A special night-time economic zone will "spring up" in Ho Chi Minh City.

This information was released by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism at its regular press conference on socio-economic issues on the afternoon of May 28, 2026.

Ms. Vuong Dinh Nguyen Hang, Deputy Head of the Tourism Accommodation Management Department under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that in its upcoming development strategy, Ho Chi Minh City aims to build nighttime entertainment clusters associated with river tourism, culinary experiences , and large-scale event centers.

Ms. Vuong Dinh Nguyen Hang (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism ) at a press conference, providing information on the night-time economy. Photo: T. Thuy

According to the Department of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City is shifting towards developing "nighttime economic zones" and "all-in-one" complexes.

In particular, the Thu Thiem New Urban Area is envisioned to become a regional-level financial and nightlife entertainment center with theaters, international convention centers, and iconic buildings.

For multi-functional complexes, Ho Chi Minh City prioritizes investment in separate, modern entertainment projects for young people, integrating shopping, fashion shows, and health care (spa, massage) in new urban areas (such as Crescent Lake) or the former Thu Duc City.

Regarding iconic events, Ho Chi Minh City will maintain and connect art shows such as À Ố Show and Chào Show with urban night tours and international-scale music events such as the Hò Dô Festival.

In this development strategy, the Saigon River is identified as the "backbone" for the entire future night-time economy.

According to a representative from the Department of Tourism, the city will focus its efforts on developing the waterfront axis stretching from Bach Dang Wharf to Ba Son into a bustling "on the water, under the water" experiential space on an unprecedented scale.

The Elisa yacht, brightly lit, glides on the Saigon River, contributing to the nighttime economy. Photo: LTT

In this plan, the multi-purpose waterfront system will be closely integrated with event parks, restaurant yachts, and public light art activities. To create a strong visual impact and retain high-end international tourists through the night economy, luxury yacht tours, night river buses offering city views, and modern water music shows along the riverbanks are being urgently researched and implemented by the management agency.

In the culinary sector, the city will move away from small-scale business practices towards a "Cultural Dining" model, combining the enjoyment of fine cuisine with unique cultural performances. Even traditional trading spaces like the Binh Dien wholesale agricultural market will be upgraded into distinctive nighttime attractions, offering visitors a vibrant, authentic experience.

The plan to build "nighttime economic zones" was proposed in the context of the city's tourism industry lacking attractions for visitors after 10 PM. In reality, Ho Chi Minh City still completely lacks separate, high-tech integrated nighttime entertainment complexes. Familiar areas like Bui Vien Street (the "Western Quarter") or Nguyen Hue pedestrian street still have many spontaneous businesses, mainly small food and beverage services and bars, often noisy with loud music, failing to reach the level of "noise from lights and crowds" seen in successful models from Japan or South Korea.

After 10 PM, the spending needs of international tourists and high-spending groups remain unmet. Large shopping malls close simultaneously at 10 PM, while the city lacks outlet malls or supermarkets that operate 24/7.

The lack of regularly scheduled late-night iconic art performances, and the absence of sophisticated, tranquil experiential spaces such as nighttime libraries and bookstores, are also considered reasons why the city's nighttime economy has not yet taken off.

Source: https://danviet.vn/dac-khu-kinh-te-dem-se-moc-o-tphcm-d1430447.html