Based on the effectiveness of the pilot, Hanoi may later revise and expand existing regulations to establish a broader legal basis for commercial use of sidewalks and roadsides.

The proposed rental fees would range from VND20,000 to VND45,000 per square metre per month, equivalent to around USD0.80 to USD1.75.

The highest fee level would apply to key streets in the central districts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hai Ba Trung and Dong Da, as well as food streets and night market areas.

Major streets in Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, Ha Dong, Nam Tu Liem and Bac Tu Liem would carry a proposed fee of VND40,000 per square metre monthly, while lower rates would apply in suburban districts and Son Tay.

The pilot would be implemented in three phases.

The first phase would focus on selected streets in Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards.

The second phase would expand to areas within Ring Road 1, followed by a third phase covering selected streets inside Ring Road 3.

According to the draft resolution, the overall pilot programme would remain in effect for five years.

Each participating street could be tested for up to two years and extended twice, with each extension lasting no more than two years.

Businesses and households granted temporary sidewalk use rights would receive permits lasting up to one year, with the possibility of repeated renewals.

Authorities said the use schedule could vary depending on traffic and urban management conditions, with operations allowed either continuously or during designated time periods within the day, week or month.

Hanoi expects the programme to help small businesses expand operations, promote urban economic growth and strengthen the city’s developing night-time economy while also increasing budget revenues and improving public compliance with sidewalk management rules.

Only streets meeting strict conditions would qualify for the pilot scheme.

Eligible streets must not fall within protected heritage zones or areas with severe traffic congestion or accident blackspots.

Sidewalks must be at least 3m wide on one side and still maintain a minimum 1.5m pedestrian walkway after allocating space for business activities and technical infrastructure.

The sidewalks must also be structurally stable and already completed according to approved urban designs.

Authorities further require participating streets to demonstrate tourism or commercial development potential and secure support from at least 50% of households and businesses located along the route.

Final approval for pilot implementation would rest with the Hanoi People’s Committee.

The proposal comes as Hanoi increasingly prioritises development of the night-time economy, particularly in central districts and along the future Red River landscape boulevard project, which city leaders hope will become a major cultural and commercial corridor.

Thanh Hue