Hoi An, Da Nang get new night markets

(VNF) - A new night market has been set up in the ancient town of Hoi An to cater to the shopping needs of visitors. Meanwhile, the central coastal city of Da Nang will have two new night markets at both ends of Bach Dang Street along the bank of the Han River in late April, 2018.

Nguyen Van Son, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, said the market on Tran Quy Cap, Bach Dang, Tieu La and Hoang Van Thu streets has 56 shops selling handicrafts.

Open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily, it is the city’s third night market after others selling souvenirs on Nguyen Hoang Street facing the iconic Cau Pagoda and food on Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street along the Hoai River.

The opening of night markets is also meant to prevent illegal encroachment of pavements by vendors to restore the city’s beautiful tourism image.

A view of APEC Park. A new night market will be up and running at the park, and another will be located on the area near the Han River’s cruise wharf. (Photo: NHAN TAM)

The two new markets in Da Nang will be open only from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. Vendors will have to return the areas to their original status after 2 a.m.

Speaking to the Daily, Phan Van Kha, director of the Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade, said Da Nang Party chief Truong Quang Nghia has given the green light to leisure projects on streets along the Han River.

“We will submit the scheme to the Da Nang People’s Committee for approval this week before calling for investment,” Kha said, adding that many businesses have shown their interest in night market projects in the city, especially on Bach Dang Street which is crowded with tourists.

The two night markets will mainly sell souvenirs instead of food to keep the areas clean, and vendors will have to clean up and return them to their original status in the morning.

According to Kha, one of the two markets will be located on the pavements of APEC Park which is close to the Cham Museum and Dragon Bridge, two of the city’s famous tourist destinations. The remainder will be set up near the cruise wharf.

“We expect that the two night markets will be up and running before the 2018 Da Nang International Firework Festival begins on April 29^th,” Kha said.

Many travel firms have thrown their support behind these night markets, expecting that the projects will not only lure more tourists to the city but also create jobs for locals.

Nguyen Thuy Thuan, director of the Da Nang Branch of BenThanh Tourist, said Da Nang lacks leisure services for tourists after 10 p.m. Once operational, the two night markets will contribute to developing Danang tourism./.

VNF