People often jokingly say that markets are one of the "living museums" of the land and people of a place. And of course, Meo Vac Market – one of the largest markets in the Dong Van karst plateau – is no exception. For as long as anyone can remember, this market has become a place where people in the northernmost border region of Vietnam buy, sell, and exchange goods, as well as socialize, share stories, and exchange the unique cultural values of their ethnic group. So what exactly makes this market so special? Let's find out with Vietnam.vn.
As one of the most famous markets in Ha Giang , the northernmost region of Vietnam, Meo Vac Market is held right in the center of Meo Vac town, Ha Giang. Unlike markets in the lowlands that are held every day, Meo Vac Market only takes place on Sundays each week. We invite you to experience this market through the photo series "Meo Vac Market - Ha Giang" by author Huynh My Thuan. The author submitted this photo series to the "Happy Vietnam" photo and video contest, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications .
From the early morning hours, before dawn, people from neighboring communes and districts begin flocking to Meo Vac town along the winding mountain roads. The Meo Vac market usually opens very early. Here, you'll hear the sounds of passing vehicles, lively laughter and chatter, and the jingling of bells echoing throughout the area, creating a surprisingly bustling and vibrant atmosphere.
More than just a place for people of various ethnic groups in Meo Vac district and the Dong Van karst plateau to buy, sell, and exchange necessities, agricultural tools, and produce for daily life, the Meo Vac market is also an opportunity for people to socialize and share stories. Therefore, the Meo Vac market has always been one of the beautiful cultural features and holds special significance for the lives of the local people.
The market also attracts domestic and international tourists who come here to learn about and integrate with the local people.
On chilly days in the Dong Van karst plateau, it signals the approach of winter and the Lunar New Year. During these days, the Meo Vac market seems to become even more crowded and abundant with goods.
No one knows exactly when the largest market in this rocky plateau first appeared. The locals have always maintained their simple, rustic charm of the past: everything is available, everything is for sale. Yet, strangely, this market has no haggling or bargaining whatsoever. Sometimes, if they feel a little favorably disposed towards someone, they enthusiastically offer a discount or readily exchange goods of equal value without requiring cash.
Simple and rustic as it is, this market has existed alongside generations of the Hmong, Dao, Kinh, Lo Lo, and Giay people in Meo Vac district. For them, the Meo Vac market is not only an opportunity to buy and sell goods but also a chance to meet, visit, and socialize, and is an important occasion for the community's cultural life.
In 2024, the "Happy Vietnam" photo and video contest continued to be organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists on the website. https://happy.vietnam.vn is open to all Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and above. The competition aims to honor individuals and groups with positive informational products that make practical contributions to promoting a beautiful image of Vietnam to the world. Through this, it helps people at home, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends access authentic images of Vietnam, its people, its achievements in ensuring human rights, and working towards a happy Vietnam.
Each competition category (photos and videos) has the following prizes and prize values:
– 1 Gold Medal: 70,000,000 VND
– 2 Silver Medals: 20,000,000 VND
– 3 Bronze Medals: 10,000,000 VND
– 10 Consolation Prizes: 5,000,000 VND
– The most voted-for entry: 5,000,000 VND
The winning authors will be invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the Award Ceremony and Certificate Presentation, which will be broadcast live on Vietnam Television.
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