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Hanoi explodes with excitement from the 80th National Day celebrations.
During the four-day holiday, Hanoi was the focal point of Vietnam's tourism industry. According to a report by Booking.com, from 7th place in 2024, the capital city rose to the top of the list of most searched domestic destinations for the September 2nd holiday. The reason lies not only in the appeal of the series of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day but also in the festive atmosphere that permeated the city streets.
The spectacular parades and processions, art programs, exhibitions, and the vibrant, flag-filled streets of the Old Quarter have prompted many tourists to plan their trips well in advance. Agoda recorded a 44-fold increase in searches for accommodation in Hanoi during this period compared to the same time last year. Many hotels near Ho Guom Lake, Ba Dinh Square, and the Old Quarter were fully booked by mid-summer.
Hanoi, the capital city, is the top choice destination for this year's National Day holiday.
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During the September 2nd National Day celebrations, many people decided to stay in the capital to watch the parade and march instead of returning to their hometowns or traveling to other provinces and cities. Travel blogger Hanh Hanh, from Ninh Binh, said that last year she chose to travel abroad. However, this year, Hanh dedicated all four days of the holiday to watching the dress rehearsal on August 30th and the official ceremony on September 2nd in Hanoi. Thanh Hien, from Thai Nguyen, and his girlfriend Thu Trang, from Phu Tho, also stayed in the capital instead of returning to their hometowns as in previous years. Meanwhile, Bich Phuong from Ho Chi Minh City booked her flight to Hanoi at the end of August to visit and participate in the parade.
Hanoi's appeal also extends to neighboring localities. Quang Ninh is expected to welcome around 300,000 visitors, an increase of nearly 15% compared to 2024; Ninh Binh has a booking rate of 80-90% before the holiday. Multi-city tours such as "Hanoi - Ha Long - Ninh Binh" or "Hanoi - Sa Pa - Fansipan" have become popular choices, connecting urban areas while experiencing nature. It can be said that Hanoi is playing the role of a gateway, drawing the entire North into a vibrant tourism season.
Ninh Binh is a popular destination near Hanoi during this time of year.
Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands maintain their position as a popular resort destination.
While Hanoi is a cultural and historical center, Da Nang and Da Lat offer different options. Da Nang ranks second on Booking.com's list of searches for the September 2nd holiday thanks to its beautiful blue sea, white sand, and tranquil lifestyle. Tourists can relax on the beach while exploring Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, or the city's unique bridges.
Meanwhile, Da Lat – a popular destination for young people – continues to assert its position with its cool climate, romantic scenery, and countless outdoor activities, with 56% of tourists choosing it because they desire a holiday close to nature.
Da Lat remains among the top searched destinations for the September 2nd holiday.
Besides the top three destinations, localities such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hue, Hoi An, and Vung Tau also made a strong impression. While Nha Trang and Phu Quoc attract visitors with their sun-drenched beaches, Hue and Hoi An captivate with their cultural heritage, and Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant with a series of cultural and artistic activities along with spectacular fireworks displays at many central locations.
New trends: staycations, combined tours, and international travel.
This year, a large segment of tourists are opting for staycations. Four- and five-star hotels and resorts in suburban areas like Soc Son, Ba Vi, Can Gio, and Binh Duong have seen a significant increase in bookings. Enjoying local cuisine, visiting exhibitions, and strolling through streets adorned with flags and flowers are also popular choices for families to enjoy the holiday. This staycation trend reflects the desire to experience the festive atmosphere without traveling far, and is particularly suitable for families with young children or elderly members.
Staycations remain a popular choice for holiday getaways.
Travel blogger Vinh Gấu also chose a staycation in his hometown of Buon Ma Thuot. Working in the tourism industry, he said that major holidays are usually crowded, and since he has already traveled to many places throughout the year, he wanted to spend this time with his family, seeking peace and familiarity.
In parallel, combined tours of "2 destinations - 1 itinerary" have also become an attractive option, especially for overseas Vietnamese returning home. Many families choose cross-Vietnam itineraries, or connect international tours from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to other Asian countries.
According to Mr. Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Tourism Media Joint Stock Company, domestic tourism dominates with over 60% of total bookings, significantly higher than outbound tourism (around 30-40%). Nevertheless, this segment remains highly attractive to young people and affluent families.
Outbound tour bookings accounted for only about 30-40% of tourists during this year's National Day holiday.
This special holiday marks a boost for Vietnamese tourism.
This year's National Day on September 2nd clearly shows the diverse choices of Vietnamese tourists: some flocked to Hanoi to immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere, others sought out Da Nang, Da Lat, or the beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc... some chose staycations in their own cities, and a significant number decided to fly abroad. All of this created a vibrant and varied holiday.
This shows that domestic tourism remains central, alongside new experiential trends and internationalization. The choices of millions of Vietnamese people during the four-day holiday demonstrate the tourism industry's significant potential for continued growth, aiming for the peak season at the end of the year and further into 2026 with many new expectations.
