Vendors Move Indoors as Hanoi Enforces Sidewalk Rules

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Hanoi street vendors are adapting to a crackdown on sidewalk encroachment by moving their businesses indoors or switching to takeaway sales. The city has intensified enforcement under Plan 332, pushing vendors like Huong Hanh to relocate her long-standing crab noodle soup stall from the sidewalk into an alley. This move has significantly impacted her sales, reducing them to a third of their previous volume.

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For over a decade, Hanh's stall thrived near Hang Day Stadium, attracting a steady flow of customers. However, as authorities began imposing fines and confiscating equipment, including a VND2.5 million penalty for sidewalk encroachment, Hanh had no choice but to move. Her family has now transformed part of their home into an indoor eatery, though customers are still adjusting to the change. The lack of a roof forces the stall to close during rainy weather, further affecting business.

Plan 332 is a comprehensive strategy involving public awareness, inspections, and the use of technology for long-term monitoring. Authorities aim to reclaim sidewalks for pedestrian use, with security patrols ensuring vendors do not return to their previous spots. This enforcement, combined with remote fines and greater accountability for local officials, aims to sustain urban order in Hanoi's 1,100 streets.

The campaign has forced vendors to adapt creatively. Some, like Hanh, have downsized, while others endure higher rents for indoor spaces. For instance, a noodle shop moved to a larger location but now shares space with another restaurant to manage costs. Similarly, a sticky rice ball vendor secured a nearby store at double her previous rent to continue operating. Businesses also adapt by modifying their operating models, like a coffee shop that offers reduced prices for takeaways and utilizes nearby porches during busy hours.

Experts, like Associate Professor Dinh Trong Thinh, acknowledge the improved street order but emphasize the need to support small vendors' livelihoods. Thinh suggests that piloting designated vending zones might offer a legal compromise for these businesses, ensuring they continue to thrive under new regulations.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 13 May 2026