Where people gather - a photo essay of the remote markets of North-West Vietnam

With the influence of western goods and mobile phones - communication and the way people interact and socialise is gradually changing in the remote areas of North-West Vietnam.  However the weekly market always has been and continues to this day to be a gathering place where people come to trade, to socialise and to gossip.  Here is just a sample of shots I've captured at these colourful community "meet ups".

The Sunday markets a great place to get all the latest from across the border in China.

The Sunday market is a fabulous place to catch up with old friends.

This gorgeous Black Dao woman is happy - she's sold all her fresh veggies so is on her way home from market

The Flower Hmong living around the area of Coc Ly are one of the most colourful of all the Hmong - especially on mass at the Tuesday morning market.

Remote SinHo in north west Vietnam - seems a huge gathering of different ethnic minority groups every Sunday

Market day is always a great opportunity to put on your best scarf and head to town.

Sunday morning market means bringing your 'I drive a hard bargain' face to town

Market day is always the day of the week to get your top up of corn or rice whiskey!

These colourful Red Hmong women can be found everyday of the week shopping and socialising at the early morning market in SinHo Vietnam

The colourful sellers at the special Spring festival market held just outside Sapa each New Year.

This tiny market in a small town around 4 hours from Sapa always sees a steady stream of beautiful HaNhi women coming to town to trade.

These HaNhi women walk for miles into town to trade and huddle together for a gossip every Friday.

With the introduction of synthetic garments the markets are now "the place" to pick up a new outfit.

This small market about 3 hours out of Sapa sees a large gathering of Red Dao every Sunday morning.

HaNhi women always trade together in this small market outside of Sapa.

The early morning market is always the best place to get your veggies for the day.

The Sunday morning market is often the only time young people get to meet up.