Authorities of Hoan Kiem district, the largest tourist destination of Hanoi, plan to allow entertainment and catering services to remain open every day instead of only on weekends in a bid to stimulate the night industry.

Night-time services in Hanoi’s district will open every day. Photo: Vietnamnews

The scope of night-time economic activities mainly covers the fields of cultural, entertainment services; gastronomy; shopping; health care; tourism and transportation; financial and banking activities.

The walking space in the Old Quarter and the cultural space of Phung Hung - Gam Cau streets are planned to link with the walking space around Hoan Kiem lake to create a harmonious premise for the development of the nocturnal industry. Outdoor activities, historical relics and heritage sites will remain open around the clock.

Pho Anh Quan, vice chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee said that once approved, the project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will see the expansion of commercial activities in some pedestrian streets while in the second phase, nightlife activities will be allowed throughout the district.

In addition, the district will continue improving the landscape and the lighting system, add more public restrooms and trash cans, as well as create more tourist attractions, Quan said.

In fact, the nighttime economy has been going on in the Hoan Kiem district for many years and developing under such forms as walking space, night market, food streets, convenience stores, cafes, bars, discos, karaoke, events, artistic and cultural programs, indoor entertainment, and outdoor entertainment activities at night.

However, economic activities at night are still poor, monotonous and unsustainable. At the same time, the district’s security and order is exposed to many potential risks and challenges.

In recent years, the number of international tourists staying in Hoan Kiem district increased rapidly, from 1.4 million in 2016 to 2.5 million visitors in 2019.

The district’s authorities set the target of diversifying night-time tourism products and services to improve visitors’ experiences, so that they would increase their stay and spending.