The Tinh Bien border market is quiet in the last months of the year.

The Tinh Bien border market used to be a bustling destination for both domestic and international tourists, renowned for its wide variety of goods, from local specialties to imported products. However, in the last months of 2025, the number of visitors was significantly lower than before.

Among the border markets in the Southwest, Tinh Bien market is the busiest. However, the market is currently quite deserted.

The Tinh Bien border market, located in Tinh Bien district, An Giang province, has long been a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. It's not only a center for trading a wide variety of goods, but also a cultural melting pot where locals, traders, and tourists buy and sell a wide range of specialty products and imported goods from neighboring countries at reasonable prices.

Visitors to Tinh Bien market can shop for a wide variety of essential goods.

In late October, reporters from the newspaper Tin Tuc va Dan Toc observed that the number of visitors to the market was quite sparse, only a handful. In particular, this place, which has always been a tourist attraction, has recently seen a significant drop in visitor numbers.

Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Chau, a clothing vendor at Tinh Bien Market, said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tinh Bien Market was always bustling with buyers and sellers. However, after the pandemic, the number of customers gradually decreased, and with the strong development of e-commerce platforms, the traditional market gradually lost its appeal. Currently, the busiest months are mainly the first few months of the year, from January to April.

Cosmetic products from various countries are widely available at Tinh Bien market.

As a business specializing in tour guiding, Ms. Pham Thi Ngoc Yen, Representative of Chu Du S Trading and Tourism Company Limited, said: “Previously, when leading tourist groups, Tinh Bien market was very bustling with activity and reasonable prices. Travel agencies usually bring tourists to visit the market during two main periods: summer (from June to July) and after Tet (Lunar New Year). This is when tourists combine visiting the border gate and paying respects at Ba Chua Xu Temple, then stop by the market to shop for goods as gifts for relatives and friends.”

A tourist from Ho Chi Minh City chooses to shop at Tinh Bien market at the end of October.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Anh Hung, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: “Currently, although the market is less crowded than in previous years, the prices here are quite reasonable, even surprisingly cheap. I once bought half a kilogram of palm sugar for only 17,000 VND. For me, Tinh Bien market is not just a place to shop. Every time I set foot here, I feel like I'm stepping into a miniature cultural space of the An Giang border region.”

Palm sugar, a specialty of An Giang province, is widely available at Tinh Bien market.

Similarly, Ms. Ho Thanh Tuyet, a tourist from Hanoi, said that prices here are generally quite reasonable, especially many border goods which are cheaper than in central city markets. However, buyers still need to be flexible in bargaining, as some vendors often quote quite high "offering" prices.

According to Ms. Thanh Tuyet, what's interesting about visiting Tinh Bien market is not only finding good deals but also the feeling of immersing yourself in the vibrant trading atmosphere, chatting with vendors, and learning the stories behind each item. If the prices aren't quite right, visitors can stroll around, compare prices at different stalls before making a decision, to choose the right item that suits their needs and budget.

Thai rambutan, a tropical fruit with a rough brown skin and crisp white flesh, has a refreshing sour taste combined with a characteristic sweet aftertaste and is widely available at Tinh Bien market.

According to statistics, the Tinh Bien border market has approximately 200 businesses specializing in a diverse range of goods such as ready-made clothing, cosmetics, fabrics, shoes, and household electronics. The majority are domestically produced goods, but there are also many imported products from Thailand, Cambodia, and China, creating a rich and competitive supply of goods to suit the needs of various customer groups. Most customers currently come from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta provinces, and even Cambodian border residents, contributing to the unique and vibrant trading atmosphere of the border region.

Business activities at Tinh Bien market not only meet the shopping needs of tourists visiting An Giang but also create jobs and increase income for local people, thereby promoting local economic development.

According to a representative from the Tinh Bien Border Market Management Board, an average of 6,000-7,000 visitors come to shop each day. The market attracts tourists thanks to its abundant goods, affordable prices, and the friendly manner of the vendors in their greetings and advice. Although the number of visitors has recently decreased, the bustling atmosphere of the border region remains vibrant. For many tourists, visiting Tinh Bien market is not just about shopping, but also about experiencing the local culture and people.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thi-truong-tien-te/cho-bien-gioi-tinh-bien-tram-lang-nhung-thang-cuoi-nam-20251031150858154.htm