Saigon opened the first pedestrian mall in HCM City on April 29 after seven month's construction to mark national Reunification Day on April 30.
Nguyen Hue pedestrian street is decorated with flower tubs and trees, and the public seemed satisfied with a spray systems that watered the trees and took the edge of the hot weather.
The pedestrian mall has an intricate lighting system to illuminate the walking and sitting areas. Two architectural features dominate the space -- a statue Ho Chi Minh and People's Committee building.
Free WiFi will soon be available. Information stations are being installed to help tourists.
Electric cars are expected to begin operating in about six weeks to shuttle tourists around the mall, each carrying 12 passengers at a speed of up to 20km/h.
Local authorities are to issue regulations on the street management soon, which are expected to cover tourism service development and the holding of festivals, while protecting green space.
Visitors happy with the first pedestrian mall in HCM City
Mobile water tubs
Spraying system for trees cools the mall
User-friendly dustbins
A three-lane one-way road section for vehicles
