Project: “NTEs- Nha Trang's old town"
Tags
Status
Co-researchers
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Jeongrae Noh
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Hyebin Kim
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Phan Huynh Nhu
Date
July 21, 2023
Keywords
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Night time economies (NTEs)
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Nha Trang
I worked on this project with my friends during the UBU SUMMER COURSE: NIGHT ECONOMY in July 2023. We had a schedule that included a week of training and a week of studying in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
In the realm of ever-expanding urbanization, our cities are currently witnessing a rapid surge in population. According to the World Bank's 2022 report, a significant 57% of the world's inhabitants now reside in urban areas, and this figure is projected to rise substantially. Forecasts indicate that an astonishing 70% of the global population will soon consider cities their abode. Nevertheless, the growth of physical urban spaces is limited, and the finite availability of resources presents a critical challenge.
Given these demographic and spatial constraints, the concept of the Night-Time Economy emerges as a promising solution for sustainable urban development. As urban land becomes increasingly valuable and the demand for resources intensifies, the necessity for innovative and efficient models of city living becomes more obvious. The Night-Time Economy offers a captivating avenue for reimagining urban spaces, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the sustainable progression of our cities amidst these escalating global trends. Let us explore the transformative potential of the Night-Time Economy and its ability to shape the future of urban living.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the world tourism sector, as seen by the 74% drop in foreign visitor numbers in 2020 over 2019. As a result, the tourism industry lost out on almost $1 trillion in revenue. A strongly dependent tourism location, Nha Trang, Vietnam, saw an 82.3% decrease in visitors in 2020 compared to 2019. Numerous lodging facilities had to close or halt operations as a result of the pandemic's exposure of the region's resilience vulnerabilities, which had a cascading effect on other services. Nha Trang is renowned as the most attractive destination to foreign tourists in South Central Coast region. Personally, I make it a point to visit Nha Trang at least once every year. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this destination was frequently visited by Chinese and Russian tourists. However, presently, Nha Trang has gained significant popularity among Korean tourists. Therefore, I am extremely thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my friends from Handong Global University in South Korea.
Tan Lap ward, particular area in Nha Trang city stands out due to its high population density and grid-based planning. It is interesting to note that my Korean teammates referred to this place as an old town. However, the common perception of an old town is a location that showcases ancient architectural features and embodies traditional culture. In this regard, Tan Lap ward does not clearly exhibit these characteristics. Nevertheless, when we delve into the historical background of Nha Trang, we find that it was once a centrally-administered town under the Republic of Vietnam. On June 5, 1971, the town of Nha Trang was divided into 11 neighborhoods, and Tan Lap ward soon was established as a result of this significant event (Nha Trang - History of Formation, 2013).
Upon observing the daily routines of the residents in Nha Trang, it becomes evident that they adhere to the traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. Their day commences early in the morning and concludes between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Notably, the north-west region houses a traditional market, which serves as the focal point of our investigation. The interviews conducted revealed that many individuals expressed a dearth of information regarding their travels. Furthermore, the ambiance of the market during nighttime conveyed a sense of lifelessness. Consequently, by providing individuals with diverse tourist routes and designating the market as the ultimate destination, it is plausible to effectively guide their itineraries.
Transitioning to the evening, a vibrant metamorphosis takes place in Nha Trang as the sun sets. The lively streets, pulsating with daily rhythms, will be transformed into the enchanting energy of the night market—a celebration of culture, commerce, and community. This nocturnal spectacle beckons both locals and visitors to partake in a sensory journey, seamlessly connecting Tan Lap's modernity to Nha Trang's captivating nighttime charm.