Over recent years, Da Nang’s relevant agencies have made every effort to prevent itinerant beggars and street vendors from harassing tourists in the city.  Despite these measures, the problem has yet to be resolved effectively.  Many children and disabled people have been exploited as street vendors to harass tourists.

In a typical evening, the dozens of bistros and drinking areas along streets such as Hoang Sa, Truong Sa, Nguyen Tat Thanh and Bach Dang are crowded with local residents.  There are also many itinerant beggars and street vendors although signs saying “No beggars and wandering vendors” are on display along these streets.

A lottery ticket seller harassing tourists on Bach Dang Street

The beautiful city streets of Tran Phu and Bach Dang are popular with both local residents and visitors.  In the past, numerous patrols from local relevant agencies dealt with the phenomenon of illegal vendors on these streets effectively, but now the problem is re-occurring.  Some street vendors insist on begging passers-by to buy their goods along Bach Dang Street despite being constantly refused.  Meanwhile many people, especially foreign visitors, feel uncomfortable and even complain about the harassment, especially by lottery ticket sellers and shoe cleaners on the streets.

Since the start of this year, the city’s team for resolving local itinerant beggars have worked closely with other concerned agencies to detect and handle violations near local markets, parks, pagodas, restaurants and other busy areas.  To date, 270 wandering vendors have been reminded about their violations of the city’s regulations.  In addition, 40 wandering beggars have been taken to the municipal Social Welfare Centre, whilst 21 itinerary mentally-ill people have been admitted to the city’s Centre for Caring for Disabled People.