Moving swiftly away from the grisly meat end of the market, I’m back on more palatable ground in the colourful vegetable section of Bac Ha market.
Mountains of jewel bright carrots, onions, courgettes and bitter gourds tumble to the ground wherever you look.
Tiny, scorching chillies, quail eggs and all the fresh herbs you could possibly want or need.
Purple aubergines are cheek by jowl against ruby red tomatoes, zesty limes and bunches of spring onions.
It doesn’t get any fresher than this and watching the nimble bartering between the stall holders and the hordes of shoppers is a sport in itself.
Lots more colourful snaps to come from this frenetic and fantastic market.