In the center of Vi Thanh ward (Can Tho City), formerly belonging to Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang province, Vi Thanh agricultural product market located at the foot of Cai Nhuc bridge still meets regularly every day, attracting many people and tourists because of its rare neatness.
The market area has an area of more than 700m2. Looking from above, the stalls are arranged neatly and tidily, leaving clear walkways for buyers. Each small trader usually sits in the center of the stall to easily observe, arrange goods and conveniently exchange and trade.
All buying and selling activities here take place outdoors, without roofs. Not divided into zones in the traditional market style, each selling point only occupies a few square meters, but goods are still arranged in an orderly and clear manner.
Small traders only spread tarpaulins, put baskets and baskets on the ground, sit on low chairs or squat to trade, creating a unique characteristic that creates the name "chợ chồm hổm". Buyers also bend down or sit low when choosing goods, creating a close and rustic buying and selling atmosphere.
While many traditional markets are gradually deserted due to competitive pressure, Vi Thanh agricultural product market still maintains a bustling atmosphere. The market starts to meet from about 2–3 am, most crowded at 6–8 am and gradually thinning out when it is nearly 10 am.
Goods at the market are mainly local products, changing seasonally. From field vegetables such as water spinach, water hyacinth, dien dien flower to field fish, river shrimp, fish sauce, dried fish... are all brought directly from fields, gardens, and rivers by people to sell during the day, keeping their freshness and deliciousness.
Besides fresh food, the market also has rustic dishes such as sweet soup, sticky rice, beef cake, banana cake... Familiar gifts imbued with the taste of the countryside, contributing to creating a unique feature for the market area.
Not only is it a place to exchange goods, the "chồm hổm" market also preserves the typical lifestyle of the people of the Mekong Delta. Open space, flexible trading methods and the simplicity and friendliness of small traders have created a unique mark.
Most sellers are farmers, self-growing and self-exploiting, so the price is quite cheap, suitable for many people. With just a few thousand VND, buyers can choose a portion of vegetables or a little fresh fish.
Ms. Duong Thu Ha - a small trader who has been attached to the market for many years - said: "Season-by-season sales, with bamboo shoots, bamboo shoots are sold, and with pineapples, oranges, and grapefruits, they are brought out for sale. Products are self-grown, so regular customers come to buy a lot. Without intermediaries, the price is also softer, buyers are comfortable, and I sell quickly.
Attached to the small vegetable stall, Ms. Thi Linh shared that trading, although hard, is the main source of income for her family: "Home-grown vegetables, every day she picks them herself and brings them to the market early. She saves whatever she sells to take care of her grandchild's education. The work is hard but in return she has regular income, not having to depend on anyone.
From the buyer's perspective, Ms. Truong Thu Phuong - a regular customer of the market - believes that the simplicity and quality of goods have kept people: "The market is small but everything is available, from vegetables and fish to ready-made food. Fresh goods, easy to choose, reasonable prices, so I go almost every day. Buying and getting used to the face, getting used to the person, the feeling is very close, not like going to the supermarket.
In 2024, Vi Thanh bumpy market was voted into the "Top 7 Impressive Vietnam" in the category "unexpected beautiful scenery seen from the air". This is not only a recognition in terms of image but also shows the attraction from the simple and close life values of the locality.
