The space of the old Coc Leu market is built with bamboo, canopy roofs, carpentry tents... next to the Red River, creating a very typical ancient look of the border area. Here, stalls decorate old items such as bamboo trays, rice baskets... All of which evoke the trading rhythm that was very familiar to Lao Cai people decades ago.
According to the people, this old space is very different from a modern market, everything is close and soulful.
Ms. Vu Thi Ha (62 years old, living in Lao Cai ward) shared: "In the past, the market on the riverbank was very crowded, the sellers and buyers still maintained their authenticity. Now this space once again brings us back to those years, extremely memorable and full of memories.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat, Chairman of Lao Cai Ward People's Committee, the recreation of "Ancient Coc Leu Market" is one of the special highlights of the 2025 Red River Festival.
In the past, Lao Cai Ward People's Committee has developed a specific and detailed plan, and assigned tasks to relevant departments and offices to carefully prepare conditions to organize activities.
Each booth at the old Coc Leu market space is decorated uniquely, vividly, attracting visitors to visit. The work of ensuring hygiene, electricity, water, traffic safety, and security and order is all focused on.
During the inspections of preparations for the festival, Vice Chairman of Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee Vu Thi Hien Hanh said that this year's festival has the theme "Where the Red River flows into Vietnam", with the expectation of becoming a large-scale cultural - tourism promotion event, while enhancing exchanges between the Red River basin provinces of Vietnam and Yunnan province (China).
Ms. Vu Thi Hien Hanh requested units to prepare synchronously and methodically; review infrastructure at the venue, complete the program script, stage design, sound and lighting systems to ensure safety and good media effects.
Some images recorded on the morning of November 19 at Coc Leu Market:
