HCMC's night-time economy remains stagnant after decades

Skyscrapers in downtown Ho Chi Minh City seen across Ba Son Bridge in December 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung

"After nearly seven years living in Vietnam, I see that compared to 2010, Saigon's night-time economy remains stagnant," a reader named Nguoi Nha Que reflected on the city's development.

"More than a decade ago, whenever I returned to Saigon, the city was already bustling at night. Before 3 a.m., some areas were even busier than during the day. Western tourists especially enjoyed the nightlife and dining scenes. This shows that the city has great potential to develop its night-time economy. Of course, while supporting the night economy, authorities must control related issues such as robbery and disguised prostitution. Countries like Thailand, the Netherlands, and Japan have vibrant but well-managed night economies. After living here for several years, I see that compared to 2010, little has changed in this economic model. Hopefully, current plans will bring a new face to Ho Chi Minh City and the country as a whole."

Drawing on examples from other Asian cities, reader Bobolwk analyzed: "Western cities may not be as lively at night as Asian cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. These places have legalized and planned their entertainment, tourism, and food industries at night, recognizing their significant economic impact.

"Vietnam can learn from these cities that a thriving nightlife doesn't have to mean unhealthy or illegal activities. Proper planning and implementation can bring benefits to tourists and locals alike. For example, midnight cinema shows, live music, or karaoke bars offer safe and clean environments for young people to unwind after a busy week. Access to food and beverage services at night adds to the appeal. These are my experiences in Singapore, something worth considering for Vietnam."

Reader Anh Duong highlighted the benefits the night economy could bring: "Tourists from Europe and America often stay awake late due to their home time zones. Shouldn't Vietnam's tourism industry leverage this by providing nighttime services to boost revenue?

"Many developed countries have embraced '24-hour cities' like New York, Tokyo, and Bangkok to maximize business hours. Today's young generation also has better awareness of nutrition, sports, and psychology, enabling them to manage shift work healthily and choose careers that fit their lifestyles. The key is not to avoid night work completely but to organize it responsibly and protect workers' health. This is a global trend, and Vietnam should integrate quickly. The success or failure of a night economy depends on management and policies, not cultural differences. Without proper planning and worker protections, a night economy will be disastrous anywhere. But done right, it can generate foreign currency and create jobs for many. We should judge by outcomes and policies, not by cultural bias."