Ho Chi Minh City is taking steps to expand its night economy, aimed at attracting tourists, while also ensuring that local residents are not severely impacted. The city plans to implement measures that could pause or terminate night activities if they cause significant harm to residents' quality of life. The initiative seeks to enhance the vibrancy of nightlife as a new driver for tourism and consumption, while also managing issues related to noise, waste, traffic congestion, and public safety.
On October 7, local media including VnExpress reported that the city’s Department of Culture and Sports has drafted a resolution regarding the night economy. The draft stipulates that if night activities violate laws or severely affect residents, authorities will review the situation and engage in dialogue with the community. Following this, the relevant agencies will consider adjustments, temporary suspensions, or terminations of activities.
Before designating or piloting night economy zones and streets that may directly impact residential areas, the city plans to gather resident feedback and assess social impacts. This review will cover operational areas, types of businesses, hours of operation, as well as noise, waste management, traffic control, public safety, and fire safety measures.
Complaints will be categorized based on urgency. Issues such as fires, accidents, violence, and safety risks will be treated as emergencies, while long-term noise, excessive waste, traffic congestion, and conflicts with residents will be classified as serious matters. Local people's committees will directly handle complaints, and if conflicts arise between businesses and residents, they will facilitate dialogue and mediation.
“Street Drinking is Not Night Economy”... Emphasis on Urban Quality Since March
This draft aligns with Ho Chi Minh City’s existing direction to develop the night economy as a distinct industry that combines culture, tourism, and commerce, rather than merely late-night food and beverage sales. Earlier, on March 19, Nguyen Van Dung, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, stated in a meeting with District 1 officials that “indiscriminate drinking on the streets is unacceptable, harms the city’s image, and does not constitute a night economy.” District 1 includes Bui Vien Street, the city’s largest tourist area.
Dung emphasized that the night economy should not be limited to street food and alcohol. He stated, “The night economy must be modern, create cultural spaces, and showcase the city’s identity,” explaining that while food and beverages can be included, they should move away from impulsive and traditional practices. At that time, District 1 was preparing a night economy plan centered around cultural and commercial axes, green spaces, and waterfront areas. Dung also mentioned plans for pilot projects along the Saigon River from Ba Son Bridge to Nha Rong Wharf, as well as Nguyen Hue Street and Le Loi Street.
Ho Chi Minh City has already established a night economy centered around food streets and commercial areas, such as Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien. However, there has been a lack of an integrated management system as different areas and sectors have developed individually.
From a tourism consumption perspective, the night economy plays a significant role. A survey by the Ho Chi Minh City Development Research Institute found that over 86% of international tourists used restaurants, about 62% visited pubs and bars, and approximately 45% frequented cafes. On average, each international tourist spends about $50 on night activities. However, issues related to infrastructure and public safety remain challenges. There is insufficient parking, public restrooms, and efficient waste collection facilities, and about 24% of surveyed businesses expressed concerns about crime, including robbery and fights.
“Vibrancy or Noise”... Diverging Views Among Residents and Tourists
Public reactions to the night economy are mixed. Some online users argue that if nightlife areas like Bui Vien disappear, foreign tourists will have fewer options for late-night activities, suggesting that a certain level of noise and congestion is acceptable. One user stated that to activate the night economy, some noise must be tolerated, but emphasized the need for a balance between “vibrancy” and “resident disturbance.” They argued that if noise, waste, and public safety can be managed effectively, it should be possible to achieve both economic activation and residents’ peaceful living.
However, there are also significant opposing views. Residents living near night markets have complained about the inconvenience caused by crowds, noise, waste, and motorcycle sounds every holiday. Some have suggested creating separate entertainment and tourism zones to keep them away from residential areas, or establishing clear standards for noise and lighting instead of simply halting operations.
Ho Chi Minh City’s draft also aims to link night economy spaces with culture, creative industries, heritage, tourism, and modern services while minimizing impacts on residents' lives. The inclusion of resident representatives’ opinions from the designation stage in areas with potential harm reflects this approach.
Meanwhile, the key challenge for Ho Chi Minh City’s night economy initiative is to create operational standards that stimulate nighttime consumption and tourism demand without infringing on residents' living spaces. Maintaining the vibrancy that attracts tourists while ensuring that noise, waste, traffic, and public safety issues do not exceed acceptable levels will be crucial for the establishment of an effective management system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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