Vieng Market, also known as Vieng Phu Market, Vieng Xuan Market, has appeared since ancient times, imbued with the culture of the Northern Delta region. Every year, the market only has one session on the night of the 7th and early morning of the 8th day of the first lunar month, in front of Ong Khong's communal house to Tien Huong Palace in front of An Thai commune, former Dong Doi canton; now Vu Ban commune, Ninh Binh province.
Today, Vieng market still retains cultural features from ancient times but is organized more large-scale, the market meeting space is large, often stretching from the old Goi town along National Highway 37B of Vu Ban commune to Hien Khanh commune.
In the days leading up to the main session, the area around Vieng market has been bustling with preparation atmosphere. On February 22, according to reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, despite the prolonged cold and rainy weather, many small traders are still busy transporting and arranging goods, setting up tents and shops to be on time for the opening of the festival.
Not only local small traders, many people from neighboring provinces also gather goods here, Ms. Ngo Thi Luan, a small trader selling ornamental plants, said: "My hometown is in old Thai Binh, every year I prepare ornamental plants to sell at Vieng market. This year, despite the rain, my family still arranged to be present at the market early to prepare. Goods must be displayed before the opening ceremony to be able to welcome customers. Rainy weather will also be favorable for selling plants.
According to small traders, the early spring market has the meaning of "buying good fortune, selling bad luck", so the number of customers is usually very large, especially at night and early morning. Therefore, for small traders, preparations must be completed many hours in advance.
In addition, to serve the needs of people and tourists from all directions, the Vieng Phu Market Festival 2026 will be opened tonight (the 6th day of Tet) and last until the 8th day of the first lunar month.
