A market in Vietnam. But not just any market, a black market!
I recall snapping this photo like it was yesterday. After the incident in my first Hanoi hostel where the my fellow travellers, Suzie, Meghan and myself got locked in a room before heading out on one of those Vietnam that takes you to Halong Bay, we had switched to a different hostel. At first sight we were uneasy with the location. We had to go down a somewhat muddy alley to get to it.
Our impression was soon changed when in the morning we walked out to find a market full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and another meats and the odd craft or cooking utensil. There was such a fun, everyday vibe in the street as locals went about their daily shopping, picking up whatever they needed for meals that day.
I fell in love with Vietnam.
It was on the third morning however, as I was in my room getting ready for the day, when I heard a man yelling in Vietnamese over a megaphone and felt a tensity in the air. I ran out onto my balcony and looked below.
To my surprise people were running around, vegetables and little stools were flying. It was absolute chaos.
In the distance I could see a truck driving down the little alley with men following behind who were grabbing whatever they could and throwing it in the back of the truck. I feared it was the end of days. This little market in Vietnam was the first stop of a mass lock down.
Running downstairs clearly in a state of shock I was stunned to see the hotel staff going about their business if nothing was wrong. Turns out, that cute little market in Vietnam was actually a black market. Rather than paying the fees to have a stall in the official market, the vendors had made their own market – and apparently, that’s not allowed.
The raid I had witnessed was basically a formality and occurred about once a week. Not even the vendors are phased by it anymore I was informed. Phew! I hopped back up to my room relieved that all was good in the world again.
Believe it or not, Vietnam became one of my top 5 destinations and I vowed I would someday spend at least 6 months living in Hanoi.
Although we can’t all head to Vietnam for 6 months consider it for your next trip whether it’s long or short. From the street markets in Vietnam, to the Vietnamese history, to the Vietnamese food – this place does NOT disappoint!
What’s your favourite part of Vietnam?
If you haven’t been, why do you (or not want) to go?
