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Markets

Market is a word you will hear repeatedly in Vietnam - OK not exactly, but at least the Vietnamese equivalent, which is like the first sound of the name of the town Chorley, said from your stomach. The way the word is used means that they are utterly ubiquitous, not just the massive covered markets that we think of in the west, but on every roadside, on every country corner and carried on panniers or bags on (mostly) women's shoulders. Food stuffs dominate, but all manner of goods are sold. Below are some examples of what you will see on the highways and byways, as well as in the dedicated buildings of the biggest cities.

May 2016

The simplest of markets
The simplest of markets
The simplest of markets Markets range from women walking into the local town with a pannier of produce from their gardens, to the three story hectic squeeze that is the new Đồng Xuân market in Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội. Women stop when they meet customers...
Women stop when they meet customers...
Women stop when they meet customers... ...or walk from shop to shop
...or walk from shop to shop
...or walk from shop to shop But the ubiquitous motorbike can also serve as a moving market
But the ubiquitous motorbike can also serve as a moving market
But the ubiquitous motorbike can also serve as a moving market Ordinary people will walk or ride into the local town and just sell their produce as they go, stopping at the curbside where they think there may be interest or calling at businesses along the way. But for those who want to trade, to buy and sell on, it is normal to have a set location that customers can find again. Any free stopping place becomes a market - here for sugar cane
Any free stopping place becomes a market - here for sugar cane
Any free stopping place becomes a market - here for sugar cane Foot long sections are cut off and eaten on the move, maybe the equivalent of a Mars bar
Foot long sections are cut off and eaten on the move, maybe the equivalent of a Mars bar
Foot long sections are cut off and eaten on the move, maybe the equivalent of a Mars bar Normally women group together; markets are essentially social
Normally women group together; markets are essentially social
Normally women group together; markets are essentially social But market stalls are commonly set by the road side
But market stalls are commonly set by the road side
But market stalls are commonly set by the road side The next step up from simply laying the goods out on the ground is to set up a stall, these structures are usually left at night, although all the items for sale and the equipment needed for selling such as scales and seats and wrapping, must be removed. In the country stalls offer many products and services
In the country stalls offer many products and services
In the country stalls offer many products and services But in the town they are typically specialist
But in the town they are typically specialist
But in the town they are typically specialist Passersby are hailed vociferously as in any market
Passersby are hailed vociferously as in any market
Passersby are hailed vociferously as in any market This "stall" is on the pavement outside Hà Nội's Đồng Xuân market...
This "stall" is on the pavement outside Hà Nội's Đồng Xuân market...
This "stall" is on the pavement outside Hà Nội's Đồng Xuân market... The disadvantage of having to pack everything up every night and take it away is overcome in the big central markets with their gates and security personel. However, the cost is considerable as the buildings themselves are often massive. The new market at Hàng Da in Hà Nội has some four floors of stalls and carparks below ground level. ...the central court of which looks like this
...the central court of which looks like this
...the central court of which looks like this In contrast an ordinary town market aisle
In contrast an ordinary town market aisle
In contrast an ordinary town market aisle Green vegetables in this area Green vegetables in this area Green vegetables in this area Shellfish stalls...
Shellfish stalls...
Shellfish stalls... ...and fish stalls
...and fish stalls
...and fish stalls Fishmongers always seem to have aesthetic aspirations... Fishmongers always seem to have aesthetic aspirations... Fishmongers always seem to have aesthetic aspirations... The life of a stall holder is often boring and what makes it tolerable is the banter with other proprietors and the interaction with customers, or maybe more importantly with potential customers. ...but the main lure is personal...
...but the main lure is personal...
...but the main lure is personal... ...engaging the potential buyer...
...engaging the potential buyer...
...engaging the potential buyer... This essential social nature of trading is so conspicuous in Vietnam. Markets are THE social occasion in most peoples lives, providing the opportunities for friendships and gossip which make life tolerable. ...with a certain brash youthfulness...
...with a certain brash youthfulness...
...with a certain brash youthfulness... ...or a little sadness may come with age
...or a little sadness may come with age
...or a little sadness may come with age Markets need refreshments, maybe just an egg... Markets need refreshments, maybe just an egg... Markets need refreshments, maybe just an egg... ...or maybe a meal here in the famous Bắc Hà market
...or maybe a meal here in the famous Bắc Hà market
...or maybe a meal here in the famous Bắc Hà market