Hanoi city authorities have launched a city-wide campaign to remove street vendors from sidewalks and curb encroachment across the Vietnamese capital [1].
This initiative represents a significant shift in the urban landscape of Hanoi, where street commerce is a central part of the local economy and daily life. By reclaiming these public spaces, the government aims to reduce congestion and improve safety for pedestrians, and motorists [1].
The crackdown has forced many longtime vendors to change how they operate. Some have relocated their stalls into narrow alleys or moved into indoor spaces to avoid penalties [1]. Others have transitioned their business models to focus exclusively on takeaway sales to minimize their physical footprint on the street [1].
Among those affected is Huong Hanh, a 57-year-old [1] vendor. The pressure from city officials has left many in similar positions searching for alternative locations to sustain their livelihoods while adhering to the new regulations [1].
City officials said the primary goals of the campaign are to reduce sidewalk encroachment and improve the overall flow of traffic [1]. The move comes as the city seeks to modernize its infrastructure and enforce zoning laws more strictly across various districts [1].
While the government emphasizes public safety, the sudden removal of vendors disrupts the informal economy that supports thousands of residents [1]. The transition to indoor spaces or alleys often means lower visibility and fewer customers for those who previously relied on high-traffic sidewalk locations [1].
“Hanoi city authorities have launched a city-wide campaign to remove street vendors from sidewalks”
The crackdown highlights a tension between Hanoi's desire for modern, orderly urban infrastructure and the survival of its traditional informal economy. As the city prioritizes traffic flow and public safety, the displacement of vendors into alleys and indoor spaces may permanently alter the social and economic fabric of the city's street culture.
