Hang Ma Street rumored to be 'devastated' due to sidewalk clearing

Workers remove the roof at a store on Hang Ma Street, the morning of November 25.

Last month, one of the biggest stores on Hang Ma Street (Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi ) started setting up Christmas decoration models.

The Christmas tree, reindeer and giant sleigh are splendidly decorated in front of the facade, becoming a familiar check-in point every holiday season. This is also the most anticipated store because it always changes its theme according to each occasion of the year.

However, these models extend out onto the sidewalk, unintentionally “pushing” pedestrians onto the road. Not just the stores, this situation has lasted for many years on a street less than 350m long.

"We don't display goods on the sidewalk, customers don't come to buy," a store representative told Tri Thuc - Znews.

Shops on Hang Ma Street before and after sidewalk clearance.

"Strange" festival street

On the 5th day of the campaign "model ward of urban order and civilization", the sound of drilling and cutting on Hang Ma street started early in the morning.

Many businesses and households with street frontage proactively removed temporary roofs to ensure fire safety and urban beauty.

The street is about 339 m long, from Hang Duong intersection to Phung Hung street.

According to the plan of Hanoi People's Committee, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam and Ba Dinh wards were selected to pilot the model ward model.

These are all central areas of the capital, with many flea markets, busy shopping streets, and high traffic volume.

Drilling and cutting "construction site" on Hang Ma street.

Speaking with Tri Thuc - Znews , a representative of the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem ward said that according to the roadmap, the pilot project is divided into three phases.

Phase 1: From November 15-30, the forces will conduct basic investigations, propaganda, and arrangements.
Phase 2: From November 30 to December 31, general inspection, handling and clearance of violations
Phase 3: From January 1 to February 15, 2026, maintain, prevent and combat re-offending

Tourist My Tien (Hoang Mai ward) commented that the street looks strangely different from the brilliant appearance just a month ago.

"The street is like a temporary construction site. However, the clear walkway makes it easier to move around, instead of having to walk on the road because of the goods and decorative miniatures spilling out," she said.

The store at 15 Hang Ma after cleaning up the sidewalk and goods.

Meanwhile, Gaelle, 25 years old, a French tourist visiting Vietnam for the first time, said that when she just got to the hotel from the airport, she saw the colorful Hang Ma street but did not have time to stop.

Then, while riding a motorbike taxi passing by, she realized the beauty of the Christmas models and told herself to go back.

"Today I saw a lot of people cleaning up the neighborhood. The decorations were so cute, I brought my camera to take pictures to send to my friends and family back home," said Gaelle.

French tourists visiting Vietnam for the first time, visiting Hang Ma Street.

Coal business households' purchasing power decreased

Having been in business for nearly 20 years at Hang Ma, a store representative said this was the first time they had witnessed such a "strong" arrangement campaign as the current one.

According to her, tightening sidewalk management could reduce the number of visitors, especially during peak tourist season.

"Customers usually come to take pictures, see beautiful products and then buy. Now we can't display them, and the storefront is small so many products can't be displayed. The risk of unsold goods this year is quite high, affecting the economy ," she said.

This person believes that sidewalk trading activities have long been associated with the Old Quarter, especially when Hang Ma is bustling mainly in the last 6 months of the year during the festival season.

The beginning of the year is quiet so the store depends heavily on the end of the year, so the sudden change disrupts many plans.

The shops are decorated with Christmas themes.

Preparing ideas for Tet is also difficult when the roof is removed, the display area is narrowed. The shop owner hopes that the authorities will issue specific standards to facilitate business for people.

Since the image of "deserted Hang Ma Street" spread on social networks, many regular customers and fans have come to visit.

"People feel sorry because this street is usually sparkling and a familiar tourist destination. However, I hope that everything will stabilize soon, although it will certainly not be as vibrant as before," said the store representative.