It is difficult to express a full feeling when visiting markets in different regions in Vietnam especially in rural areas. Almost people are poor and goods sold at the markets illustrate that poverty. In mountainous areas, markets are held one a week, ethnic people have to walk miles on rough roads bringing with them rice, cassava, potato, peanut and brocade which are sold or exchanged for what they need. A market in mountainous area is not simply understood as selling or buying things, it is the occasion local people meet, exchange work experiences or just enjoy a locally delicious dish.

Markets in Northern provinces are different, they are held daily with various kinds of goods and often end in the noon on the same day. Almost people are farmers or small enterprise owners so agriculture tools, fertilizer, pesticide are their top interests. New clothes, family equipments are very important but they are not their first choices. Some foreigners visiting Vietnam said that these are magic markets with boom of natural sounds, lights, colors and flavors especially om Tet occasions. Many people recalled their childhood waiting at the gate for their mothers coming home from markets, they knew that their mothers would buy them some simple gifts or something to eat. Going to markets is still a big event to many children.

The Southern markets are somehow the same except for floating ones. These floating markets have made contribution to cultural exchange, waterway economic development. Boats are used as offices, shops or houses which are one of reasons for open-mindedness of Southern people.

Southern floating markets have still kept their typical features of a center of agricultural products and local fruits. Unlike shops, the most typical feature of goods display is to hang what it offers. Customers can easily decide what and where to buy. Almost goods are found at this market but agricultural products, fruits, rice, dried shrimp etc...which are produced or delivered from surrounding areas are mainly offered. Floating markets also the biggest store for export products in the region. Visiting a market is a way to understand more about Vietnam actual life and culture.

By Nguyen Phuc Thinh
co-founder of GoodmorningVietnam!
http://www.goodmorningvietnam.com.vn