The utterly unforeseen livelihood shock: COVID ‐19 and street vendor coping mechanisms in Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang

Street vendors in Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Luang Prabang exhibited diverse coping mechanisms to mitigate the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, though not all were successful. The study, based on interviews with 61 vendors, revealed that while some adapted to government-imposed restrictions and pandemic-related challenges, others faced significant barriers, particularly those relying on rural-urban support networks. This research highlights the vulnerability of informal urban livelihoods, especially for rural-to-urban migrants, who often lack formal education or alternative employment options. The findings underscore how COVID-19 exacerbated existing pressures on street vending, altering urban-rural dynamics and mobility patterns in these cities.

Turner, S., Langill, J. C., & Nguyen, B. N. (2021). The utterly unforeseen livelihood shock:COVID‐19 and street vendor coping mechanisms in Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang. Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography, 42(3), 484–504. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/sjtg.12396