Hanoi gears up to host diverse range of cultural activities

Hoan Kiem lake in the downtown of Hanoi is set to feature a wide range of fairs and festivals between June 26 and June 28 as a means of boosting the capital’s tourism industry.

A street carnival is set to get underway on the walking streets around Hoan Kiem lake. (Photo: NDO/Giang Nam)
A street carnival is set to get underway on the walking streets around Hoan Kiem lake. (Photo: NDO/Giang Nam)

>>> Hanoi plans various activities in pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake

A number of the city’s famous sightseeing spots such as the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and Ngoc Son Temple will be introduced to visitors on Dinh Tien Hoang street, the Voice of Vietnam reported.

As many as 50 booths from travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and the local tourism association, will be set up on Le Thach street in order to introduce a number of attractive products to both local residents and tourists.

Most notably, a number of delicacies from Hanoi, including Trang Tien ice cream, Tay Ho lotus tea, and Giang coffee are to be sold at the Octagonal House for guests to enjoy.

Moreover, a street carnival is set to get underway on the walking streets around Hoan Kiem lake at 5:30 pm on June 27, with the event expected to provide plenty of excitement to local people and visitors.

These activities will be jointly organised by the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, alongside the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, with the aim of stimulating domestic travel, and reviving the tourism industry following the novel coronavirus, with a specific focus on street cultural activities.

Night-time economy expected to boost Hanoi tourism

Night-time economy is expected to develop Hanoi tourism, tourism experts and policymakers said.

The Hanoi Old Quarter, locating in the downtown in Hoan Kiem district, is the most popular destination in the capital city. Tourists come here to explore ancient streets, craft products, local food or experience lives there. In the evening, streets become more crowded and livelier with Hang Dao - Dong Xuan nigh fair and outdoor music performances.

Since 2016, Hanoi has allowed Hoan Kiem district to pilot the extension of opening hour of bars and restaurants to 2 am. As a result, their revenues increased by about 30%.

Following the pilot, tourist arrivals in 2016 neared 1.4 million, up 22.8% from a year earlier. The figure went up to 1.95 million in 2017, nearly 2.2 million in 2018 and 2.5 million in 2019.

The number of business households switching to hospitality services increased 594.

Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee Nguyen Anh Quan said the district will pilot the development of night-time economy in the near future, with both indoor and outdoor models.

According to him, Tay Ho district is also developing night-time economy with a space of arts and street food at Trinh Cong Son street.