The secret to making Vietnam's night economy shine

Eliminate conservative thinking, unify management strategy

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Economic Institute, the night-time economy can contribute 20-30% to GDP if developed properly. Not only does it bring in a large source of revenue, the night-time economy also creates jobs, increases income for people and businesses, and fills gaps that the daytime economy cannot meet.

Diverse types of night-time economy help promote tourism . Photo: Istock.

In the context of the world economy being under pressure from the global trade war, Vietnam still recorded positive signals when the number of international visitors in March 2025 reached more than 2.05 million, an increase of 28.5% over the same period. In the first quarter, this figure also increased by approximately 30%. Such growth has a significant contribution from night-time economic activities, following the efforts of the Government, localities and the "big guys" in the tourism industry.

Despite its great potential, according to research by Dr. Phan Dinh Quyet (University of Commerce), night-time economic activities in Vietnam have not yet escaped fragmentation and small-scale. Awareness of this field is still inconsistent, leading to prohibitive regulations, making development difficult. The notion that "if it is difficult to manage, then ban" has become a major barrier to night-time businesses. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Huong (Banking Academy) believes that the barrier comes not only from regulations that are sometimes rigid, but also from the fact that tax and fee policies do not distinguish between night-time and daytime economic activities.

Meanwhile, 20 years ago, overcoming concerns about social impacts, the Singapore government gave the green light to casino businesses in resort complexes. Bloomberg commented that the change in perception has made tourism activities in the lion island last 24/24 hours, thereby increasing the number of visitors rapidly. Since expanding this model, revenue from nighttime entertainment has become the largest source of revenue for Singapore tourism, accounting for 24% of the industry's total revenue. With a somewhat conservative culture and at risk of labor shortage, Japan is still determined to develop the night economy to promote tourism and increase national income, with solutions such as adjusting laws to expand the night economic space, focusing on solving transportation infrastructure and labor-related regulations. China also strongly supports businesses operating at night, reduces electricity and water prices and extends train hours, helping the night economy "explode".

Many economic, tourism and trade experts agree that for the night-time economy to develop sustainably, there needs to be a consistent policy from the central to local levels. Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thi Ai Thi (Thanh Do University) believes that the development of the night-time economy needs to be approached comprehensively, delicately and responsibly towards the community. Meanwhile, Dr. Tran Thi Hong Minh (Central Institute for Economic Management) and colleagues emphasize that the night-time economy model needs to have close interaction with new areas such as the digital economy and creative economy, in order to optimize impact and create momentum for growth.

Need a strong push to open up the night economy

The night economy is not only an economic activity but also an important lever for the tourism industry. With the efforts of many localities, night economic activities such as night markets, walking streets, art performances, light shows, etc. have attracted millions of visitors each year. However, to make the most of this potential, there needs to be systematic investment and a consistent, long-term development strategy.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is a unique night-time economic product.

According to experts' analysis, synchronous and consistent solutions for the night economy to truly be a lever for Vietnam's tourism include: Completing the legal corridor and supporting policies: Reasonable planning of night-time economic space as well as diversifying night-time tourism products.

Associate Professor Pham Trung Luong (former Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Tourism Research) said that some types of services considered “sensitive” need to be considered in the context of the market, while strengthening management capacity to minimize negative impacts on culture and people's lives. To ensure effective implementation, there needs to be close coordination between the government, businesses and the community. Decentralizing the authority for localities to develop their own night-time economic policies will help increase initiative and suitability to actual conditions.

Artists practice for the Symphony of Green Island Show, which will open on May 23, on Cat Ba Island.

Dr. Phan Dinh Quyet proposed a comprehensive system of solutions, from building a unified legal framework, including regulations on business types, operating areas, opening hours; granting operating licenses with clear standards; to support policies on traffic, security, order; incentives on electricity, water, credit for businesses operating at night...

In order for the night economy to quickly become "brilliant" and meet the growing demand, it cannot just develop gradually. According to Associate Professor Tran Dinh Thien's observation, there needs to be a breakthrough and a sudden change, requiring large investment capital, high level, and the ability to connect internationally. Converging necessary and sufficient conditions will create a major turning point. That is the participation of large enterprises, strong enough to act as the driving force, along with enthusiastic and cultured support from the government and the people. Appropriate mechanisms and policies will be the key to turning the night economy into a new driving force for the country's socio-economic development, especially given the need for practical solutions to achieve the double-digit growth target.

Baotintuc.vn

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/doanh-nghiep-san-pham-dich-vu/bi-quyet-dua-kinh-te-dem-tai-viet-nam-bung-sang-20250521141219677.htm