HCMC eyes opening $1.2 mln-food hub to boost nighttime tourism

By Thu Hang October 4, 2022 | 11:35 pm PT

Grilled chicken feet is served at a restaurant on Phan Xich Long Street in Phu Nhuan District, HCMC. Photo by VnExpress/Huan Phan

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are considering a proposal to launch a food hub in Phu Nhuan District that is estimated to cost VND31 billion ($1.2 million) to diversify nightlife experiences.

The food hub will be located on Phan Xich Long Street, a 15-minute drive from downtown Ben Thanh Market, which will have its pavement upgraded, the municipal Department of Industry and Trade said in a proposal submitted to the HCMC administration.

The area will also be installed with a new lighting system and electric buses will be available to serve tourists.

In addition, officials suggested opening a tourist wharf near the food hub and offering boat tours along the banks of Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal at night.

Phan Xich Long Street is currently home to 250 food stalls and restaurants.

Officials hoped the new food hub would create a big hit for the local tourism industry and boost night-time economy.

The city has already opened a few street food hubs like the one next to the Ho Thi Ky flower market in District 10.

In 2019, HCMC received over 8.6 million foreign visitors, or nearly half the total foreign arrivals in Vietnam.

This year, the city eyes 3.5 million foreign tourists.