Loc Binh Market: A vibrant display of colors in the border region.

Visiting Loc Binh market – one of the oldest markets in Lang Son province – tourists can not only buy local specialties but also experience the rich cultural life of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups.

Even before dawn, when the mist still hangs low, people of the Tay, Nung, Dao, and San Chi ethnic groups gather at the small market by the Ky Cung River (more than 20 km from Lang Son city). The market is held every five days (on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th of the lunar calendar).

Loc Binh market is considered one of the oldest markets in Lang Son province, having existed for hundreds of years. It is a unique form of community cultural activity, clearly reflecting the cultural identity of the ethnic groups living in this land.

The clothing and fabric section usually attracts quite a lot of customers.

Each market day is a vibrant spectacle. Tay and Nung women, dressed in traditional attire or incorporating traditional elements such as indigo shirts, brocade skirts, and embroidered scarves, engage in lively conversations while buying and selling.

A traditional headdress worn by women of the Dao ethnic group.

The market is divided into several distinct sections: the Dao people's stalls selling fragrant mountain herbs; the brightly colored brocade stalls of the Tay and Nung women; in one corner, the shops selling knives, scissors, and agricultural tools, resounding with the sound of hammers; and then the poultry and livestock area, bustling with the sounds of bargaining and lively conversations…

The market is divided into several separate sections to make it easy for buyers and sellers to find each other.

This is a section selling medicinal herbs used by the Dao people.

The area where knives, scissors, and agricultural tools are sold is concentrated in another section of Loc Binh market.

People carrying bundles of vegetables and bamboo shoots; others leading buffaloes and transporting pigs; and still others shouldering bulky sacks of goods – these familiar sights have become a "trademark" of Loc Binh market.

The poultry market is located next to the livestock market.

Around Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), many people bring roosters to the market to have them castrated.

Mr. Hoang Van Hung, a Tay ethnic man from Po Muc area, arrived at the market in his tractor, with 28 ducks loaded in the truck bed.

People go to the market not only to buy and sell, but also to meet, chat, exchange news, share experiences, make friends, and thereby maintain community relationships.

The livestock section at Loc Binh market mainly sells breeding pigs and market pigs.

Veterinary staff were present at the livestock market from early morning to vaccinate pigs that people and traders brought to the market for sale.

To ensure that the disease does not spread among livestock herds, veterinary staff conduct thorough inspections, making sure that no unvaccinated pigs slip through.

There are always a few professional pig castrators in the livestock market. According to folk wisdom, castrated pigs are easier to fatten up quickly.

After enjoying shopping and exploring, visitors can relax and savor the distinctive flavors of Lang Son province, such as sour pho, braised pork belly, roasted duck with mac mat leaves, and sip on a glass of strong Mau Son wine while listening to the melodious sounds of the zither.

The food stalls attract many customers who come to enjoy the signature dishes of Lang Son province.

Each market day is like a film depicting a corner of everyday cultural life – authentic, simple, yet profound. Even though modern life has infiltrated every village, Loc Binh market still retains its unique character – a mountain market steeped in the vibrant colors of highland life.

The ethnic minority people in the mountainous regions both preserve their traditions and adapt flexibly to modern life: they still wear indigo shirts or brocade skirts, but are also proficient in using smartphones when going to the market; traditional handicrafts are still sold alongside new products…

Despite numerous changes, the brand of this ancient market has endured as a witness to the history of border trade. Loc Binh market has become an interesting tourist destination and cultural experience, helping people better understand the unique characteristics of the lives of the people in Lang Son province.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/cho-phien-loc-binh-ruc-ro-sac-mau-vung-bien-2460436.html