Can Tho: Unique market that men like to visit

Unique market in Can Tho : Selling nothing but food

When talking about markets, people often think of bustling trading activities, where many types of goods such as clothes, cakes, food, household items, etc. converge. However, when arriving at An Lac market (Ninh Kieu ward, Can Tho city), everyone will feel strange, because this market has its own rhythm and breath.

Độc đáo ngôi chợ ở Cần Thơ có nhiều ‘cánh mày râu’ tới mua - Ảnh 1. — An Lac Market near Ninh Kieu Wharf (Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City)

The sun had just risen when the vendors at An Lac market were busy setting up their stalls. Along the kiosks were hundreds and thousands of specialized items spread out on the floor and hung on the walls. There were everything from screws and tiny springs to long steel bars and large propellers... The market was quiet with loud cries, but impressive was the sound of welding iron and steel, and the steady running of gasoline and diesel engines.

Độc đáo ngôi chợ ở Cần Thơ có nhiều ‘cánh mày râu’ tới mua - Ảnh 2. — The market "sells nothing edible"

Độc đáo ngôi chợ ở Cần Thơ có nhiều ‘cánh mày râu’ tới mua - Ảnh 3. — The distinctive sounds of the market are the clanging of metal and the sound of welding steel.

An Lac Market is also known as "iron market" because the goods here are mainly related to metals. There are many types but can be divided into 3 main groups: construction materials, mechanical components and household appliances. Anyone entering the market for the first time will feel the smell of machine oil, the characteristic rusty smell and the clanging sound of metal. Those who need spare parts and materials to repair and install machinery and equipment can come here to choose freely. Because of this characteristic, many people jokingly say this is a market where "you can't eat anything you buy".

Customers are mainly "men"

According to long-time residents here, An Lac market was formed in 1980. Initially, it was just a spontaneous market specializing in trading scrap and old metal items. At this time, the country was entering a period of transformation after the war. The strong construction and development of life opened up the need for using labor and production tools. That is the reason why many people focused on trading "iron items" but were not afraid of competition and sluggishness.

Độc đáo ngôi chợ ở Cần Thơ có nhiều ‘cánh mày râu’ tới mua - Ảnh 4. — One of the long-time traders at the market

In 1990, the market was "officially" planned to become a gathering and trading point for metal products with more than 100 kiosks. After more than 30 years, the traders at this market have had a generational change, but the business products at this market remain the same. Therefore, when talking about An Lac market, people immediately think of a market specializing in providing metal accessories for many industries. The scope is not only for Can Tho but also serves the Western provinces.

Cleaning the bearings in the kiosk, Mr. Son Hoang Hiep (63 years old) said that his family has been at An Lac market since its inception. When his father passed away, he took over and now his 37-year-old son will take over the management.

"This market sells all iron and steel products, metal parts, and machinery for agriculture and industry, so most of them are men and young people who come to buy. Because normally, men will understand this issue better. They can buy with peace of mind, knowing that they will get exactly what they need. They can assemble it at home, without having to go out and exchange it," said Mr. Hiep.

Độc đáo ngôi chợ ở Cần Thơ có nhiều ‘cánh mày râu’ tới mua - Ảnh 5. — The market is mostly visited by men and young people.

According to Mr. Hiep, selling iron products is not easy because it requires a good memory. For example, his kiosk sells hundreds of types of ball bearings with different designs, sizes, and materials. You need to have good knowledge about them to be able to "jump numbers quickly" when consulting or selling to customers.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mac Muoi (70 years old) said that with the convenience of online sales, every year, the direct purchasing power at her booth decreases. Previously, the market had many people from other provinces such as Hau Giang , Vinh Long, Dong Thap coming to buy, but now it has gradually disappeared. Many long-time traders at An Lac iron market, including her, have fallen behind because they cannot keep up with online sales.

"However, there are young people who continue the business of their grandparents and parents. Unlike my generation, they are proficient in using phones to sell goods. This is a very happy thing, because if there are young people to continue, this market will still exist," Ms. Muoi shared.

Some pictures at An Lac iron market: