Double-Decker Buses: A Highlight of Hanoi Tourism

[admin]

After more than 5 years of operation, the double-decker bus routes (City Tour) have gradually become one of Hanoi's "specialties," providing a notable highlight for many tourists visiting the capital.

On May 30, 2018, the Hanoi City Tour Hop on-Hop off double-decker bus route was officially launched to serve domestic and international tourists who wish to explore the streets and famous landmarks of Hanoi with high-quality, modern service.

The Hanoi City Tour product is Hanoi's first double-decker bus service. With a GPS-based commentary system in 10 languages (Vietnamese, English, French, etc.), it provides information about historical landmarks and city streets along the route, helping tourists learn more about Hanoi's rich history and culture. This bus route is gradually becoming a significant feature in Hanoi's tourism landscape.

According to a report by the Hanoi Department of Transport on the pilot implementation of double-decker bus services for urban tourism, there are currently two operators in Hanoi running the double-decker tourist bus service: Vietnam Travel Joint Stock Company - Hanoi and Hanoi Transport Corporation. Since the pilot program began, over 800,000 tourists have been transported.

The Thang Long - Hanoi City Tour route, operated by Vietnam Travel Joint Stock Company - Hanoi, has transported over 350,000 passengers with nearly 26,000 trips to date.

Specifically, from November 30, 2018, to March 11, 2020, the Thang Long - Hanoi City Tour route transported 127,680 passengers with 8,460 trips. From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, the company transported more than 171,000 passengers with over 14,000 trips. In the first 6 months of 2024, the company has transported over 53,000 passengers with over 3,200 trips.

For the City Tour route of Hanoi Transport Corporation, since May 31, 2018, the unit has transported over 480,000 passengers with more than 30,000 trips.

According to the Hanoi Department of Transport, since the implementation and operation of the route, the double-decker buses have contributed to enhancing the image of the capital as "civilized, cultured, and modern," creating a new product that contributes to building the image of the tourism and transportation industries. This service has the potential to attract more international tourists to Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular, supporting the development of tourism as a key economic sector in the new era.

The pilot operation of the double-decker tourist buses has ensured passenger safety and has not been involved in any accidents. The route has gradually become a symbol of tourism in Hanoi, gaining the trust of both domestic and international tourists.

Moreover, the route has effectively connected various tourist attractions and main entertainment points in Hanoi, allowing tourists to visit and access key landmarks of the city and reducing traffic congestion caused by tourists not using other forms of transport.

These tours are usually short but flexible and convenient, combining transportation and visiting many prominent sites in Hanoi. Tourists will pass through Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square - Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi Flag Tower, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Cua Bac Church, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Women's Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Post Office...

The buses also create a beautiful, friendly image, making it convenient for tourists, especially international visitors, when visiting Vietnam.

According to Vietnam Travel Joint Stock Company - Hanoi, this type of tourism is truly effective, presenting a new image for Vietnamese tourism in line with the government's directives. The company proposes to legalize this tourism model to have a solid legal basis for continuing to develop the service in the current locations and expanding to other regions nationwide, contributing to the establishment of a model tourism service in line with global tourism trends.

It can be said that Hanoi's tourism potential is very large; therefore, enhancing quality, addressing limitations, and promoting this type of tourism service to a wide audience will be a priority for the city in the future.