Hoi An's ancient town is implementing a strict crackdown on sidewalk encroachment, aiming to reclaim public spaces for pedestrians and improve urban aesthetics. This move comes as many areas, including pedestrian streets like Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Le Loi, have seen widespread occupation by businesses, forcing tourists and residents to navigate congested pathways.

On pedestrian streets such as Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Le Loi, groups of three or four bicycles often park directly on the road, selling mango salad, grilled items, smoke ice cream, and souvenirs. This significantly impedes pedestrian movement and disrupts the flow of foot traffic.

The Da Nang City People's Committee has issued a plan to tighten sidewalk order. This initiative addresses the common issue of central streets being encroached upon by businesses, parked vehicles, and advertising signs, leaving no clear path for pedestrians. The city's regulations prohibit the use of sidewalks for commercial activities and forbid placing items such as mobile signs, potted plants, or decorative statues. Authorities will dismantle illegal markets and temporary stalls, while also regulating unauthorized stopping, parking, and passenger pick-up or drop-off.

Sidewalks are being clearly demarcated to define separate areas for pedestrians and motorcycle parking, ensuring clear passage and a uniform urban landscape. This campaign will run until the end of Quarter I/2026 and comprises three phases. From mid-March to 31/3, local authorities will conduct outreach to encourage residents to voluntarily remove violations. By 30/4, the city will carry out comprehensive inspections and decisively address remaining infractions. Along with this plan, authorities will focus on handling sidewalk order in Hoi An on the morning of 29/3.

{"caption_all":"Due to occupied sidewalks, outside of pedestrian-only hours, residents and tourists must walk on the street alongside motorcycles.","caption_items":"["On Bach Dang street along the Hoai River, wide sidewalk sections are also utilized by cafes for business.","Many sections of sidewalks on Tran Phu street have cafes with tables and chairs tightly packed on them."]"}

On the Hoai River embankment, bicycles and electric bikes parked by residents obstruct pathways, detracting from the urban landscape.

Many small alleys, a distinctive feature of Hoi An ancient town, are also being used to display and sell goods.

Hoi An ancient town has streets with no sidewalks, or only about one-half meter wide. Some businesses place tables and chairs within the permitted area, but their signs and menus are incorrectly positioned.

{"caption_all":"Some sidewalk sections have become sales areas for street vendors.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

Following the city's announcement that sidewalk businesses will be prohibited to create clear pedestrian paths and motorcycle parking, some businesses in Hoi An have proactively cleared items from their storefronts.

Nguyen Dong