Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival 2026 offers free admission until the 6th day of Tet
In line with the directive from the Hanoi People's Committee and the document from the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports regarding free access to city-managed heritage sites from February 20-22 (equivalent to the 4th to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse), the organizing committee of the Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival 2026 has implemented free admission for tourists and pilgrims as per regulations.
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| Currently, it is the peak period of early spring, with tens of thousands of visitors and vehicles flocking to the heritage site daily. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
Starting from the morning of February 20, 2026, visitors and pilgrims attending the Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival are not required to purchase scenic tickets, only boat tickets for touring and pilgrimage within the heritage area.
This policy aims to facilitate public access to the unique cultural and spiritual values of the Huong Son complex, while also boosting early spring tourism and promoting the image of a friendly and hospitable Hanoi.
The free admission initiative was approved by the city leaders in document No. 2930/VP-KGVX dated February 19, 2026, from the Office of the Hanoi People's Committee, with the goal of enhancing the spiritual life of the people during the Lunar New Year and early spring.
To ensure the interests of tourists and the public, the organizing committee has announced the refund of pre-purchased scenic tickets from 00:00 on February 20 to 24:00 on February 22 through both direct and online methods at three locations: Sao Sa Wharf, the ticket sales point of the Temple Management Board, and the zigzag ticket control station.
On the morning of February 20, the organizing committee deployed teams to print and issue separate boat tickets (excluding scenic fees) at a price of 110,000 VND per person. The separation of boat tickets and free scenic tickets has been widely supported by visitors. Many expressed satisfaction with the humane policy, which facilitates early-year pilgrimages.
In addition to free scenic tickets, this year the organizing committee also offers free parking for all types of vehicles at parking lots managed by the committee. This significant new feature helps reduce costs for visitors and enhances the image of a civilized and friendly festival.
On the morning of the 4th day of Tet, thousands of vehicles flocked to the festival area. However, thanks to thorough preparation and scientific traffic flow plans, prolonged traffic congestion, as seen in previous years, did not occur.
The teams proactively developed contingency plans, arranging vehicles at designated parking areas. When main parking lots were full, the authorities promptly directed vehicles to surrounding areas, ensuring no disruption to general traffic on main roads.
Alongside the regular police presence, organizing committee members and coordinating units were stationed at all intersections to direct and guide vehicles to park correctly. The seamless coordination among forces ensured orderly and safe traffic despite the surge in vehicles.
To accommodate visitor transportation from parking lots to the Yen Wharf area, the organizing committee arranged continuous electric vehicle services. These vehicles were efficiently managed, picking up guests at parking lots and distributing them to ticket control gates at Yen Wharf, avoiding bottlenecks at specific gates while others remained underutilized.
At parking lots, the organizing committee also set up ticket booths for scenic and boat tickets to alleviate congestion at Yen Wharf. This solution shortens visitor waiting times and prevents overcrowding at a single point.
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| Free scenic tickets until the 6th day of Tet, combined with scientifically organized traffic. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
Currently, it is the peak period of early spring, with tens of thousands of visitors and vehicles flocking to the heritage site daily. However, thanks to synchronized organization and the decisive involvement of functional forces and service units, security and order at parking lots and wharves are ensured; prolonged congestion or traffic loss of control does not occur.
Free scenic tickets until the 6th day of Tet, combined with scientifically organized traffic, reasonable vehicle management, and increased standby forces, have contributed to a positive impression on visitors.
This marks a favorable start for the Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival 2026, aiming to build a festival that is “Safe – Friendly – Quality”, enhancing visitor experiences and gradually affirming its position as a prominent cultural and spiritual tourism destination of the capital.
