Nighttime economy in Vinh City - some initial thoughts

The night-time economy (NTE) is not a new phenomenon, neither globally nor domestically. In many major cities, it has existed for a long time and is quite developed, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Even in Vinh City, there's a long-standing night market on Dao Tan Street that originally served athletes around the former Department of Sports and Physical Education and the surrounding area. And I remember when I lived in the Inspectorate's housing complex, because it was near the main road, almost every night, around 11 PM, regardless of whether it was the scorching summer or the freezing winter, we'd hear the cry of "Who wants sticky rice cakes?" from a street vendor. Sometimes I wasn't hungry, but I'd still get out of bed to buy a few from her... That's NTE (Non-Emotional Values).

Cao Thang night street sparkles on its opening day. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

The role of the night-time economy is quite clear in the fields of trade and services, creating better conditions to meet the increasingly diverse needs of consumers and also playing a role in stimulating demand (as in my story above). Especially in places where tourism is identified as a pillar of socio-economic development, the night-time economy needs more attention from the government, businesses, and small traders...

The city of Vinh has officially inaugurated a night market on Cao Thang Street, the section in front of Vinh Market, connecting the Quang Trung - Tran Phu intersection to Hong Son Street. This is a sound initiative. However, to maximize its positive aspects and minimize or eliminate negative ones, the City People's Committee should take note of the following:

Small business owners operating on Cao Thang night street. (Photo: Archival image)

- Promulgate mechanisms and policies to effectively manage, support, and control the activities of nightlife in general, and Cao Thang night street in particular;

- Strengthening efforts to ensure food safety and hygiene, on-site food processing, and the quality of goods and services...;

Nighttime streets must ensure the safety of people strolling around. Photo: Lam Tung

- Ensuring absolute security and safety for customers and tourists, resolutely preventing theft, robbery, and price gouging of tourists, and preventing criminals from having opportunities to operate...;

- Ensure cleanliness and environmental friendliness; promote cultured behavior in public places;

Lion dances, stilt walking, and unicycle performances by circus performers attract many people at Cao Thang night street. Photo: Lam Tung

- Encourage the development of diversity and uniqueness in the provision of goods and services in NTE, from food and beverages and consumer goods to cultural activities and artistic performances, harmoniously and seamlessly integrating pedestrian spaces and health and fitness activities with food and beverage businesses and other goods and services...;

- Ensuring synergy between commercial development and tourism and culture (in terms of infrastructure: streets, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, as well as mechanisms and policies to attract more people and retain tourists for longer periods)...