Phú Quốc Clears Market Area of Sidewalk Vendors

An Thới market in Phú Quốc, a popular tourist destination, has been cleared of street vendors who had occupied sidewalks and roads. The vendors, selling seafood and fruit, had caused significant traffic congestion and detracted from the area's image, particularly impacting the busy route to the An Thới port, which serves thousands of tourists daily.

Local resident Lê Văn Phước described the daily chaos, stating, "Before, I saw traffic jams every day, vehicles inching forward. Partly due to people encroaching, partly due to people parking to buy food, fruit, meat, and fish... The locality has now launched a cleanup to clear the roads and make the streetscape and market clean and beautiful."

Trần Minh Khoa, Chairman of the Phú Quốc Special Economic Zone, led the effort, urging vendors to operate in designated areas only. The local government has vowed to take a firm stance, issuing citations and confiscating goods from those who continue to obstruct public roads. To further promote order and cleanliness, officials have also marked sidewalk boundaries to help vendors and residents adhere to regulations and improve the urban aesthetic.

Authorities have organized commitments with vendors to cease occupying sidewalks and roads. This initiative aims to restore smooth traffic flow and enhance the visual appeal of the market area, ensuring a better experience for both locals and the many tourists visiting the region.

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Before, I saw traffic jams every day, vehicles inching forward. Partly due to people encroaching, partly due to people parking to buy food, fruit, meat, and fish... The locality has now launched a cleanup to clear the roads and make the streetscape and market clean and beautiful.