Vietnam’s Phu Quoc pledges to keep night market as key to island economy

Tran Minh Khoa, chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee, on Wednesday met with vendors to hear their concerns about expiring rental contracts and the future of the market.

The vendors asked for permission to continue operating at its current site on Bach Dang Street or to extend activities until the end of this year.

Many others also expressed a willingness to relocate if necessary, provided they can maintain the Phu Quoc night market brand and continue attracting tourists for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Khoa emphasized that the island administration values the vendors’ long-standing contributions to building the Phu Quoc night market brand, which has become a major tourism attraction and source of income for many families.

He confirmed that the market will remain part of the island’s economic development plan, though its relocation to a new site is being considered to ensure more stable and sustainable business conditions.

The Phu Quoc administration pledged to support vendors within the framework of the law, balancing individual interests with urban development.

Sea Star Tourist Corporation, which manages the current site, has been instructed to hand over the premises in an orderly manner.

Vendors wishing to continue trading may seek new rental spaces.

The contract between Sea Star Tourist Corporation and the Phu Quoc Division of Economy, Infrastructure and Urban Development officially ended on December 31, 2025.

Authorities then allowed vendors to continue selling through the Lunar New Year 2026 holiday, with final handover scheduled for March 31 this year.