Back Stories » Vietnam » Hanoi Bans Shops, Cafes From Apartment Buildings

Hanoi Bans Shops, Cafes From Apartment Buildings

Hanoi authorities recently approved a regulation banning businesses from setting up shop in the capital's apartments.

In recent years, shopping and dining at apartment buildings has become a trend among young people in both Hanoi and Saigon, much to the dismay of apartment tenants. At 42 Nguyen Hue Street, one of the most popular such buildings in Saigon, tenants have been complaining about noise and safety issues resulting from a growing number of patrons frequenting the shops, cafes and restaurants within the structure. According to Tuoi Tre, only 20 families still live in this decades-old building, while most of the original tenants have rented out their units.

“The shops do not close until 11:00 pm, and the building is extremely noisy on weekends,” N.T.D., an anonymous resident who lives on the eighth floor, told Tuoi Tre.

“It used to be much easier to oversee the building when there were only residential tenants,” she continued. “Now that there is always a sea of people coming and going, it is impossible to ensure security.”

V.N., another tenant who rents an apartment on the fourth floor, also expressed discontent that the residential building is turning into “something like a supermarket”.

However, for business owners, renting a unit here is a sound financial decision as the cost is much lower than a storefront location. A 40-square-meter apartment unit is available for rent at US$670 (VND15 million) per month, while renting a storefront in the same area in District 1 costs at least US$1,786.

In Hanoi, the Department of Planning and Investment has ordered businesses at residential apartments to move to other sites. Organizations and enterprises located in these buildings will have to register with relevant agencies for relocation.

Some business owners find the new law unfair and have expressed that authorities should only require businesses with high risk of fire and explosion to relocate.

Tran Cong Bay, owner of a fashion shop in an apartment in Hanoi, does not want to relocate. He shared with Tuoi Tre that “most of [his] business is done via Internet and phone transactions” and hence does not affect residents.

[Photo via Thanh Nien]


Related Articles:

Saigon to Demolish Old Apartment Buildings, Construct New Low-Income Housing

Saigon to Demolish 61 Old Apartment Buildings


Related Articles

in Vietnam

$14 Million Approved For Restoration Of Hanoi’s 112-Year-Old Long Biên Bridge

The fate of one of Vietnam’s most beloved and storied structures took another positive turn last week when the government approved a $14 million restoration package for Long Biên Bridge.

in Vietnam

'Amazing Race Vietnam' Apologizes for Challenge Harming Coral Reef

An underwater challenge during this year’s installment of The Amazing Race Vietnam is not sitting well with environmentalists.

in Vietnam

'Engaging With Vietnam' Conference Ruminates on Heritage in Huế

“Living with Heritage, (Re)Creating Heritage: Vietnam and the World” is the title of the 14th Engaging with Vietnam conference, a series of activities including academic panel discussions, keynote tal...

in Vietnam

10 Beautiful Photos of Sapa's Majestic Snow

Last weekend's snowstorm in Sapa drew photographers from all over northern Vietnam who jumped at the opportunity to capture some great photos of the town's snow-covered hills, roads and residents.&nbs...

in Vietnam

10 Killed, Over 30 Missing in Central and Northern Vietnam as Storm Son-Tinh Brings Flash Floods

Heavy rains from storm Son-Tinh, which eventually weakened to a tropical depression, have caused flash floods and fatalities in central Vietnam.

in Vietnam

104-Year-Old Great-Great Grandmother Fights Off Robber

Taking advantage of the elderly will inevitably result in some bad karma, a lesson a Dong Nai man quickly learned after attempting to rob Vo Thi Bai, a 104-year-old woman.

Partner Content