Street vendors and beggars persist in Đà Nẵng as city seeks solutions and urges tourists not to give money

In response to numerous tourist complaints about beggars and street vendors harassing visitors in Da Nang, the city authorities have requested coordinated efforts to resolve the issue.

On July 10, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Da Nang announced that it is collaborating with relevant agencies to inspect and address the issue of aggressive begging and street vending that disturbs tourists. They are also urging tourists not to give money to avoid exploitation.

Street Vendors Harassing Tourists

Observations show that street vending remains prevalent around shopping and tourist areas near Han Market (Tran Phu, Bach Dang streets, etc.).

Vendors use pushcarts or carry goods on shoulder poles, persistently approaching tourists to sell their products. Many visitors, even when refusing, are aggressively followed.

Along Tran Hung Dao Street, near pedestrian walkways by the river and the Love Bridge, street vendors often wait at entrances. When they spot tourists walking, they chase and pester them.

During a meeting in early June, Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism noted that Hoang Sa Street has a high concentration of street vendors.

In just a short stretch, there are three spots where tourists are frequently harassed: the parking area south of Linh Ung Pagoda, the scenic viewing area near Intercontinental, and the parking zone near the ranger station on Son Tra Peninsula.

“Street vendors use motorcycles and pickup trucks to transport goods to crowded tourist areas. When they spot patrols, they quickly relocate to avoid detection but return shortly after,” a representative from the department stated.

Additionally, hotel and restaurant areas in Son Tra, such as Vo Nguyen Giap, Ha Bong, and Ho Nghinh streets, are also heavily affected by street vending.

The busiest spots are beaches No. 1, 2, and 3 at Bien Dong Park. Vendors sell fruits, fried fish balls, steamed buns, keychains, sunglasses, and more. Some even block tourists’ paths, insisting they buy something before letting them go.

Addressing the Issue to Preserve Da Nang’s Tourism Image

Notably, Da Nang authorities have identified that street vendors include not only the elderly and children but also university students and even foreigners (selling wooden handicrafts). These vendors are often present on Nguyen Van Thoai and Nguyen Tat Thanh streets.

In response to the worsening situation, in March 2025, the Da Nang People’s Committee issued a directive urging agencies to coordinate efforts in maintaining order and preserving the city’s tourism image.

The committee called for intensified patrols and stationed personnel to strictly handle street vending and begging that harass tourists.

After enforcement actions, the situation temporarily improved, but recently, the problem has resurfaced.

Tourists Advised Not to Give Money to Avoid Exploitation

According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, addressing aggressive begging and street vending requires continuous monitoring.

With improved local governance and deeper grassroots engagement, each area can now be handled more efficiently.

“In addition to deploying patrols, we advise tourists not to purchase unverified products or services from street vendors.

Tourists should also avoid giving money or items to beggars to prevent exploitation,” the department recommended.

Many readers have recently reported disorder in Hoi An’s pedestrian streets due to an increase in beggars and poorly maintained roads. How has the Hoi An City Chairman responded?