Some traders gather behind the building
At the O Cho Dua junction, near De La Thanh Street a huge karaoke bar is located, but the old locals can still remember the bustling Dua Market that was once located here.
Seven years ago, the market was rebuilt, to be more clean and organised. But seven years later, a bank and the karaoke bar have appeared, while temporary markets are scattered nearby. The area that was was slated for a market is now a parking lot.
Thuy, a trader who has worked at the market for 20 years, said she rented a place near the Kim Lien Dyke for VND3.5 million (USD167) per month. Her customers have followed her there.
"We couldn't afford a place inside the building, and even if we could afford it, they don't allow us to sell fresh meet. Some people have pooled money together to buy stalls, but usually it doesn't last long because business is so slow. Many of them had to sell their stalls at half price," Thuy said.
The market near the dyke is smaller but still provides most of the goods of the previous market.
"There were complaints that the temporary markets caused traffic jams, so they built a permanent one. But since then the mobile markets have reappeared more. Where else are we supposed to do business?" she added.
Some other traders gathered at an alley far behind the new building, but it lacks the open-air feel.
Another trader said, "They told us 'We're opening a new market for you.' And then they chased us away."
There was no compensation provided to traders from the old market.
Bank and karaoke replaced Dua Market
The new market became parking lot
Sales in an alleyway
Market near Kim Lien Dyke
People used to the 'mobile markets'
Crossing the junction to buy food
