On the afternoon of February 19, the third day of the Lunar New Year, large crowds of holidaymakers thronged the ancient town. Major thoroughfares, including Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Tran Phu streets, as well as areas surrounding the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, were packed with visitors.
Beyond domestic travelers, a growing number of international visitors, particularly from Northeast Asian markets such as China and South Korea, have also chosen Hoi An as their early-year destination. Many opted to don Vietnam’s traditional ao dai for commemorative photographs, while others took part in hands-on experiences crafting Hoi An’s signature lanterns.
To facilitate smoother access for residents and tourists during the festive period, ticket sales and guided tour services within Hoi An Ancient Town were temporarily suspended from February 16 to 19 (from the 29th day of the last month to the 3rd day of the first month of the lunar calendar).
In addition, community-based programs such as the “Pedestrian and Non-Motorized Vehicle Street” initiative and the “Night Market” were paused from February 14 to 19.