VietNamNet Bridge – Here are photos of Long Bien night market in Hanoi, voted by readers of Conde Nast Traveller (USA) as one of the most interesting markets in the world last November. It will soon close.

According to the master plan for development of a market network in Vietnam by 2020 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Long Bien wholesale market will be shut down.

The market has a small area and there is no more land for its expansion. The market is currently overloaded and does not meet regulations on anti-fire, food safety and hygiene.

Long Bien night market is particularly attractive for foreign tourists thanks to its vibrant colors, shimmering lights and bustling trading scene.

Long Bien wholesale market is located at the foot of Long Bien Bridge. It has been operating for over 20 years.

The market opens all day and night, but it is the most bustling from 10pm to 5am. Every night there are hundreds of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables from many provinces to the market.

Fruits are mainly imported from China.       This is the largest wholesale market for vegetables and fruits in the north. Hundreds of people earn their living as porters in the market. The traders work all night long. Fruits are classified at the market. As the market is not large enough, fruits and vegetable are piled up along the street. Vegetables come from many provinces in the country. There are many female porters in the market. A meal at night. A quick nap to wait for new shipments.                   Hanoi people have special memories of the market.

Duy Anh