Record on the summit of Yen Tu

Over 171,000 visitors flocked to Yen Tu during the 8-day Lunar New Year holiday, a 2.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year, contributing to Quang Ninh surpassing the 1 million visitor mark at the beginning of the year.

ZNews•23/02/2026

Pilgrims from all over flocked to Dong Pagoda on the summit of Yen Tu Mountain on February 19th (the 3rd day of Tet). Photo: Yen Tu Pagoda .

According to the Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the 8-day Lunar New Year holiday (February 14-21), the province welcomed over 1.1 million visitors, a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. Spiritual sites and scenic spots recorded a sharp increase in visitors each day, most notably the Yen Tu complex of historical and scenic sites.

During this period, Yen Tu welcomed approximately 171,769 visitors, 2.2 times more than during the 2025 Tet holiday, the highest number ever recorded. Although there were some localized congestion at certain times due to the sudden increase in visitors, security and order were generally ensured.

To facilitate tourists, Quang Ninh province and businesses are implementing many stimulus policies such as: free entrance tickets to Yen Tu scenic area; free parking for cars and motorbikes at Ha Kieu bus station until the end of 2026; free insurance for all tourists; and installing an AI-powered automatic recognition system to improve management efficiency and ensure security and safety.

Ken gathers locals and tourists on the summit of Yen Tu during the Lunar New Year. Photo: Yen Tu Pagoda.

According to the plan, the Yen Tu Spring Festival 2026 will open on February 26th (the 10th day of the first lunar month) at Truc Lam Palace, Yen Tu ward, with an estimated 5,000 attendees, and will last until May 16th (the end of March in the year of the Horse).

By 2026, Yen Tu aims to welcome at least one million visitors. The recognition of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the policy of free admission and parking, is expected to be a driving force in attracting tourists.

NUMBER OF VISITORS AT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN QUANG NINH DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY
Source: Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Label		Yen Tu historical site	Tran Dynasty historical site	Bach Dang Historical Site	Ha Long Bay	Cua Ong Temple	Cai Bau Pagoda
Number of visitors	Thousand views	172	81	104	74	80	158

Alongside spiritual tourism, Ha Long Bay continues to be a highlight of Quang Ninh tourism at the beginning of the year, especially in the international tourist segment.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, the bay welcomed 74,428 visitors, a 124% increase compared to the same period in 2025; of which 65,470 were international visitors and 8,958 were Vietnamese visitors. Total revenue reached over 22 billion VND .

Visitors to the bay mainly come from China, South Korea, India, and Taiwan (China). Popular attractions include Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Me Cung Cave.

From February 14-22, Quang Ninh also led the "wave" of welcoming 6 international cruise ships from Europe, Hong Kong (China), and many other markets. On the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year), two luxury ships docked at the port, bringing nearly 2,400 international tourists to Ha Long Bay on the first day of the new year.