Crowds gather in the pedestrian-only “entertainment zone” bordered by Xuan Thuy, Quoc Huong and Nguyen Van Huong streets from 7 p.m.
Security forces were also present to ensure safety and order.
This was the first night street in Thu Duc City – Saigon’s “city within a city” – and it would be open from 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. the next day.
The event predominantly features food stalls. For a six-month trial period there will be jazz and rock concerts, don ca tai tu (traditional southern Vietnamese folk music ) performances, and a variety of shopping options and activities.
A stall sells grilled octopus within the Night Street area.
Nguyen Thi Minh Thai (3rd, L), owner of the stall, was busy serving customers throughout the night and didn't have a moment to rest.
"On the first day, the area was very crowded and busy, I felt very excited," Thai said.
Many families enjoy street food on the Thao Dien event’s opening night.
Nguyen Thi Hoa from Binh Thanh District said the area was busier than she thought it would be.
The items sold were mainly street food, coffee, milk tea, beer, and wine.
The night street zone cost a total VND1.2 billion (US$48,872) to organize and arrange, funded by private sources.
A group of foreigners enjoy street food at the weekend evening party.
Located in the east of the city and surrounded by the Saigon and Rach Chiec rivers, Thao Dien is home to over 20,000 people.
The area is also dotted with luxury bars and restaurants that operate until midnight.
The night street zone is closed to vehicles at night. The main entrance and alleys are fenced to make room for pedestrians.
Free electric buses are arranged to serve the travel needs of tourists.
Inside the night street zone, Thao Dien market and a riverside park at the foot of the Saigon bridge are pleasant places to enjoy local culture and the scenery near the water. In the near future, the area expected to open a river bus route.
HCMC currently has eight night street zones, including the Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue pedestrian-only streets in District 1.
