Foreigners celebrate New Year in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo.

HÀ NỘI — About 160,000 people visited Hà Nội on the New Year holiday on January 1, 2025, up 17 per cent year-on-year.

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the capital city served 28,400 foreign tourists, up 67 per cent, and 132,000 domestic holidaymakers, up 10% year-on-year.

Total revenue from tourists is estimated at nearly VNĐ594 billion (US$23.3 million), a year-on-year surge of 26 per cent, and the average occupancy rate of high-end hotels is about 80 per cent.

The city's New Year celebrations were a major draw, with many events showcasing Hanoi's unique blend of culture and modernity. Highlights included the "Herbalife Countdown Party 2025" at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, which featured a stunning sound and light show, the "Trust The Moment" concert at Revolution Square, and "The Glamorous Countdown 2025" at Vinhomes Ocean Park 2.

On this occasion, the pedestrian street space in Hoàn Kiếm lake and its surroundings is allowed to operate from 7 pm on December 31, 2024 to the end of January 1, 2025 with many traditional art performance activities. Thăng Long Heritage Conservation Centre welcomed people to visit the Hà Nội flagpole while the Vietnamese Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village in suburban Sơn Tây township launched activities under the theme "Spring returns to the village".

Thousands gathered at these events to ring in the New Year with music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.

Outside the city centre, Hà Nội's iconic tourist sites welcomed massive crowds such as the Mê Linh Flower Festival, Quảng Phú Cầu Incense Village, and Tích Giang Agricultural Market. — VNA/VNS