Ha Giang in Tuyen Quang Province, some 300 km from Hanoi, experienced a surge in visitor numbers from the afternoon of Feb. 19, leading to severe congestion along Tham Ma Pass, Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River.
Tham Ma Pass in Ha Giang is congested on Feb. 20, 2026. Photo by Hoai Anh |
The gridlock forced many travelers to alter itineraries, cancel bookings and scramble to find alternative accommodation.
The Hon Thom Cable Car in Phu Quoc, a favored tourist island in southern Vietnam, temporarily suspended operations on the afternoon of Feb. 19, due to an electrical malfunction, forcing boats to ferry thousands of passengers back to the mainland.
Tourists board canoes to leave Hon Thom Island in Phu Quoc after the cable car suffered electrical malfunction on Feb. 19, 2026. Video by Anton Morozov
“We need to pay attention to the feelings of tourists; whether they are happy and satisfied during this holiday,” Pham Ha, CEO of luxury tour operator Lux Group, said referring to the huge number of people thronging various destinations during Tet.
Local authorities could use data to forecast visitor numbers at hotspots, and, when they reach 80-90% of capacity, use remote traffic management systems or redirect tourists to other nearby attractions, he suggested.
In addition to overcrowding, rising prices and the limited number of shops in many provinces and cities have emerged as persistent challenges the tourism sector must address.
Ha said many shop owners are hesitant to remain open over the holiday, citing elevated food costs and labor expenses that could rise three to five times normal levels.
Quynh said: “To ensure successful long-stay holidays, localities need to shift their mindset from attracting a large number of tourists to sustainable destination management.”
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