For foreign tourists, one of the best ways to experience the daily lives of the locals is to take a visit at markets. Because these places are inherited to the culture and lifestyle of the country. In Vietnam, there are kinds of markets that you can never see in any other countries. Among them, what are the most impressive Vietnamese markets to visit? Let’s see!
Vietnamese street markets
Street markets play a very important role in the daily life of the locals. Most of food from families are bought from such market. In each region, the form of market organization may be different depending on the lifestyle, the history and the spiritual life of people there.
On the way to a destination in your travel list, you can also easily see some small markets on the road side. The simple and rustic scenery of these markets will definitely bring you unforgettable memories. You are free to wander around, take pictures and feel the breath of life in the cool air. Especially, at street markets, you can try local food and drinks in the crowds – an experience that can’t be matched by a hotel restaurant.
Night markets
There is no doubt that night market is a “specialty” that attracts foreign tourists to come to Vietnam. Coming to night markets in Vietnam, you can enjoy authentic street food and get some bargain items as gifts to your family members and friends. There are variety of goods for you to choose including clothes, footwear, accessories, jewelry, crafts, etc. Most of shop assistants are extremely friendly and helpful, so you can freely deal for better prices.
Each region has its own customs and habits. That’s why each night market has unique features. Among them, the most popular and special night markets that you should not ignore are: Dong Xuan night market (Hanoi), Ben Thanh night market (Saigon), Hoi An night market (Quang Nam), Nha Trang night market (Khanh Hoa), Da Lat night market (Lam Dong), Tay Do night market (Can Tho), etc.
Love market – One of the most impressive Vietnamese markets
Unlike any other markets, Khau Vai Love market has been a unique and valuable cultural aspect of the Mong and Dao ethnic groups in Meo Vac District, Ha Giang for a hundred years. The love market is held annually on 26th day of the third Lunar month. People coming here not to sell or buy goods. It is the dating place for ex-lovers who felt in love but could not have a marriage.
On the market day, tourists can see boys in traditional clothes and girls show up in colorful costumes and silver ornaments with some little bells on their outfits. They seek for their own partners to share their innermost feelings. People gather by groups to sing and dance traditional dances until the night comes.
Tourists coming to Ha Giang on 26th day of the 3rd lunar month can join the love market. This market is a symbol of love and romance of the people in the northwest of Vietnam. In addition, you can also join other ritual and entertaining activities such as praying, Buddha’s statue cleaning, dancing, playing traditional games, etc.
Floating markets
This is the typical market of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. In the old days, floating markets were formed because roads and vehicles had not been developed. While the demand for trading and exchanging goods of people there was quite high. So, they chose the most convenient section on the river to be a market place. Today, although the transport network has developed, the floating markets still exist. It becomes a cultural beauty attracting tourists to come to the Mekong Delta.
Most of floating markets start in the early morning. Boats gather together to sell agricultural products. You can easily recognize what a boat sell by seeing the product samples on a long bamboo in front of the boat. There are also services like at normal markets in Vietnam such as grocery sales, repairing services, fuel station and food as well. One of the most famous floating markets in Vietnam is definitely Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho.
Read more: Top most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta
