Saigon's Bui Vien Street will become a vehicle-free zone on weekend nights in the near future.
VnExpress reports that, starting July 15, District 1's "backpacker street" will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7pm - 2am on Saturday and Sunday nights. Stages will be placed on the street during this time for live music performances, while additional security cameras and guards will be added to the neighborhood.
Vendors will be able to display merchandise on the sidewalk of the pedestrian street, but will not be allowed in the road, the news source adds. Free WiFi and public toilets will be available as well.
Tran Vinh Tuyen, the city's vice chairman, told VnExpress that officials would strive to draw both local and foreign visitors to the Bui Vien walking street.
The news source shares that a recent government report explained that Bui Vien attracts roughly 500 tourists every day, bringing in more VND37 billion (US$1.62 million) per year. City officials announced plans to turn the street into a vehicle-free area in March amid Saigon's sidewalk-clearance campaign.
Meanwhile DTI adds that the 650-meter stretch of Bui Vien will become Saigon's second pedestrian street after Nguyen Hue. Parking for the area will be available at 23/9 Park.
[Photo via ABC]
