Unlike previous years, Ha Long - one of Vietnam’s top holiday destinations - was noticeably less crowded this year. By midday on May 1, many seafood restaurants in the popular Bai Chay tourist area remained half-empty during what is usually their peak time.

Despite it being lunchtime, there was no traffic congestion or long queues at restaurants as seen in past holidays. Instead, eateries along central streets still had plenty of vacant tables.

Restaurant staff stood outside eagerly inviting passersby to dine, offering menus to guests on the sidewalk. Yet on Vuon Dao Street - famous for its seafood spots - the scene remained subdued, with seafood tanks full and many tables unoccupied, even as tourists returned from morning bay cruises.

At restaurants in the Old Quarter on Ha Long Street, customer turnout was similarly low. Even among those that attracted diners, seating capacity peaked at just 70%.

Nguyen Thi Duong, owner of a restaurant on Vườn Đào Street, said this year’s customer turnout was lower than during previous holidays. She suggested that more tourists may have chosen to travel to the southern provinces instead. As a result, her restaurant scaled back seafood stock. Prices remain unchanged and are listed clearly, just as on regular days.

Nguyen Thien Tai, a 21-year-old tourist from Vinh Phuc Province, shared that this was his third time visiting Ha Long during the holiday - but the first time he hadn't encountered crowded streets or had to queue for a meal.

“My family planned to stay three days. So far, service has been quick and prices reasonable - totally different from the bustling scenes of past years,” Tai noted.