Ho Chi Minh city planning first pedestrian-friendly streets
At the recent Ho Chi Minh city's Department of Urban Planning and Architecture meeting, officials have proposed a daring plan to turn some of the city's busiest corners into pedestrians' heavens. The first such heaven is rather a small one.
At a recent meeting of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Urban Planning and Architecture, officials proposed an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming some of the city's busiest intersections into pedestrian-friendly zones. The first area targeted for this transformation is relatively small but holds significant promise.
The initial phase will focus on the intersection connecting Bui Vien, Tran Hung Dao, and the well-known "foreigners' avenue," Pham Ngu Lao. Plans include closing off this area to motorized vehicles from Friday to Sunday nights, launching a trial period to assess the new pedestrian environment. If successful in fostering a positive experience for locals and visitors, the project could advance to a phase where vehicles are permanently banned from these streets.
Another area poised for transformation is Ben Thanh Market and its surrounding vicinity, which already buzzes with vibrant nightlife. The most extensive redevelopment will unfold in an area bounded by Le Loi, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Hue, and Ham Nghi. Along with the energetic atmosphere created by local clubs, the pedestrianized streets are expected to feature street stalls where vendors can offer local specialties and handcrafted goods to tourists and residents alike.
There are concerns regarding the potential impacts of this project, especially given that these areas are among the busiest thoroughfares in Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast to Hanoi's pedestrian street, which benefits from narrow, historic lanes, the notion of converting Ho Chi Minh City's larger streets into pedestrian-only areas may pose logistical challenges. Officials have not yet announced specific timelines for the initiative's rollout for each identified area. This project is being supported and funded by the Spanish government.
