Last night Alvin asked that if I would want to wake up early today so that we can go and explore the market just down the road. It is just located not far from the hotel we stayed ~ Cho Thai Binh.
Saigon’s markets seem to exist in another dimension to the rest of the city. In downtown District 1 I was thinking that, the traditional Vietnamese wet market no longer exists and replaced by generic high-end shopping malls. But, the local markets still as bustling, vibrant and fascinating as ever.
These markets play a major role in most ordinary people’s daily lives. Saigon’s markets are highly organized, the produce is local and fresh, and the sheer volume and variety of things for sale is remarkable.
Once you are in the embrace of one of Saigon’s markets you leave the modern façade of District 1 far behind, and enter a more colourful, friendly, and personal world.
We just walked down the street. Nearly reached Thai Binh Market, along the outer edge of the market square there were various kind of food stalls selling delicious street food dishes, and opposite them are fruit and vegetable stalls, all bursting with colour in the early sunlight.
We can’t help but notice that it’s mostly women over the age of 30 who populate markets like this in Saigon. Both the buyers and the sellers are female. There is a distinctly chatty atmosphere; lively but not frantic. Many of the market workers have worked in the same spot for years so they know each other well.
There is lots of gossip and laughter – especially at the sight of a foreigner – but no one hassles you to buy from them as they do in Bến Thành Market. You are free to walk among the produce, soaking up the colours and smells in the cool air and hushed atmosphere: there’s something very church-like about it.
We can hear the sound of the market in full swing: the chopping of meat with shining cleavers on wooden chopping boards; the rustle of grains of rice being portioned out into bags; the slap of live fish being slammed on the counter to stun them; the yelling, laughter and banter between fish mongers and butchers.
After we walked around the outside wet markets, we went into the building. Through the narrow lanes, there was a tight outer circle of stalls specializing is all sorts of dried goods, kitchen equipment and bottled sauces.
At the heart of the building, the meat and fish take centre stage. Behind the building, there is a cooked food corner where customers – many of whom are market workers – dine on various Vietnamese delicacies from noodle soups to sweet bean desserts.
We were so excited watching and exploring Thai Binh Market! It’s on a smaller scale than the other markets, which makes it much more manageable, but it still has all the energy and punch of a big market. Meat, fish, noodles, rice, spices, candies, sauces, fruit, vegetables, jewellery, and clothes are all sold in a relatively small space.
After which Alvin and I were walking back to the hotel and on our way back, we stopped by the laundry shop in the alley to take our laundry.
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