Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Hanoi bans hawkers on many streets, tourist spots

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Hanoi bans hawkers on many streets, tourist spots

Hanoi will deploy 2,000 officials to monitor enforcement of a partial ban on street vendors that takes effect today.
The officials, drawn from the police, inspection agency and market watchdog, will patrol 62 selected streets and 48 public places, including historical monuments and tourist destinations that are off-limits to vendors.
City authorities spoke with residents since January 1 about the ban to improve the city’s image.
“It’s like a campaign to change a bad habit,” Nguyen Thinh Thanh, Chief of Hanoi People’s Committee Office, said.
“We will try our best to achieve it.”
Nguyen Hoang Linh, deputy director of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, said the city organized 40 training sessions on awareness of public order and installed 332 sign boards on streets about the ban.
Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, said: “We will build markets for street vendors in the future. I am sure city authorities will completely ban street vending in future.”
Hawkers violating the ban will be fined VND40,000 – 100,000 (US$2.4-$60).
Hanoi has over 670 streets."

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.