Hanoi - Thieves Market

No-one knows exactly how long the ‘Sky Market’ or ‘Thieves Market’ has been in existence, but it has an immortal feel to it. Tiny stalls cram next to each other, selling everything under the sky, from motor parts to timber, spices to vintage electronics. That’s the reason for the first name. But traditionally, people also stop here first if looking for anything that’s gone ‘walkies’, giving it the second title. All of this makes it a great place to get lost with your camera - a shadowy bazaar full of faces and strange offerings, afternoon sunlight streaming through the makeshift roof. The myriad stalls and alleyways provide ready made frames for decisive moments, and we’ll even wander into a century-old colonial HQ, now converted into a pensioners’ ping pong club.