Heritage meets modernity: An ode to the Street Vendors of Hanoi
The street vendors in Hanoi are an iconic sight. Almost as much as the Insta-famous train street. But who are they? And where do they come from? Scroll through my photo story to learn more.
If you have done some research about Hanoi, you will surely have seen pictures of them. And you who have already visited the Vietnamese capital cannot have missed passing them on the street. The many women (and some men) walking around the bustling streets carrying goods on bikes or in baskets hanging across their shoulders.
Colourful flower bouquets, pyramid-shaped towers of fruit, candy, chopped and ready-to-eat fruits, vegetables, t-shirts, fish, pottery, and basically everything else. And we’re still just talking about the ones who carry their stuff around, not all those offering street food in Hanoi.
Who are the street sellers in Hanoi?
You may think walking around the city selling stuff on your bike is a rather easy job. But the street vendors are truly some of the hardest-working people in Hanoi. Most of them live outside the city. And in the very early hours, they find their way to the large wholesale markets that open around 1-2 a.m. Learn more about some of Hanoi’s morning markets and how to visit them in Wander-Lush’s excellent guide here.
At the markets, they stack up the goods they will sell that day – be it flowers, fruits, sweets or vegetables.
From there, they set out on the streets. Some of them have regular customers which they visit, while others simply walk along the streets and stand on various corners all day. In addition, you have the ones setting up small streetside markets and sell fruits and vegetables etc. from the sidewalk.
What can you do to support Hanoi’s street vendors?
Well, this is a rather easy one. The best way to support the street sellers is by purchasing their products. Upon my next visit to Hanoi, I will buy flowers to decorate my room. I will also try some local fruit, but will make sure it’s something I can peel. Another perk of buying from them, is that many likely are happier with having their pictures taken if you do.
However, I’m fully aware that buying random stuff on the street isn’t always practical. So, instead of buying something, you can offer to pay a little for taking their pictures or film. I did that with several of the photos you see in this article.
Interested in learning more about Hanoi’s food culture? Click here!
But what about all the scams that you have heard of?
However, I’m fully aware that buying random stuff on the street isn’t always practical. So, instead of buying something, you can offer to pay a little for taking their pictures or film. I did that with several of the photos you see in this article.
Such as the ones letting you hold their baskets for a picture, and then get aggressive about payment afterwards? Or they give you a price way higher than a local would pay? Firstly, use your common sense and don’t accept to for instance hold something if you’re not ready to pay for it. Second, bargain on the price they give. If you wander what the reasonable price for something is, ask in the hotel reception before going out.
And last, if you lose a few Vietnamese dongs, it’s probably not the end of the world, is it? At least you have made a contribution to their day of hard work.
“They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from.”
– Graham Greene
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