Hanoi's Temple of Literature is packed with visitors. (Photo: baodansinh.vn)

According to the roadmap, the first stage runs throughout the first half of 2022. During the stage, the scale of all tourism activities must be decided based on the level of COVID-19 risk in certain areas. The city is viewing the domestic market as the main driver of growth and recovery.

All restrictions are expected to be lifted in the second phase beginning in the third quarter of the year. Hanoi will welcome back foreign tourists in accordance with the government’s border reopening roadmap. The city plans to focus on major markets with relatively high vaccine coverage and effective virus control, once foreign tourists are allowed to re-enter Vietnam.

The city hopes to welcome 10 million tourists in 2022, about 1.2 million or 2 million of them from overseas.