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?
I <3 Vietnam! I don't think I ever really expected to, but I did.
Plus I had some of the most delicious fruit of my life there….
My favorite places in Vietnam were in the highlands along the Laos border area. A friend and I rented a couple motorcycles and headed inland to travel along the Ho Chi Minh (trail) highway. We stopped in many minority villages and were greeted by most of the village. The majority of the village children had never seen foreigners before. We were invited into many of their homes (bamboo thatched huts) to share a meal of unknown ingredients, as the locals watched and giggled as we ate.
Jason
@Adam – Ah yes, it packs a surprise. I could go for some Vietnamese coffee right about now.
@Jason – Ah! I would have loved to do something like that. Add it to the list!