Put an end to the chaotic street vending in the new Bach Dang Park.

"Those who want a quick meal on the spot might not see it as a problem, but for me, the spontaneous street vending is unsightly, especially since the park is in the city center, where there are many domestic and international tourists. I'm very happy that the authorities resolved the issue quickly, preserving the beautiful image of the city," she expressed.

Truc Quyen returned to Bach Dang Park on the evening of March 27th.

Minh Nguyen (from Ban Co ward) also returned after hearing that the street vendors had stopped operating. On March 8th, he and his girlfriend also encountered a situation where the vendors were rude when they didn't buy drinks, and the plastic chairs were placed along the railing, making it impossible to stand and enjoy the breeze, causing them to quickly leave.

In late February, Bach Dang Park begins welcoming visitors. From here, you can admire the Saigon River, Ba Son Bridge, and Thu Thiem Park.

This is a green, clean, and beautiful public space renovated by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction from the B-Ba Son wharf, as part of the overall 1/500 scale planning of Bach Dang wharf. This wharf area has been fitted with railings, lighting, electricity and water systems, landscaping, and pontoons... to serve residents, tourists, and connect to waterway passenger transport.

However, as soon as the park opened, stalls selling fried fish balls, soft drinks, grilled rice paper snacks, etc., encroached on the space, especially between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM, after the urban order enforcement officers left.

The common area was spacious, the entrance was fenced with iron railings, and there was security on duty (photo taken on the evening of March 27).

Returning to March 28th, Vo Thao My (Long Truong ward) commented that the park had truly become a "public" space, providing an open area for residents and tourists to stroll. The timely ban on street vendors and motorbikes helped ensure safety and order.

"The new park is spacious, clean, and has plenty of seating, offering views of the city at night and boat trips on the river. Instead of leaving it empty, the city has renovated it appropriately, giving people more options; when other public spaces become crowded, they can move here," she said.

Conversely, An Vy (Tan Hung ward) believes that food and beverage services contribute to the vibrancy of the park, allowing residents and tourists to eat on-site without having to travel far. However, a clearer plan for the food and beverage area is needed to avoid overall clutter. Additionally, parking should be arranged along the road for easier access.

It's time to plan street food systematically.

Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City Police's Public Order Police force has organized patrols, inspections, and enforcement actions against cases of using sidewalks for food and beverage businesses, aiming to restore urban order and ensure traffic safety.

However, Dr. Andrew Stiff, Senior Lecturer in Creative Applied Design (RMIT University Vietnam), views street food as a "soft leverage" that helps Ho Chi Minh City increase tourism, highlight its riverside spaces, and generate economic benefits in various forms.

The core appeal of Ho Chi Minh City also comes from its street food and hawkers. This type of activity directly contributes to the city's identity, providing experiences that many tourists cannot find in their own countries.

For example, Thailand has preserved street vending as a cultural identity, and its effectiveness in attracting tourists is evident. Similarly, instead of eliminating it, street food and hawkers in Ho Chi Minh City need better management to ensure both safety and maintain the livelihoods of small traders.

"Without street vendors, the city would lose its vibrancy and much of its unique character," the doctor remarked.

Street vendors setting up their stalls in Bach Dang Park in early March, before being cleared away. Photo: Saigon Trend.

The new Bach Dang Park is a viable option for implementing a food truck model, establishing a food court, or leasing cafes and restaurants to brands to enhance the space's value. Public spaces with similar structures could also adopt this approach.

Dr. Andrew Stiff emphasized that alongside proper food planning, food safety is a crucial concern , but many small business owners still do not fully understand it.

Small vendors operate on a daily basis using fresh ingredients, while larger establishments have storage systems. However, street vendors can absolutely meet the standards if they receive support from local authorities in registering their operations, stabilizing prices, and providing guidance on hygiene.

"When street food and hawkers are properly organized, the city will maintain its inherent cultural richness, boost the economy, and increase its attractiveness to both residents and tourists," the doctor told Tri Thuc - Znews .

Currently, locals and tourists can freely admire the scenery and take photos on the park's railings.

At the end of March, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee also issued a directive to ensure food safety in street food businesses. Accordingly, wards, communes, and special zones were required to strengthen propaganda on food safety, including measures to prevent food poisoning.

Simultaneously, organize food safety training to raise awareness among food businesses, street food vendors, and hawkers, ensuring responsible food production and sales that protect public health.

Source: https://znews.vn/dut-canh-hang-rong-bat-nhao-o-cong-vien-bach-dang-moi-post1638872.html