Traditional markets in much of Asia are often two markets in one. The Wet Market is where fresh meats and produce are purchased and the Dry Market is where clothing, household items, electronics and the like are found.
Let’s visit one such market along Vietnam’s Mekong River. There is no end to what we may find in the Dry Market, including these World Cups (above). The senses are overwhelmed with the din of vendors hawking their specialties. With all the colors of the rainbow neatly stacked and ready to sell. And, oh the aromas!
But wait, there’s more: pots and pans, flip flops and fish nets, rice and incense, flowers and fish sauce and… you get the idea.
Click an image for a larger view.
The Wet Market, in contrast, is full of all those weird and creepy things that make Vietnamese cuisine so wonderful. There is every seafood imaginable from squid to cat fish, crabs to crappie, eels to prawns.
Your choice of red meat is just as extensive. Of course, pork, chicken and duck, whole or in parts. Also, dressed rice rats, guinea pigs, snakes and things unrecognizable. I’ve never seen fresher fruits and vegetables. Things like dragon fruit or rambutan, bitter melon or water spinach.This exotic stuff is why I love Vietnamese food.
Click an image for a larger view.
katpegimana
29 Jun 2014The 1st pic, good one…LOL!
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thank you.
sixdegreesphotography
29 Jun 2014Great set of photos..Love all the colors and contrasts!!
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thank you so much and thanks for visiting.
Madhu
29 Jun 2014A fabulous series Ron! South East Asian markets have got to be the most interesting.
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Many of the Bazaars in India are pretty interesting too. Thank you Madhu.
anotherday2paradise
29 Jun 2014Your first ‘Victoria’s Secret’ image made me laugh, Ron. A very brave shot. 🙂 Fantastic photos of those markets, although the wriggly things in the wet market made me squirm a bit.
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014The Victoria’s Secret ambience was missing for sure. Thanks Sylvia.
anotherday2paradise
1 Jul 2014😀
lynnsarda
29 Jun 2014A delightful montage.
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thanks Lynn.
Tina Schell
29 Jun 2014Love the pails and the frogs especially Ron. I just wanna know what the heck you were doing shooting the bras!!!!! I think I”m starting to worry about you 🙂
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Well, I had never seen so many, so colorful, piled so high and just around the corner from the eels and frogs. 🙂
Francesca
29 Jun 2014A stunning collection- great photography and journey through asia.
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thank you Francesca and thanks for stopping by.
QwenL
29 Jun 2014amazing! Very very nice! but why there is a kitten wandering on the vegetables??? I love kittens but I will not allow them to walk on my food, just saying. 😀
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014I understand. But then the meats and seafood are not refrigerated either. These markets are very similar to much of the developing world.
QwenL
1 Jul 2014true :-D, there’s a lot like that here in the Philippines, but I still love it here. And still those are amazing captures 😀
Sue Slaght
30 Jun 2014Oh my those are some amazing, albeit surprising market photos.Wow!
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thanks Sue. I am happy you enjoyed the post.
Sue Slaght
30 Jun 2014I’m afraid I would have let out some serious squeals walking by the assorted offerings. Wow!
Dalo 2013
30 Jun 2014Great series of shots ~ shots of life and pretty much covers what living is all about. Work, friends, eating, and enjoying all the things around you. Well done Ron, really enjoyed this series.
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thanks Randall. I would think Hong Kong still has similar markets. Do you ever wander through any?
Dalo 2013
18 Jul 2014So true, Hong Kong has great market, especially in the Kowloon section. Walk through them a few weeks ago (after not being there for quite some time)…really a great sight. I should get out and shoot them, very strange I have not done that in my decade+ over here! Cheers.
Bipasha
30 Jun 2014how vivid and alive these pictures are!
fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thank you so much.
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fotograffer
30 Jun 2014Thanks.
catbirdinamerica
1 Aug 2014Love your World Cups, Ron. So funny. 🙂 Also, you really capture the variety in the Vietnamese markets. They eat things we would never consider eating in a million years. It’s fascinating to see though!
fotograffer
7 Aug 2014Imagine what they will be selling in the markets in China. Can’t wait for you to show us. As always, thanks Cathy.
catbirdinamerica
7 Aug 2014I can’t wait to find out, Ron! It should be interesting, that’s for sure!