Stimulating Tourism During the Holiday Season

This year’s April 30 – May 1 holiday lasts for five days, providing an ideal opportunity for people to travel and explore. Seizing this opportunity, the Lang Son tourism sector has developed plans and launched a variety of activities to stimulate tourism demand.

During the three-day Hung Kings Commemoration holiday (from April 6 to April 7), Lang Son welcomed 24,000 visitors — a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This positive result in tourist arrivals during the Hung Kings holiday is a promising sign, indicating potential growth in tourism during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, marking the beginning of the 2025 summer travel season.

Seizing the “Golden” Opportunity

Mr. Luu Ba Mac, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated: “This year, the five-day holiday is expected to attract a significant increase in visitors to Lang Son. To stimulate tourism and best meet the needs of tourists, the Department has issued guidance, urged implementation, and coordinated with the cultural, scientific and information divisions of districts and cities, as well as tourism businesses and service providers, to ensure high-quality services during the holiday. We have encouraged a diverse range of cultural and tourism activities to be organized.”

“At the same time,” he added, “we are actively working with relevant agencies to strengthen communication and inspection at tourist sites, ensuring a clean environment, stable prices, and quality services for visitors. We are also continuing to promote and implement the ‘Lang Son Tourism Ambassador’ program and the Code of Civilized Conduct in Tourism.”

Accordingly, during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, various outstanding cultural and artistic events will take place across the province to serve both residents and visitors. These include the themed exhibition “The Liberation of the South in 1975 – A Great Epic of Victory” at the Provincial Museum, and art performances and photo exhibitions celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam. All exhibitions will be free of charge for visitors.

Districts throughout the province are also actively preparing activities for the holiday. Ms. Ha Thi Chinh, Deputy Head of the Division of Culture, Science and Information of Cao Loc District, said: “To ensure proper preparation for welcoming tourists during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, we have advised the District People's Committee on plans and processes to receive and serve tourists safely. We’ve also been working with local tourism businesses to ensure all conditions are met for receiving guests. In addition, we are actively coordinating with travel agencies to introduce and promote local landmarks such as Mother Goddess Temple in Dong Dang, Thuy Mon Dinh relic site, Bac Nga Pagoda, and Dong Dang International Railway Station.”

Alongside Cao Loc, other localities across Lang Son province are also working to refresh and revitalize their tourism sites. For example, Lang Son City is organizing vibrant activities along its walking street, including music performances, traditional Then singing, Tinh lute playing, Sli and Luon folk songs, bamboo dancing, modern dance, folk games, and electric car tours.

Chi Lang District is promoting cultural and historical tourism products at sites like the Chi Lang Victory Exhibition House, Chi Lang Temple area, and Bai Hao Lake. Notably, the Hoa Hoi Rest Stop at Km 25 of National Highway 1A in Nhan Ly commune, Chi Lang District, will host a special culinary and music exchange program during the holiday.

It is also worth noting that 53 tourist sites across the province have been encouraged to expand their services and create eye-catching decorative landscapes to welcome visitors. Mr. Duong Cong Hanh, owner of Suoi Mo Mam tourist site in Bac Son District, shared: “To best prepare for the holiday, I’ve built several new resting huts, planted more flowers, and added scenic spots for tourists to take photos and enjoy their visit. We’re also offering a 20% discount for group tours.”

A Variety of Promotional Offers

Currently, travel companies in the province are introducing numerous short-term tours at discounted prices to attract tourists during the holiday. For example: a 2-day-1-night tour to Pingxiang (China) and Lang Son City; a 3-day-2-night tour of Hanoi, Lang Son, and China; and trekking tours and community tourism experiences in Huu Lien.

Many travel service providers are also launching attractive tour packages. Mr. Ly Xuan Thach, Director of Thanh Vu Trading and Tourism Co., Ltd. (Tam Phat Travel), said: “We are actively partnering with domestic and international travel agencies to introduce new tourist routes and destinations. Especially during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, we are offering tour discounts ranging from 5 to 10% for both local and out-of-province groups, along with promotional photography services.”

In addition to travel businesses, accommodation providers are also rolling out appealing discounts. SOJO Hotel Lang Son is offering reduced prices on rooms and beverages; Muong Thanh Hotel Lang Son is giving 5–10% discounts for group bookings. Furthermore, many lodging facilities are upgrading their infrastructure, beautifying their surroundings, and offering a wide range of attractive promotions.

Mr. Dam Hong Nguyen, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, shared: “We are fully prepared to welcome guests, with all facilities, rooms, and equipment ready to provide the best service possible. Additionally, we have a wide range of promotions this April 30 – May 1 holiday. For example, we are offering extra service discounts and room rate reductions of 15–20% from the second night onwards for guests staying 1 to 3 nights. As for our culinary services, we are running daily promotions throughout the week, with special deals for local customers.”

According to surveys, during the April 30 – May 1 holiday, the occupancy rate at 3 to 5-star hotels in Lang Son city center and homestays in districts such as Huu Lung, Binh Gia, and Bac Son ranges from 60% to 100%. On April 30 and May 1, some accommodations even reached full capacity, including Rung Xanh, Yen Nhi, and Son Thuy homestays, as well as community tourism villages in Huu Lien, Huu Lung district.

After the official holiday schedule was announced, Ms. Nguyen Quynh Giang from Hung Yen province planned a trip to Huu Lien community tourism village in Huu Lung district. She shared: “I discovered Huu Lien through social media and was impressed by its natural beauty and unique experiential offerings like horseback riding on the grasslands, fruit picking, and waterfall bathing. So, my family and I decided to spend our holiday there.”

As the summer tourism season kicks off, with thoughtful and proactive preparations by Lang Son’s tourism sector, the upcoming April 30 – May 1 holiday is expected to attract a large number of domestic and international visitors to explore and experience all that Lang Son has to offer.