And this difficulty has once again raised the issue that we - not just Hanoi - are missing out on many things in the process of exploiting the night economy.
For many years, many localities have talked about developing the night economy. From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang to Phu Quoc, pedestrian streets, night markets, food streets or night sightseeing tours have appeared one after another.
But reality shows that in many localities, the night economy has not yet promoted its potential as expected.
The reality of successful nighttime economic development in many countries in the region, typically Thailand, shows that: a tourist destination that wants to retain tourists cannot just have a few late-night restaurants.
What tourists need is a connected chain of experiences. After visiting a relic at night, they can continue to watch art performances. After the performance program is a shopping space, cuisine, coffee, music or cultural activities with local identity. Each destination leads to another destination, so that the journey is not interrupted.
It is regrettable that many localities in Vietnam fully have the conditions to do that. We have heritage, culture, unique cuisine, ancient towns, riverbanks, beaches and beautiful squares. What is lacking is not resources, but the way to organize these resources to complement each other.
Of course, developing the night economy cannot be simply understood as allowing all shops to open until morning. Each city has different population characteristics, infrastructure and living space. People also have the right to rest in a quiet and safe environment.
Therefore, the problem is not in extending the operating time in a mass manner, but in planning suitable areas to develop nighttime activities.
Going along with that must be a convenient transportation system, parking lots, lighting, environmental sanitation, security forces, fire prevention and fighting and a sufficiently effective management mechanism. When these conditions are prepared synchronously, the night economy can develop sustainably.
Tourism has been and is a truly key economic sector in many localities. Each tourist "going out", they not only spend on a meal, but also use additional shopping, entertainment, transportation and many other activities. That spending not only increases revenue for businesses but also creates more jobs, income and vitality for the local economy.
Therefore, developing the night economy should not be simply understood as prolonging the opening hours of eateries. The night economy is how to create enough products and experiences to attract tourists with reasons to stay, have a place to explore and be willing to spend as much as possible.
