Large tourism centers in Vietnam have piloted plans to develop a night-time economy, but they have only focused on food and, at times, entertainment services. Vietnam still lacks attractive evening products for foreign travelers.

On July 27, 2010, the Prime Minister signed a decision approving Vietnam’s night-time economy development plan.

The night-time economy of major cities in the country has remained underdeveloped due to a lack of proper investment and an absence of a legal framework and policies to promote it, authorities said.

Despite the night-time economy showing a lot of potential, the country’s five biggest cities are finding it tough to develop it due to inadequate investment in infrastructure, according to the Departments of Industry and Trade of these cities.

A survey by the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City shows that entertainment and nightlife tourism products are one of the three tourism products that attract the most visitors, besides cultural - historical tourism and culinary products.

Hanoi is working to expand its night-time economic activities to form a typical economic sector that contributes to the capital city’s socio-economic development.

Vietnam boasts multiple qualities for a night-time economy to grow, including a rich culture, superb foods, a young population and many deeply integrated cities.

For HCMC, the delicious cake slice of evening economy in store for years will come to light as the Government is going to give it the greenlight soon. 

Vietnam has missed some economic development opportunities and should not ignore the chance to grow the night-time economy, according to economist Tran Dinh Thien.

Authorities in Hanoi are seeking feedback for a pilot scheme to allow recreational establishments in Hoan Kiem area to stay open past midnight.

Large cities in Vietnam, especially tourism sites, are rushing to develop a night-time economy with the aim of becoming ‘sleepless cities’.

Food and Music of An Bang Sea, a night event organized on An Bang Beach in Hoi An City in Quang Nam province last weekend, attracted many visitors.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a project to develop the night-time economy in Viet Nam to allow some activities to run overnight until 6am of the next day in some major tourism cities and zones.

Night-time economic activities have been around in Vietnam for many years, especially in big cities and tourism hubs. However the night time economy is still quite fragmented and and spontaneous.

Vietnam's night-time economic activities lack diversity and are small in scale, with a focus on food and night markets, or small pedestrian streets.

Boasting a coastline of over 3000km and stunning beaches, Vietnam has the potential to develop its night time economy.

Many retail models and entertainment services in large cities have not been successful when trying to develop a night economy.

In July 2019, ministries and people’s committees of central cities and provinces received a request to study Chinese policy on night-time economy development.

In many cities and provinces, local authorities are moving ahead with plans to develop night entertainment services, such as walking streets and night markets to attract travelers and develop local economies.