As the days become hotter with summer's approach, businesses in Hanoi have come up with imaginative solutions to attract customers.
Delivering food on hot days
Drinks and movies
Despite a lack of air conditioning, business is still good at several cafes and tea stands around My Dinh National Stadium, Dong Da Mound and Tay Son Flower Garden. Their success comes from providing extra services such as home-made cinemas.
Nguyen Huy Hoang, a student of Vietnam Trade Union University, said, “We're happy to meet here even though it's quite hot. Not only can we have a cool drink, but we can catch a free movie. Of course the quality isn't as good as it is in the theatre, but after all, it's free. We can also talk during the movies without being bothered."
Vu Thi Hong, owner of a drink shop near My Dinh National Stadium, started providing free karaoke some years ago.
“After the authorities asked us to stop because it was causing disorder, we switched to showing films. Ever since then, customers have been pouring in," he said.
Online meal booking service
Booking meals online has also proven to be popular among office workers who do not want to go out in the heat during their lunch break. Delivered meals cost between VND30,000 and VND40,000 (USD1.43-USD1.91).
Vu Thao My, an official at a bank on Kim Ma Street, said, “Even though it's a bit more expensive, it is worth it not to have to go out on hot days. Also, most of the restaurants that deliver are good quality."
The owner of one such restaurant on Hue Street said they provide free-of-charge delivery within two kilometres for orders worth VND150,000 (USD7.17) or more. Costumers are charged from VND10,000-VND50,000 (USD0.47-USD2.39) per order for orders under VND150,000.
Le Thanh Hung, the administrator of a food website, said they usually see a sharp rise in orders when it is extremely hot and during heavy rains.
Many restaurants also offer promotions such as credit accumulation systems. For example, customers who have made more than 100 orders may receive a 10% or 15% discount, he said.
