Ho Chi Minh City hopes to open more pedestrian streets to attract tourists
Ho Chi Minh City’s officials have proposed opening more pedestrian streets to attract tourists.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
|
Besides popular attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Ban Thanh Market, the Nguyen Hue Walking Street downtown has helped lure more visitors in recent years.
Huynh Thanh Hai said the city’s People’s Committee should upgrade and renovate Ban Thanh Market and its night markets as it is not only a place to shop but also has historic value which attracts tourists.
“There is high demand for entertaining activities on walking streets. The city should connect Nguyen Hue Walking Street with Bach Dang Wharf Park and set up entertainment spots with dining and shopping zones to serve locals and tourists on weekends,” he said.
He also suggested expanding Bui Vien Walking Street to nearby streets like Do Quang Dau and De Tham and connect them to the 23/9 Park to offer more interesting stops for visitors.
Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam, Chairwoman of the People’s Council, hailed the district’s efforts in boosting the tourism sector, considered a spearhead sector that contributes greatly to the city’s budget. She called on the district to encourage locals to offer tourism services and improve urban management so that the city is “civilised and modern”.
The district should also review its tourism advantages to find ways to make best use of them and call on relevant department and agencies to work together to develop the tourism sector, she added.
Accordingly, Nguyen Hue walking street will be transformed into a flowery canine paradise to welcome the Year of the Dog. Ho Chi Minh's annual flower extravaganza will be accompanied by colorful canines this Lunar Festival to celebrate the Year of the Dog.
The festival, running along 720 meters (2,400 feet) of Nguyen Hue walking street, will be open on February 13 and feature flower displays and giant statues of dogs inspired by the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a rare breed native to the namesake southern island.
A family of dogs with puppies will be there to welcome visitors at the entrance, while dogs riding a train along the street will be a first for most guests. A colorful statue made from tiny flowers and leaves will stand 3.6 meters tall around halfway down Nguyen Hue, while three huge wooden dogs will be standing guard at the end.
Cartoon versions of typical festival items such as sticky rice cakes, watermelons and candied fruits will also be on display. The Year of the Dog will start on February 16 and the labor ministry has proposed a one-week national break between February 14-20 to mark the country’s biggest festival, known as Tet in Vietnamese. The prime minister needs to sign off on the proposal to make it official. Ho Chi Minh City’s flower street first opened 15 years ago and has become a major attraction, drawing thousands of people every day during the celebrations.
08:22, 2024/11/13
Relations between travel businesses and locals key to grow agrotourism: Hanoi specialists
Better links between local residents, travel companies and OCOP producers are the key to boost sustainable agricultural tourism.
18:23, 2024/10/08
City for Peace designation boosts tourism in Hanoi
By capitalizing on the advantages of its millennia-old culture and products with a strong local flavor, tourism in Hanoi is expected to take off.
21:31, 2024/09/29
Huong Pagoda complex recognized Hanoi's tourist destination
Built in the 15th century and renovated multiple times, the Huong Son complex has preserved its historical and scenic value.
15:42, 2024/09/02
Suggestions for day trips in Hanoi
Many people opt for day trips during the four-day National Day holiday to save money on lodging and transport, and to spend time relaxing and enjoying themselves with loved ones.
14:06, 2024/07/31
Hanoi received 16.44 million visits in seven months
The Jan-Jul figure rose 11.8% on year, including 3.43 million international visitors and 13.01 million domestic arrivals.
17:45, 2024/07/16
Two destinations in Vietnam top of the list for Korean tourists
Hanoi is also among the top 15 most popular cities for Korean tourists, after Barcelona in Spain and Tokyo in Japan.
- Hanoi tourism posts impressive first-half growth
- Hanoi looks for ways to attract longer-stay visitors
- Hanoi named among best places to visit in summer
- Vietnamese women’s friendliness amazed Canadian photographer
- Vietnam: Home to the world's cultural and natural wonders
- Vietnamese enterprises anticipate ASEAN common visa policy