Hanoi is buzzing with international activity this August, as the city takes center stage in two major events designed to boost its global image and foster cross-cultural connections. From August 14 to August 20, 2025, the Hanoi Department of Tourism will showcase the capital’s unique appeal at the World EXPO 2025 in Japan. Meanwhile, just days before, the city played host to the grand opening of the 2025 World Police Music Festival, an event that brought together law enforcement musicians and dignitaries from across the globe.
According to official reports published on August 9, 2025, these initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen Hanoi’s international profile, promote tourism, and celebrate milestones in Vietnam’s rich history. But what exactly is happening, and why does it matter?
Let’s start with the World EXPO 2025, set in the bustling Japanese cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Under the banner "Hanoi: Safe - Friendly - Quality - Attractive," the Hanoi Department of Tourism is pulling out all the stops to entice Japanese visitors and business partners. The city’s promotional activities are no small affair—they include a dedicated 300-square-meter exhibition area within the Vietnam Exhibition House, themed around "Vietnam National Day/Tourism Vietnam." Here, visitors will be greeted by vibrant cultural displays, from iconic Hanoi landmarks to interactive experiences that bring Vietnamese traditions to life.
Visitors can try their hand at making traditional lotus tea, don the flowing ao dai or other traditional costumes, and even learn to play Vietnamese ethnic musical instruments such as the dan tranh and dan bau. It’s not just about sightseeing; it’s about truly experiencing the heart and soul of Hanoi. The event also features a special "Hanoi Tourism Day" at the Expo, further spotlighting the city’s diverse offerings.
Vietnamese tourism enterprises are seizing the opportunity to introduce a range of travel products tailored for the Japanese market. These include inbound tours, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, golf and wellness packages, cultural excursions, and convenient flight routes. The goal, as outlined by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, is clear: attract more international visitors—especially from Japan—and help drive the country’s ambitious economic growth targets for 2025.
This concerted push aligns with Government Resolution No. 25/NQ-CP, issued on February 5, 2025, which calls for all sectors and regions to contribute to a national growth rate of at least 8% this year. The city’s participation in World EXPO 2025 is not just a tourism play; it’s a strategic move to ensure Hanoi remains a dynamic engine in Vietnam’s economic engine room.
Trần Trung Hiếu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, emphasized the significance of this international engagement. "Participating in World EXPO 2025 is a particularly meaningful activity, aimed at strengthening the promotion of the capital’s tourism image in key markets and introducing Hanoi’s unique products to Japanese partners," he stated, according to local media. He added that the event is an invaluable opportunity for Hanoi’s tourism businesses to present their most attractive and distinctive offerings to potential Japanese visitors and collaborators.
But the city isn’t just looking outward. On August 9, 2025, Hanoi was the scene of another high-profile international event: the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Police Music Festival. Hosted at the pedestrian promenade by Hoan Kiem Lake—a beloved landmark in the heart of the city—the festival brought together a dazzling array of police and military music troupes from Russia, Japan, China, Laos, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, and, naturally, Vietnam itself.
The ceremony was attended by a host of top officials, including General Luong Tam Quang, Member of the Politburo and Minister of Public Security; Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan; Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Head of the Organizing Committee; along with high-level representatives from the armed forces, government ministries, and foreign embassies. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the event’s importance as a platform for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
The festival was organized to mark a trio of significant anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the 80th anniversary of the traditional day of the Vietnam People’s Public Security, and the 20th anniversary of the National Security Protection Festival. These milestones provided a fitting backdrop for a celebration designed to highlight Vietnam’s commitment to peace, security, and international friendship.
Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To, in his opening address, reflected on the broader meaning of the event. "The music troupes will fully showcase their talents, delivering impressive performances that reflect the image, spirit, and strength of their respective law enforcement agencies, leaving a deep and positive impression on Vietnamese people and international visitors alike," he declared. He also expressed hope that the festival would foster greater understanding and camaraderie among law enforcement officers from different countries, as well as between these officers and the communities they serve.
The festival program was as varied as it was vibrant. Audiences were treated to stirring drum performances by the Japanese delegation, powerful musical displays by the Vietnamese People’s Police and Army bands, and a dynamic parade of police vehicles and motorcycles. The Mobile Police Command’s cavalry unit also made a memorable appearance, drawing cheers from the assembled crowds. Throughout, the event was met with enthusiastic support from locals and tourists, who flocked to the lakeside promenade to witness the spectacle.
Beyond the music and pageantry, the festival served a deeper purpose. As reported by official sources, it was a chance for law enforcement agencies from around the world to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build relationships that transcend borders. The organizers expressed hope that such exchanges would contribute to a safer, more harmonious global community.
For Hanoi, these back-to-back international events are more than just opportunities for self-promotion. They reflect a city—and a nation—confidently stepping onto the world stage, eager to share its culture, learn from others, and play an active role in shaping the future. Whether through the rhythms of a police band or the delicate aroma of lotus tea, Hanoi is making its presence felt far beyond its own borders.
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the city’s twin priorities—economic growth and cultural exchange—are on full display. With the eyes of the world on Hanoi, both at home and abroad, the capital is proving itself a vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking destination.
