The unique Boc Bo market

Every month, on the 9th, 19th, and 29th of the lunar calendar, the Boc Bo market in Bang Thanh commune becomes an indispensable meeting point for a large number of ethnic minority people in the region. People from many neighboring communes gather here to buy and sell goods, exchange items, meet, chat, and preserve the unique cultural characteristics of the highlands.

A stall selling local agricultural products run by San Chi women.

On market days, when the sky is still misty, around 5-6 a.m., people from the highlands flock from the winding mountain roads to the center of Bang Thanh commune. On their backs they carry baskets of goods, and in their hands and arms they carry bamboo shoots, vegetables, wine, meat, and more.

The quick footsteps and cheerful calls along the road signal the approach of a colorful market.

From 6 a.m., the vendors set down their baskets of goods at their usual spots, and people from all over flocked in. By around 7:30 a.m., Boc Bo market began to bustle with activity, the sounds of laughter, conversation, and calls to action filling the pathways.

The vibrant brocade dresses, the baskets overflowing with fresh green vegetables, bunches of ripe yellow bananas, white beans, and bundles of wild bamboo shoots... all make the market scene come alive and feel authentic, like a highland festival.

The market is divided into several sections, each stocked with local produce. In the agricultural produce section, bundles of mountain cabbage, bunches of ripe yellow bananas, plump white beans, fragrant ginger... are all brought from the villages by the locals. Prices are very reasonable, such as white beans at 10,000 dong per bunch, bananas at only 5,000 dong per bunch, and mountain cabbage from 3,000 to 5,000 dong per bundle.

Rows of stalls selling corn liquor at the market.

In the agricultural produce section, Ms. Trieu Thi Nhien from Bang Thanh commune, sitting and selling her goods, shared: "I came here at 6 a.m., bringing vegetables, bananas, ginger, white beans – all things I grew myself. I'm almost out of stock, I think it will be gone soon." Nearby was the pork section, where locals displayed and sold fresh, locally raised and slaughtered pork, priced at around 120,000 VND/kg.

Right next to them are baskets of fresh, vibrant green vegetables, neatly bundled into small bunches. Interspersed among them are bamboo cages containing puppies, creating a corner of the market that is both familiar and bustling with the colors of life.

The corn liquor stalls were bustling with customers from early morning. About 10 Dao and Tay women, each carrying 10 to 20 liters of liquor brewed with corn and yeast, a specialty of the highlands, were present. Customers were welcome to sample freely before purchasing. The mild aroma and sweet taste made the corn liquor here always in high demand, priced at only 20,000 dong per liter.

For women from ethnic minorities, going to the market fair is an opportunity to meet, share, and create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Ms. Trinh Thi Dat, from Nghien Loan commune, who has been selling rice wine at the market for nearly 20 years, happily said: "Today I brought 20 liters and sold 15 already. The corn wine with leaf yeast is very fragrant and delicious; even if you get drunk, you won't get a headache." Around 9 a.m., informal drinking sessions begin in groups at the corner of the market. Elderly people and young people from the villages who can drink alcohol gather in groups. Corn wine is poured into large bowls and shared happily. Snacks include boiled free-range chicken, smoked buffalo meat, bamboo shoots, tofu, and roasted peanuts; some are bought at the market, others are prepared at home. The atmosphere is lively, filled with laughter and chatter. Many women can drink quite a bit but remain alert, their cheeks rosy and radiant in the early morning sun.

The vibrant traditional clothing section is arranged into separate areas: one for Dao ethnic costumes, one for Hmong costumes, one for Tay ethnic costumes, and one for San Chi ethnic costumes...

Besides that, there are all kinds of accessories such as scarves, children's hats, embroidered bags, bracelets, necklaces, or intricate patterns attached to clothing made of alloy or white silver, all skillfully handcrafted by the local people. Because of this richness and strong cultural imprint, the traditional clothing section is always crowded with shoppers... creating a unique and distinctive characteristic of a highland market.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202508/doc-dao-cho-phien-boc-bo-eae4555/