According to data from online booking platform Agoda, domestic tourist interest in Hanoi has surged by 370% compared to the same period last year. International searches also saw an 84% increase, indicating Hanoi's growing popularity among both domestic and international travelers during this holiday season.

An Agoda representative attributed this growth to the large-scale National Day celebrations, highlighted by the military parade on the morning of 2/9 in Ba Dinh Square and along major streets in the city center. Cultural activities, art performances, and fireworks displays at five locations further contributed to the festive atmosphere, driving demand for travel, accommodation, and exploration in Hanoi.

A 300-meter street section in Hang Chao is decorated with national and party flags. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

A 300-meter street section in Hang Chao is decorated with national and party flags. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda's country director for Vietnam, noted that the 80th National Day anniversary offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience Hanoi's rich culture and history.

"With searches for accommodation increasing by nearly 400%, we encourage travelers to plan ahead and prioritize accommodations near the parade route for convenient access and viewing," Lam said.

Agoda also suggests several convenient locations for those wishing to watch the 2/9 morning parade: The Hung Vuong - Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hang Chao intersection offers a wide viewing area where the parade routes branch out, providing panoramic views; The Le Duan - Nguyen Thai Hoc intersection, near Ba Dinh Square, is among the first spots to see the parade formations begin; The Cua Nam intersection in the city center offers convenient access and proximity to the Old Quarter, suitable for both tourists and locals; The Kim Ma - Lieu Giai area has numerous high-rise buildings like Lotte Center and Daewoo Hotel, offering impressive views for those seeking a panoramic perspective; Hang Khay - Trang Tien, near Hoan Kiem Lake, provides a spacious setting with cafes and restaurants, ideal for families looking to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Foreign tourists on a half-day tour exploring the capital on a red Honda. Photo: Minh Quan

Foreign tourists on a half-day tour exploring the capital on a red Honda. Photo: Minh Quan

Agoda's data also reveals a continuing trend of heritage tourism and cultural experiences. Many tourists seek accommodations in areas steeped in Hanoi's character, such as the Old Quarter, Ba Dinh district, or Thang Long Avenue, where modern architecture meets historical spaces. Boutique hotels with classic styles or contemporary hotel chains with modern amenities are increasingly sought after compared to conventional options.

A late August survey by VnExpress found that many Hanoi hotels were fully booked, especially those along the parade route. The Nguyen Thai Hoc - Kim Ma route, where the parade is scheduled to pass, saw 2-3 star hotels like Memory, Madelise, Hoang Cuong, and 3T Hotel fully booked by the end of August, with prices below 1 million VND per night. Some hotels increased prices to 1.5-2 million VND, with some even quoting 5 million VND for balcony rooms overlooking the main street.

Homestays and high-end hotels experienced similar demand. Homestays in Ngoc Ha ward were fully booked since July. The Pan Pacific Hanoi, a 5-star hotel near Ba Dinh Square, reached 80% occupancy. The Hanoi Daewoo on Kim Ma Street was over 90% full. A Pan Pacific representative reported that demand from domestic tourists, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, nearly doubled compared to last year's National Day holiday.

Beyond the parade route, hotels in the Old Quarter, such as those on Hang Hanh, Ma May, Luong Ngoc Quyen, or Dinh Liet streets, also had only a few high-end rooms available, with average rates of 2-3 million VND per night.

Mai Phuong