If the plan gets the go ahead on 30 April when it goes before the People’s Committee, thoroughfares like Nguyen Hue and Le Loi between Ben Thanh Market and the Saigon Riverside will be closed to cars and motorcycles. Quang Lam said the process would be gradually implemented on central streets at first and only on weekends.
He added that the long-term goal was to set up parking zones on the edge of the pedestrian area and to launch electric shuttle bus services. In addition to Ben Thanh Market, other tourism draws in the area include Saigon Zoo, Tao Dan Park and the Reunification Palace. Quite a few of the hotels, eateries and nightspots tourists frequent are here too.
Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of southern Vietnam and draws with its vibrant aura and multitude of attractions. It is also one of the country’s two main entry points. Getting to Vietnam is easy when you select 12GO ASIA as your travel ticketing agent.
Ho Chi Minh proposes pedestrianisation of central city area
News in Asia
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City say they are adding the finishing touches to a plan to turn the downtown precinct into a pedestrian one. Tran Quang Lam is the assistant-director of the city’s Transport Department and he says the 2.2km² zone would become a no-go area for all forms of motorised transport.