Luxury Living Turns Sour: Spending Billions on a Home Amidst Chaotic Street Markets and Food Stalls

Ms. Nguyen Tra My (Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi) shared: In 2021, she sold her house in the Old Quarter to buy a new one in Long Bien District, hoping for a spacious and green living environment. The house is located in a new neighborhood with wide sidewalks, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Initially, she was delighted with the change from the cramped Old Quarter.

However, a few months later, her dream turned sour. A neighboring house was rented by a pho restaurant. Every day, from 2-3 a.m., the overwhelming smells of broth and cooking invaded her home. Despite keeping the windows shut, the odors persisted, even on weekends. “The intense smells often wake me up early. On weekends, the noise from customers prevents me from napping. I’ve spoken to the neighbors, but they insist it’s their right to rent out their property. It’s frustrating to spend billions on a home only to endure this,” Ms. My lamented.

“After several unsuccessful discussions, we’ve stopped communicating. I’m at a loss. With no proper urban planning, we’re powerless against this situation,” she added. Despite her frustration, Ms. My has no plans to move, believing that without unified planning, similar issues could arise elsewhere.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc An (60, Hoang Mai Ward) faces a similar plight. Two years ago, a neighboring house was converted into a barbecue restaurant operating from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. “The smoke is unbearable, even with closed doors. Complaining hasn’t helped. It’s frustrating that they profit while we suffer. I worry about the health impact, especially for seniors like me,” he said.

The smoke affects his family’s clothing, causing discomfort at work. The restaurant often occupies the sidewalk, spreading smoke into nearby homes. “On busy days, my grandchildren and I cough and tear up from the smoke,” Mr. An shared. Concerned about health risks, his family plans to move to an apartment but has struggled to sell their house due to the smoke.

Informal markets also plague residents, causing hygiene and noise issues. Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh (Ninh Binh) bought a house in Vinh Hung Ward, only to discover a morning market blocks his garage. “The agent showed the house in the afternoon, hiding the market. Now, I must move my car out by 5 a.m.,” he said.

Why do informal markets persist in residential areas?

Experts blame the lack of urban planning. Vo Nguyen Phong, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade, notes that existing markets fail to meet local demand. Rapid urbanization and population growth drive the need for convenient shopping, leading to informal markets occupying streets and sidewalks.

Socializing market investment is challenging, and high rental costs deter vendors. Consumers’ preference for convenience also hinders efforts to clear these markets. Nguyen Quang Huy, CEO of Finance and Banking at Nguyen Trai University, highlights the need for balanced solutions that address both vendor livelihoods and community needs.

Clearing informal markets for a civilized urban space

Mr. Huy supports Hanoi’s plan to clear 231 informal markets by 2027, aiming for a cleaner, safer city. The plan includes relocating vendors to formal markets and upgrading infrastructure. This approach ensures vendor livelihoods while improving public spaces.

Dao Ngoc Nghiem, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Development Planning Association, emphasizes the need for optimized public markets. Giang Anh Tuan, Director of Tuan Anh Real Estate, notes that informal markets devalue nearby properties and advocates for designated market zones to enhance urban aesthetics and livability.