Hanoi (VNA) – The number of tourists to Hanoi in July is estimated to reach 2.52 million, an increase 7.4% over the same period last year, the municipal Department of Tourism reported on July 29.

Of the figure, the number of international arrivals is forecast to hit 425,000, a surge of 20.8% year on year, domestic tourists at 2.10 million, up 5%. Total revenue from tourism in the month is approximated at 9.2 trillion VND (366.2 billion USD), a year-on-year rise of 10.3%.

The total number of tourists visiting Hanoi in the January - July period is estimated to hit16.44 million, a 11.8% increase compared to that in the same period last year, the department said. The number of foreign visitors stood at 3.43 million, a year-on-year rise of 42.5%. Tourism revenue totaled 63.6 trillion VND in the reviewed period, up 18.9% year-on-year.

Hanoi has 3,760 accommodation establishments with a total of 71,246 rooms, of which 606 hotels and apartment complexes have been rated from 1-5 stars.

The capital targets to welcome 26.5 million tourists in 2024, a year-on-year rise of 10.4%. This includes 5 million foreign visitors and 21.5 million domestic tourists, representing year-on-year increases of 25% and 7.5%, respectively. Total revenue from tourism activities is expected at 99.77 trillion VND.

To attract tourist arrivals in the remaining months of the year, the department will continue to promote the value of special national relic Huong Son landscape complex (Huong Pagoda) in My Duc district, organise a host of programmes and events, including Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2024, sports events and thematic activities featuring local cultural and historical tourism products. There will also be a dialogue with businesses in the field and event to launch the city’s stimulus programme.

Hanoi and the central city of Da Nang have been ranked among the seven best places in Southeast Asia for solo travellers by Lonely Planet. Da Nang ranks third for its idyllic coastal escape and gateway to varied experiences. Meanwhile Hanoi is in the sixth place for its unpretentious vibes.

The criteria for selecting a destination are based on a low crime rate, safety, affordability, diverse landscapes, an "amazing" and immediately noticeable culture upon arrival, and cuisine with enticing flavors that offer a sense of daily triumph with delicious dishes. The ranking criteria are based on low crime rates, safety, affordability, diverse cultures and landscapes, and delicious foods with enticing flavours

Lonely Planet said Hanoi is one of the few cities in the region that has remained relatively unchanged by its popularity.

Local people go about their daily lives with a genuine, unpretentious spirit that keeps Hanoi feeling refreshingly authentic; which to casual observers might seem aloof, but is largely not personal. It is this unvarnished appeal that has won its fans. Vietnamese people are a sociable lot, and solo travellers will find themselves making transient connections easily.

“Don't be surprised if you're approached by local youths when walking about – they often just wish to practice their English skills and are more than happy to make recommendations,” Lonely Planet said.

ꦏ Hanoi also serves as a springboard for neighbouring attractions, it said, adding that from Hanoi, visitors can book tours to Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay, Sa Pa, and Ninh Binh to explore the beauty of the northern region of Vietnam./.