The new pedestrian street, integrating culture, tourism, and cuisine, is slated to begin operations around the 20th day of the 12th lunar month of Tet Binh Ngo (7/3/2026), according to Tran Dinh Truong, Chairman of Nghia Lo Ward People's Committee, on 27/1. This initiative aims to serve both residents and visitors in Quang Ngai.

Located on Ton Duc Thang street, the Tra River night street stretches from Thach Bich Park to Thach Bich Bridge, occupying the site of the former Tra Khuc River night market. Local authorities have already erected entrance gates at both ends of the route, finalized necessary procedures, and are preparing to organize activities for business households.

An artist's impression of the Tra Khuc river night street. Photo: Nghia Lo Ward People's Committee

The design for the street features six distinct zones: a cultural and artistic space, a culinary area, an OCOP (One Commune One Product) and local products section, a souvenir zone, an alcoholic beverage area, and an artistic light check-in space. The entire route will host 72 business positions, categorized by product groups such as local specialties, souvenirs, diverse cuisine, fast food, and beverages.

Beyond shopping and dining, the pedestrian street will host various cultural and artistic activities. These include acoustic performances, traditional music, modern dance, folk dance, and bai choi folk singing. The area will also feature symbolic models and a lighting system designed to change with seasons and festivals, enhancing the street's ambiance.

The street is scheduled to operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (friday to sunday) and during holidays like Tet. To maintain visitor interest, a unique theme will be developed each month, such as Startup Month, Green Tourism Month, or Folk Culture Month, creating fresh highlights and attracting a steady flow of guests.

The Nghia Lo Ward People's Committee states that the pedestrian street aims to leverage the scenic beauty of the Tra Khuc river's south bank, establishing a prominent cultural and tourism attraction while fostering the night economy in central Quang Ngai. The project has received approval for a three-year pilot phase.

The gate of Tra River night street, recently erected on the south bank of the Tra Khuc river, 27/1. Photo: Pham Linh

Previously, the Tra Khuc River night market operated for approximately 10 years but ceased in 2021 due to environmental pollution, noise, and concerns regarding dike safety. The new night street model addresses these limitations by utilizing non-permanent stalls, assigning an environmental unit to manage hygiene, providing appropriate restrooms, and requiring business owners to clean up their areas after each night's operation.

Following the pilot phase, local authorities will evaluate the project's effectiveness with a view towards socialization, potentially transferring management to the community, businesses, or cooperatives for long-term operation.

Pham Linh