Vietnam’s Hue considers new night street, river-based tourism services

Le Tri Thanh, chairman of the municipal administration, surveyed Dong Ba Market, the Dong Ba-Bach Dang route and the riverside area on Sunday to explore opportunities for commerce, services, and tourism, including night markets and restaurants.

He suggested that the night street should not only host stalls but also highlight the area's distinctive character as well as provide a vibrant evening experience linked to nearby attractions.

Dong Ba Market would be an important link in the planned space, with its renovation required to balance its role as a traditional market serving local residents with tourists' needs for sightseeing and shopping.

The city could also study historical documents and images of Dong Ba Market to restore selected elements of its past, helping tell stories about the history, culture and daily life associated with the long-standing market.

Thanh later surveyed the pedestrian route along the Nhu Y River, which was completed in June this year.

He proposed floating restaurants, river-based accommodations, and experiential services to connect with the night street, forming a chain of night-time attractions.

The chairman added that all ideas must be carefully assessed for environmental, urban, and cultural suitability before implementation.

He asked relevant agencies and local authorities to continue assessing existing conditions, study plans for the Dong Ba-Bach Dang night street and the use of the Nhu Y River, and report their findings to city leaders soon.

Hue currently has two night streets, including the expat hub along Vo Thi Sau, Chu Van An and Pham Ngu Lao Streets, and Hai Ba Trung pedestrian street. Both operate on weekends.

Hue previously operated another night street around the Hue Imperial Citadel on weekends, along roads surrounding the Imperial City in Phu Xuan Ward.

However, tourism activities there proved ineffective, and the night street was eventually discontinued.