People gather around a street vendor by Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo courtesy of EFEO.

According to the National Archives Center I, Hanoi underwent significant changes after becoming a French concession in 1888. The government earned most of its revenues from market taxes and introduced regulations on using sidewalks for trading to keep streets clear. Street vendors were also subject to city taxes and fees.

A decree issued on June 10, 1933, allowed licensed street vendors who had paid taxes to move through the streets and stop for a fixed amount of time. But they were not allowed to stay in one place or block traffic.