Tourists visit Hoi An Ancient Town during the holiday period. — (Photo: HUU TUAN)

The figure represents a 31.2 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Of the total, about 6.5 million were overnight visitors.

The VNAT reported that most major tourist destinations nationwide experienced a strong surge in visitor numbers, with positive signals observed across the tourism sector.

The average occupancy rate at tourist accommodation facilities reached approximately 70 per cent nationwide. In the early days of the holiday, some destinations, especially coastal areas and Ho Chi Minh City, saw occupancy rates rise to between 90 and 95 per cent.

Due to the long break and hot weather, many holidaymakers opted for beach destinations such as Ha Long (Quang Ninh), Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), Cua Lo (Nghe An), Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Binh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Kien Giang.

Ho Chi Minh City emerged as a top destination, attracting large numbers of visitors who joined in a series of cultural and historical events commemorating the country’s reunification.

The city welcomed the highest number of visitors nationwide, with an estimated 1.95 million arrivals, up 101.2 per cent year-on-year. Thanh Hoa ranked second with 1.6 million visitors, followed by Quang Ninh with 1.13 million.

Other provinces also recorded significant numbers: Khanh Hoa (1 million), Ha Noi (875,200), Ba Ria-Vung Tau (785,495), Ninh Binh (over 700,000), Da Nang (over 610,000), Quang Binh (369,000), Hue (351,000), and Can Tho (315,000).

According to VNAT, this year saw a noticeable increase in visitors to southern provinces, particularly in the first two days of the holiday, due in part to celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification. Instead of travelling abroad, many tourists chose to visit historical landmarks and memorial sites to reflect on the country’s past and honour those who contributed to national liberation.

Popular destinations included Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the Viet Nam Military History Museum in Ha Noi; the ATK Tan Trao revolutionary base in Tuyen Quang; the Dien Bien Phu battlefield; the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel; and historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City such as the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

To mark the holiday and the start of the summer travel season, many localities and tourism businesses introduced new and attractive offerings.

International and Vietnamese tourists take a group photo at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. (Photo HA THANH)

The VNAT noted that tourism activities during the holiday took place safely and smoothly, with continued efforts from local authorities and businesses to improve services and introduce innovative products to meet the growing and diverse demands of visitors.