Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi TreFor decades, informal use of sidewalks by street vendors, parked vehicles, cafés, and market stalls has pushed pedestrians onto roadways, creating safety risks and degrading the urban environment. The effort has led to clearer promenades in several key wards, with authorities saying most violations were resolved without dispute once regulations were explained. Others warned that removing vendors and street seating could erode the distinctive character that draws people to Vietnam’s cities. Proponents of the campaign within Vietnam argue that reclaiming sidewalks is part of a broader push for urban civility and modernization. They challenge the idea that sidewalk culture is inherently authentic, saying pedestrian safety and livability should outweigh nostalgia for cluttered streets.

Source: Tuoitre News January 30, 2026 05:30 UTC