Pedestrians are seen in the evening at the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 23, 2026. Vietnam's capital Hanoi has unveiled a plan to develop its nighttime economy, aiming for the sector to contribute about 5 percent of the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday.(Photo by Tran Kien/Xinhua)
HANOI, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital Hanoi has unveiled a plan to develop its nighttime economy, aiming for the sector to contribute about 5 percent of the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday.
Under the plan, Hanoi aims to increase tourists' nighttime spending to 30 percent of their total travel expenses, develop the nighttime economy into a key driver of the city's service sector, and increase its contribution to municipal budget revenue.
The city will establish specialized nighttime economy zones focused on culture and heritage, entertainment, creativity and resort experiences, while developing iconic nighttime tourism products, cultural events and creative hubs, said the report.
It also plans to extend the operating hours of metro services on weekends and holidays and introduce subsidized bus routes linking major nighttime destinations.
Services such as karaoke venues, bars, pubs, nightclubs and electronic gaming establishments will be concentrated in entertainment zones allowed to operate during specified hours or around the clock, the report added.
The plan also includes the development of creative night hubs, annual night marathons and digital heritage tourism products, as well as investment in artistic lighting, digital maps and supporting infrastructure to enhance visitors' nighttime experiences. ■
People enjoy food and drinks in the evening at the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 23, 2026. Vietnam's capital Hanoi has unveiled a plan to develop its nighttime economy, aiming for the sector to contribute about 5 percent of the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Thursday. (Photo by Tran Kien/Xinhua)
