Vietnam’s biggest cities push to reclaim sidewalks, drawing praise, nostalgia, and skepticism
In-Depth 12:18 30/01/2026Efforts by authorities in Vietnam’s largest cities to clear sidewalk encroachments and restore pedestrian space are gaining momentum and reshaping street life, but they are also sparking debate over how to balance urban order, safety, and a deeply ingrained street culture.
Hanoi cites 269 sidewalk, littering violations in week using AI cameras
Vietnam News 12:16 25/01/2026Hanoi police said on Saturday they had cited 269 violations using artificial intelligence-enabled cameras in a week-long crackdown on sidewalk encroachment and littering, part of a broader effort to improve urban order and environmental hygiene.
Ho Chi Minh City steps up crackdown on sidewalk, roadway encroachment
Ho Chi Minh City 11:04 19/01/2026Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have intensified enforcement against the illegal use of sidewalks and roadways, issuing fines and clearing encroachments as part of a citywide campaign to restore urban order, police said on Sunday.
Hanoi police launch citywide crackdown on sidewalk, road encroachments
Vietnam News 16:47 13/12/2025Hanoi police on Saturday launched a citywide operation to clear sidewalks and roadways of illegal encroachments, deploying officers across all 126 wards and communes to enforce urban order regulations.
Saigon ‘sidewalk captain’ Doan Ngoc Hai takes on new job at state company
Vietnam News 12:56 04/06/2019Hai accepted the new job despite admitting he lacked qualifications for the position
Ho Chi Minh City 'sidewalk captain' Doan Ngoc Hai keeps seat after resignation
Vietnam News 11:58 05/11/2018His request to retract a January resignation has been accepted
Doan Ngoc Hai to handle stray dogs in downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam News 20:04 19/07/2018Authorities will raise awareness of the regulations before starting to fine offenders on August 14
Saigon’s 'Captain Sidewalk' resumes campaign after eight-month hiatus
Vietnam News 10:30 06/06/2018Doan Ngoc Hai restarted his signature drive after eight months of inactivity on June 4
Ho Chi Minh City ‘sidewalk-clearing’ icon Doan Ngoc Hai resigns from all positions
Vietnam News 16:15 08/01/2018Hai failed in his fight against the interest groups that leech off the city's sidewalks
Doan Ngoc Hai angers Vietnam’s southernmost province with ‘lawless land’ comment
Vietnam News 12:17 29/09/2017Just because it is a far-flung area does not mean it is a land with no law
Doan Ngoc Hai urges demotion of ward leader for inactivity during ‘sidewalk clearing’ drive
Vietnam News 10:39 21/09/2017The Cau Ong Lanh Ward chairman had done nothing to keep local sidewalks clean and clear
Doan Ngoc Hai receives death threat over tough stance on Saigon sidewalks
Vietnam News 10:34 07/09/2017The leader behind Saigon’s sidewalk revolution has been receiving death threats through phone calls and text messages
