Hanoi Tourism Thrives with More than Twenty-Five Percent Rise in Visitors, Focusing on Eco-Tourism and Cultural Immersion to Boost Revenue and Long-Term Growth

Published on February 27, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Hanoi is experiencing a fresh wave of tourism growth in 2026, continuing its positive recovery trend into February, with a projected 3.18 million visitors, which is a staggering 28.5% increase from the previous year. This tourism trend reflects Hanoi’s target of attracting close to 36 million visitors by the end of the year, as stated by the Hanoi Department of Tourism. With tourists pouring into the capital, the cultural heritage, street life, and seasonal activities in the city remain a magnet for visitors.

Sustainable Growth Through Eco-Tourism Initiatives

In a bid to diversify its tourism offerings and support sustainable development, Hanoi has launched the “Get on Hanoi 2026 – Green Journey” campaign. This initiative promotes eco-tourism experiences that highlight the city’s natural beauty and rural landscapes, encouraging travelers to venture beyond the bustling Old Quarter and explore the quieter, less-commercialized corners of the capital. With over 80 new tourism offerings planned under this campaign, the focus is on community-based tourism, visits to craft villages, and cultural heritage tours, all designed to attract travelers looking for authentic, sustainable experiences.

The city is also enhancing its eco-tourism appeal with new experiential products such as the “Hanoi Beautiful Sound” night cycling tour around the Old Quarter, the “Hanoi – Touching Memories” historical program, and expanded itineraries to Hanoi Botanical Garden and Thiet Ung Craft Village. These offerings encourage slow travel, where tourists can engage more deeply with their surroundings and embrace a sustainable, immersive tourism experience. This shift aligns with growing trends in the global tourism industry, where travelers increasingly seek to connect with nature and culture in a responsible, meaningful way.

Impact of Eco-Tourism on Local Communities and Conservation

The emphasis on eco-tourism in Hanoi goes beyond simply attracting visitors; it also aims to boost local economies while supporting environmental conservation. Community-based tourism initiatives, such as those promoting visits to rural villages and eco-friendly accommodations, allow tourists to engage with local communities in a way that benefits both the visitor and the host. By encouraging travelers to experience the natural beauty and local culture of rural and suburban areas, Hanoi is fostering a more equitable distribution of tourism revenue, helping to support the livelihoods of residents in less-explored areas.

Additionally, the focus on green tourism is aimed at preserving Hanoi’s natural environment and cultural heritage, offering travelers an opportunity to appreciate the city’s eco-sensitive initiatives. As tourists become more conscientious about their travel choices, Hanoi’s promotion of sustainable practices is positioning the city as a top destination for eco-conscious travelers who want to make a positive impact on the places they visit.

Expanding Eco-Tourism’s Role in Vietnam’s Tourism Strategy

In line with its national tourism strategy, Hanoi is actively contributing to the growth of eco-tourism in Vietnam. As part of the government’s broader vision, eco-tourism is being integrated into the country’s tourism strategy to ensure that development occurs in an environmentally sustainable manner. Hanoi, as the capital, plays a pivotal role in this transition, showcasing how urban centers can balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

The increase in eco-tourism in Hanoi also reflects the growing global demand for sustainable travel experiences, where tourists seek destinations that prioritize environmental responsibility while offering authentic cultural interactions. By diversifying its tourism offerings and introducing eco-tourism elements, Hanoi is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia.

A Record Year for Agritourism and Cruise Tourism

Two specialized tourism segments also showed significant growth in 2025, further highlighting the impact of eco-tourism on the broader tourism landscape. Agritourism accommodation saw more than 90,000 arrivals, up 3% year-on-year, as tourists sought more nature-based experiences. Meanwhile, cruise tourism also surged, with a 104% increase in passenger numbers to 278,000 in 2025. These segments align closely with Hanoi’s eco-tourism initiatives, providing tourists with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Vietnam in a more sustainable and low-impact manner.

Sustainable Tourism: Hanoi’s Path Forward

As Hanoi continues to attract more international tourists, the city is increasingly becoming a model for sustainable tourism development in Southeast Asia. The focus on eco-tourism is not only helping to enhance the city’s reputation as a green destination, but it also contributes to a more balanced tourism economy that benefits both locals and the environment.

The city’s growth in tourism revenue—which reached VND12.39 trillion (approximately US$480 million)—highlights the financial benefits of eco-tourism. As the world’s demand for sustainable travel continues to grow, Hanoi’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage while improving the overall visitor experience will undoubtedly contribute to its long-term tourism success.

Hanoi as a Leading Eco-Tourism Destination

With record-breaking tourist arrivals and increasing revenue, Hanoi is establishing itself as a leading destination for high-end as well as eco-friendly tourists. The blending of eco-tourism and cultural immersion by the city into its tourism products ensures that Hanoi is at the cutting edge of eco-tourism. By emphasizing responsible tourism experiences, the city is not only improving the tourist experience but also ensuring the long-term development of the tourism sector in Vietnam.

With an increasing number of tourists looking to integrate their holiday experiences with eco-friendly values, Hanoi’s pioneering approach to tourism is set to attract increasing international attention and inspire other cities in the region to follow suit.