Hai Phong to open new night street on Lach Tray

A new attraction for night-time visitors

Following the success of the night-time food and walking street around the City Theatre Square and the central flower gardens, Hai Phong City People's Committee has approved the proposal to establish the night-time commercial, cultural and culinary street at No. 53 Lach Tray Street in Gia Vien Ward. The pilot project will run for six months, from October 2026 to April 2027.

The street will cover the road connecting Lach Tray Street to the road along An Bien Lake, including the area between the Children's Cultural Palace and the City Martyrs' Memorial, the area between the City Martyrs' Memorial and the Viet Tiep Friendship Labour Cultural Palace, and the lakeside road behind the City Martyrs' Memorial.

The street is designed to combine commercial and culinary activities with cultural performances, arts programmes, recreational activities and entertainment, catering to the diverse needs of residents and visitors to the port city. It will operate daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, with approximately 50 commercial and food stalls planned for the initial phase.

Residents and visitors to Hai Phong will have another attractive destination to explore at night, offering a cool, green environment where they can enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere, savour delicious dishes and discover the distinctive local specialities for which the port city is renowned.

The establishment of another pedestrian street at No. 53 Lach Tray Street helps realise the city's policy of promoting the night-time economy and has been warmly welcomed by local residents.

Mr. Bui Van Rang, a resident of Lane 72, Lach Tray Street, expressed his excitement: “Located in the city centre and directly connected to the open, green surroundings of An Bien Lake, the area at No. 53 Lach Tray Street is an ideal location for a pedestrian street and the development of the night-time economy. The street will help make more effective use of the area's space and scenic value while providing an additional communal space for residents. It will also serve as a highlight for promoting local trade and services and attracting more visitors to Hai Phong.”

Urgent efforts to complete preparations for operations

Given the project's significance and the public's anticipation, according to the Gia Vien Ward People's Committee, the night-time commercial, cultural and culinary street at No. 53 Lach Tray Street is expected to officially open on October 30, 2026.

In recent days, local authorities have actively coordinated with relevant agencies and units to carry out preparations. The Gia Vien Ward People's Committee has consolidated its task force, assigned responsibilities to relevant agencies and units, and worked with businesses to implement the planned activities.

As of October 20, the stalls along the street had been decorated, with some handed over to business owners in preparation for opening. Electricity, water and lighting systems had also been installed, helping complete the commercial area's appearance and ensure favourable conditions for night-time activities.

Alongside the completion of infrastructure, local authorities have identified safety and service quality as key priorities in organising the street. Stall operators will be required to comply with regulations on fire prevention and firefighting, as well as rescue and emergency response, and ensure food safety standards for catering businesses. Prices of goods and services must be publicly and clearly displayed, and sales must follow the listed prices, helping create a transparent and civilised business environment while protecting consumer rights.

Environmental sanitation and waste collection requirements have also been clearly defined. The Gia Vien Ward People's Committee is working with relevant agencies and units to develop specific plans to maintain security, public order, urban management and traffic safety. During the street's operation, the authorities will step up guidance and inspections and promptly address any issues within their remit, with the aim of ensuring that all activities are conducted safely and in an orderly manner.

According to the Economic Division of Gia Vien Ward, local authorities received feedback from residents and business owners during the preparation process. The ward has taken these comments into account and promptly coordinated efforts to resolve difficulties and finalise its organisational plans, with the aim of developing the street into a civilised, safe and attractive destination for night-time shopping, culture and cuisine, contributing to local socio-economic development.

Distinctive Port City impressions through container-inspired stalls

Although the night-time commercial, cultural and culinary street at No. 53 Lach Tray Street is still in the preparation phase, its concept and brand identity design promise a distinctive and impressive new space that reflects the unique character of Hai Phong, a dynamic port city.

Rather than arranging stalls in conventional, enclosed layouts, the street will feature container-based stalls, drawing on the familiar imagery of seaports, transportation and logistics — symbols of Hai Phong's dynamism and development. The stalls will be arranged to resemble a train, with each container representing a carriage.

Transforming what might otherwise be seen as rigid industrial steel structures, 25 containers will be painted and decorated with murals, turning them into 25 works of art and striking visual highlights. Each container will offer a different perspective, a splash of colour and a backdrop for visitors to take photos and capture memorable moments in Hai Phong.

In particular, when the street lights up at night, the murals will help create a unique and captivating street-art space, collectively telling a story of love for Hai Phong. This distinctive concept is what sets the night-time commercial, cultural and culinary street at No. 53 Lach Tray Street apart.

Ngoc Lan