Visitors have complained about the chaos at the on-going Vietnamese Traditional Culture Festival and International Cultural Exchange in Hanoi.

A stall at the Vietnamese Traditional Culture Festival and International Cultural Exchange in Hanoi

The Vietnamese Traditional Culture Festival and International Cultural Exchange, themed officially opened on April 5 to 9 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. The festival featured numerous kiosks of tourism products, aiming to promote the country as a tourism destination.

However, after the opening night, many visitors have complained about the event.

"Three-quarters of the kiosks are not related in any way to traditions and culture. There are dozens of kiosks are used to promote massage chairs and the employees are very persistent in making visitors try their products," said Nguyen Tien Dat, deputy director of TransViet Company, after going to the festival.

Nguyen Minh Ngoc from Ha Dong District was also surprised and felt like she’d just visited Dong Xuan Market, as many of the products were just usual consumer goods. Employees at some empty kiosks gathered together to sing karaoke.

Some stalls selling discounted clothes that can be found in any market

According to Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, the kiosks were given permits by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the shows were given permits by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The centre is only responsible for monitoring. After receiving the feedback, they inspected the kiosks and asked the owners to close kiosks that had violated the regulations.

"Many foreign visitors are interested in cultural festivals but they will be disappointed if they see such low-quality festivals. Moreover, Thang Long Imperial Citadel should be where organisers honour and promote Vietnamese culture instead of turning it into a regular market," said visitor Nguyen Tien Dat. "Cultural events that applied to be held at the citadel must be screened carefully."

Many major events have been held at the citadel such as the Monsoon Music Festival, Hanoi Ao Dai Festival and Hanoi Book Festival.

Tien Phong/Dtinews