During the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year 2026, the city's exemption of public passenger transport tickets and relic entrance tickets has contributed to attracting a large number of people and tourists to tourist attractions and historical relics in the Capital.
According to records, the policy of Hanoi City People's Committee on free urban railway, bus and sightseeing tickets at 17 relics and scenic spots (from February 20-22) has caused many destinations such as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoa Lo Prison... to have a sudden increase in the number of visitors right from the early spring days.
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center said that the number of visitors during the free ticket period is estimated to double compared to the normal ticket sales day. The unit must mobilize 100% of officials and staff to ensure service work. At Hoa Lo relic, at many times tourists have to queue in small groups to visit, and the line of people is long.
According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, during the 5-day Lunar New Year holiday of Binh Ngo 2026, Hanoi tourism welcomed more than 593,000 visitors, an increase of 11.7% compared to the same period last year; of which international visitors are estimated at about 111,000, an increase of 51.4%.
Along with historical sites, the public passenger transport system also recorded clear differentiation. On February 21 (the 5th day of Tet), routes connecting to tourist attractions were always fully booked.
Recorded on bus routes to Perfume Pagoda, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Thang Long Imperial Citadel... the number of passengers increased sharply. Route E09 (Smart City urban area - West Lake Water Park) often has dozens of passengers getting on and off the bus in the area near Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam.
Representatives of Hanoi Transport Corporation (Transerco) said that during the peak season of early spring festivals, bus routes connecting relics and scenic spots always attract a large number of passengers. On the 5th day of Tet, the unit operates 7,524 bus trips, opening from 5am to 9pm, frequency 10–30 minutes/trip to meet the increasing travel demand.
On the two urban railway lines Cat Linh - Ha Dong and Nhon - Hanoi station, trips towards the city center are all crowded with passengers. Many stations such as Yen Nghia, Van Quan, Cat Linh, Cau Giay recorded a clear increase in passenger volume compared to normal days.
According to representatives of Hanoi Metro, the free ticketing during the Tet holiday along with the simultaneous free ticketing of major attractions has created favorable conditions for people to travel in spring, while contributing to stimulating tourism demand and reducing personal traffic pressure in the inner city area.
