Popular Hanoi attractions increase entrance fees

By Phuong Anh January 25, 2024 | 06:51 pm PT

People visit the Temple of Literature in Hanoi during the Lunar New Year in January 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Six Hanoi tourist spots, including the Temple of Literature and Thang Long Imperial Citadel, have increased entrance fees at the start of 2024, with rates surging by 2 to 3 times.

According to the Hanoi's Department of Tourism, the following six destinations experienced a fee hike effective January 1: Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Co Loa Citadel, and Huong Pagoda. The fee adjustments received approval at a session held by the Hanoi People's Council in December 2023.

The entrance fees for the six tourist spots in Hanoi from Jan. 1, 2024

No.	Tourist Destination	New Fee	Old Fee
1	Temple of Literature	VND70,000 ($2.80)	VND30,000 ($1.20)
2	Ngoc Son Temple	VND50,000 ($2)	VND30,000 ($1.20)
3	Hoa Lo Prison	VND50,000 ($2)	VND30,000 ($1.20)
4	Thang Long Imperial Citadel	VND70,000 ($2.80) in 2024 VND100,000 ($4) in 2025	VND30,000 ($1.20)
5	Co Loa Citadel	VND30,000 ($1.20)	VND10,000 (40 cents)
6	Huong Pagoda	VND120,000 ($4.90) (including 2,000 tourist insurance)	VND78,000 ($3.10)

The fee adjustments are intended to generate revenue, offsetting the costs associated with preserving, renovating, and managing cultural landmarks.

10% of the revenue generated from ticket sales for the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Co Loa Citadel, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel contributes to the state budget, whereas 85% of the revenue from ticket sales for Huong Pagoda goes to the state budget.

People eligible for free entry include those with severe disabilities according to government regulations, and children under 16 years old (if identification documents are unavailable, height below 1.3 meters can be used as a determining factor).

A 50% fee reduction is applied to people with disabilities, students aged 16 and above, the elderly, those with meritorious services to the revolution, and residents of remote and challenging communes.

On Cultural Heritage Day (Nov. 23), visitors can access all monuments for free.

Huong Pagoda waives fees during Lunar New Year, which includes the last day of the lunar year and the first two days of the new year. Additionally, entrance fees are also waived on the Buddha's birthday, which falls on the 14th day of the fourth lunar month.

Ngoc Son Temple does not charge a fee on the death anniversary of Tran Hung Dao (the 20th of the eighth lunar month), as well as the last day of the lunar new year and the first days of the new year.