, with officials working to balance conservation with sustainable tourism.

Hanoi is also investing in rural tourism, developing pilot programmes in Tich Giang commune and offering training in community-based tourism across several districts. The city is banking on the captivating blend of its serene countryside and vibrant urban appeal to fuel sustainable, long-term growth.

At the same time, officials are prioritising modernisation. Hanoi Department of Tourism has pledged to digitise information on tourist destinations and services, making it easier for travellers to navigate the city and its attractions.

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