HÀ NỘI — The capital city of Ha Noi served over 105,000 tourists during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tết) holiday which lasted from January 31 to February 6, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

The favourite destinations included Ha Noi Zoo (28,000 visitors), Bảo Sơn Paradise Park (15,000 visitors), and Ba Vì National Park (13,000 visitors), between January 31 and February 3.

Tourists were mainly local residents and those from adjacent localities. Most were small groups and families.

According to the tourism department, during the holiday, cultural destinations in the city are still temporarily closed while many popular spring festivals like Sóc Temple festival, Đống Đa festival or Tản Vien Sơn Thanh festivals have been halted due to COVID-19.

Some destinations such as Vả Temple (Sơn Tay Township) and Ngọc Sơn Temple (Hoan Kiếm District) are still open for visitors.

In the Old Quarter, the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiếm Lake, Red River rock beach, West Lake flower valley and several traditional craft villages, the number of tourists visiting and shopping decreased sharply compared to previous years.

All disease prevention instructions and regulations have been strictly observed at tourist destinations. Most visitors followed the Ministry of Health’s 5K message, including wearing face masks, keeping a safe distance, and washing hands regularly.

The average occupancy of rooms in 1-5-star accommodation units was estimated at 22.4 per cent, up 6.1 per cent over the same period in 2021. — VNS