When you think of a shop without employees, you probably think of futuristic places staffed by robots in Japan.

Well think again, as shops in a remote part of Việt Nam function without workers.

The shops in Đá Bia Village, Đà Bắc District in the northern province of Hòa Bình, some 100km from Hà Nội, are very simple with roofs and tables made from bamboo.

They specialities of ethnic Mường minorities such as honey and bamboo sprouts, with the prices written on the goods.

To purchase something, visitors to the store just put the right amount of cash in a basket beside the wares.

Local residents said the shops were a cultural factor of the Mường people and had been restored in the last two years after being discontinued.

Now the village has three shops, and they mainly serve tourists.

Hồng Minh, a tourist from Cầu Giấy District, Hà Nội, said she liked buying goods in the shops, because she felt that she was believed and respected.

One person whose goods are sold in the shop said: "We bring buyers belief, so we are sure to receive their honesty.” — VNS