This is one of two models under the Night-time Economy Development Project in Can Tho City being piloted in Ninh Kieu district.

Performances at the opening ceremony of Ho Xang Thoi Food Street. Photo: Kieu Mai.

The opening of the new food street will enhance the catering business and spur sustainable development. Moreover, it will create employment for people and boost domestic and international visitor arrivals to Can Tho City. Household businesses on Ho Xang Thoi Food Street are allowed to operate from 18:00 to 6:00 every day.

Officials of Ninh Kieu District People's Committee try making the folk cake on Ho Xang Thoi Food Street. Photo: Kieu Mai

The model of night-time economic development on De Tham and Huynh Cuong streets and the Xang Thoi Lake area has two phases. Phase 1, from the third quarter of 2023, Ninh Kieu District will upgrade existing infrastructure on the De Tham and Huynh Cuong routes, Xang Thoi Lake area. There are many restaurants and eateries with a variety of food in this area. With a total length of 2 km, these two food streets are home to 150 household businesses, including over 90 food stalls. Phase 2 will be implemented when the dredging of Xang Thoi Lake and infrastructure renovation around this area are completed. Moreover, the exploitation plan of the project must be approved by the People's Committee of Can Tho City. Accordingly, it is expected that there will be musical performances, street art programs, traditional dances of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups, and shops selling souvenirs, and OCOP products in the Xang Thoi Lake area.

Foreign tourists enjoy food at De Tham Street. Photo: Kieu Mai

Developing the night-time economy is one of the orientations to promote tourism development. Specifically, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched a project to promote the advantages of night-time tourism by 2025. Under the project, 12 localities, including Can Tho City, will have at least one model of night-time tourism development by 2025 to attract domestic and international visitors, increase their expenditure, and prolong their stays in the country. Specifically, Can Tho City has piloted the night-time economic model in Ninh Kieu District since 2022.

Visitors can learn how folk cakes are made at some eateries on De Tham Street. Photo: Kieu Mai

De Tham Street is full of restaurants serving Asian and European cuisine. Photo: Kieu Mai

Ho Xang Thoi Food Street offers a variety of food. Photo: Kieu Mai