Sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City, some of the most contested land in the southern metropolis, are being reclaimed by local businesses pushed off the walking paths during recent efforts to return public spaces to pedestrians.

Restaurants and informal street-side eateries are illegally re-appropriating sidewalks for dining space and parking lots throughout the city.

On Thu Khoa Huan, Tran Hung Dao, Le Thi Rieng and Nguyen Trai in District 1, parked motorbikes take precedence over pedestrian safety as they occupy sidewalks and force local citizens to dodge oncoming traffic as they move between shops.

The situation is no better in District 5, where illegal sidewalk eateries on An Duong Vuong and Nguyen Tri Phuong have squeezed themselves in between the already overcrowded sidewalks.

Several districts in Ho Chi Minh City have repeatedly tried to clear sidewalks of street vendors, parked vehicles, and illegal construction, gaining momentum from a determined and aggressive months-long crusade launched last year by Doan Ngoc Hai, deputy chairman of the District 1.

Motorcycles are parked on the pavement on Nguyen An Ninh Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles are parked on the pavement on Le Cong Kieu Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles are parked on the pavement on Thu Khoa Huan Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Patrons and motorcycles crowd part of the sidewalk along Nguyen Tri Phuong Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Diners at a roadside eatery near a bus station on An Duong Vuong Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Parked motorcycles and food vendors are seen along An Duong Vuong Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A car parked on the pavement on Nguyen Van Cu Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles park in front of a karaoke bar on Duong Ba Trac Street in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Cars stop near a no-parking sign on Alexandre De Rhodes Street in District 1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Cars park near a white banner that discourages illegal parking on Han Thuyen Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Pedestrians walk along Han Thuyen Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles park along the sidewalk on Nguyen Trai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles overflow into Le Anh Xuan Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Sidewalk officials stand in front of a restaurant on Hoang Sa Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Sidewalk officials stand in front of a restaurant on Hoang Sa Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, asking illegally parked motorcycles to move. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles fill a sidewalk on Hoang Sa Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, despite an earlier order from officials to move the illegally parked motorcycles. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Coffee shop customers sit on a sidewalk on Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Motorcycles flood part the sidewalk on Tran Hung Dao Street in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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