Vietnam’s Nha Trang sidewalks blocked by cafés despite enforcement efforts

On Thursday, many traditional market areas and downtown streets such as Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, To Hien Thanh, Nguyen Thien Thuat, and Ngo Duc Ke were reported to be more orderly.

However, sidewalks along Tran Phu, Tran Hung Dao, and Hoang Hoa Tham remained heavily encroached. Tables, chairs, and rows of parked motorbikes left no room for pedestrians.

As a result, both locals and tourists were forced to squeeze through narrow gaps or step into busy roadways, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

Nguyen Trong Tin, a 38-year-old resident of Hoang Hoa Tham Street, said he once asked café owners to arrange vehicles neatly to leave space for pedestrians, but they fixed it for just a few hours.

“Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not for businesses," he added.

"If locals are frustrated, imagine what tourists think when visiting such a popular tourist destination."

Tran Xuan Tay, chairman of the Nha Trang Ward People’s Committee, acknowledged the difficulty of restoring order.

He said urban management teams have worked hard and achieved some progress, but enforcement must be paired with public awareness campaigns.

He pledged that cafés violating regulations will be strictly handled.