LOOKING FORWARD TO THE COUNTRYSIDE MARKET DURING TET (LUNAR NEW YEAR)
At the end of 2022, Tan Thuan Dong islet market officially opened from 2 PM to 8 PM every Saturday, with 12 stalls and 24 households selling characteristic products made and produced by local people themselves. Over time, the scale of this rural market has expanded, and now has more than 67 stalls with 200 items of local produce and traditional dishes. The rapid increase in the number of stalls partly reflects the uniqueness and attractiveness of Tan Thuan Dong islet market. Especially during Tet (Lunar New Year), the market becomes a "meeting point" for many locals and tourists.
As a small business owner who has been associated with this unique rural market since its early days, Ms. Le Anh Thu, residing in Dong Hoa hamlet (Cao Lanh ward, Dong Thap province), said that she always remembers the bustling atmosphere of the market during Tet (Lunar New Year). "The market is always more lively during Tet, with stalls decorated by vendors in a traditional Tet style with Vietnamese lanterns, couplets, and vibrant fresh flowers. Visitors to the market also feel relaxed and cheerful, hoping for a peaceful and successful new year," Ms. Anh Thu shared.
Tan Thuan Dong islet market attracts tourists with its rustic and peaceful atmosphere.
Known for her clam porridge at the market, Ms. Anh Thu revealed: After buying clams from fishing boats, they are thoroughly washed, soaked in salt water, and then rinsed several times before being boiled to extract the meat. The rice grains are also roasted before cooking the porridge. Once the porridge is cooked, the stir-fried clam meat is added, along with chopped scallions and coriander... to give the porridge a rich flavor. Each bowl of delicious clam porridge sells for 10,000 VND, leaving customers amazed! "During Tet (Lunar New Year), due to the larger number of customers, the amount of porridge cooked increases, but the price remains the same. When there are many customers, my mother-in-law and husband come to help, and sometimes we have to hire more people. Selling during Tet requires more careful preparation and going earlier to serve tourists. It's a bit tiring, but very exciting and I look forward to selling during Tet because it's fun," Ms. Anh Thu said.
The market also offers folk games and traditional music performances for tourists.
Ms. Le Thi Truc Linh (residing in Cao Lanh ward, Dong Thap province) shared that during Tet (Lunar New Year), despite the high number of customers at the market, she maintained the price of each bowl of banh canh (rice noodle soup) at 20,000 VND, the same as on a normal Saturday throughout the year. "During Tet, the market is not only decorated with vibrant spring colors but also features many attractive programs with a distinct rural feel, such as traditional folk music performances and folk games... Even though the number of customers is much higher than usual, I don't feel tired selling my goods. I'm happy that the rural market is loved by so many people," Ms. Truc Linh shared.
ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATIONS
According to Ms. Huynh Thi Lien, Vice President of the Women's Union of Cao Lanh Ward, visitors to Tan Thuan Dong islet's rural market are easily captivated by the many rustic dishes of their childhood. There are various traditional cakes, delicious dishes from the Mekong Delta such as banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), banh khot (mini savory pancakes), banh it (sticky rice cake), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), bun ca (fish noodle soup), and com chay kho quet (crispy rice with braised pork)...; and rural drinks like refreshing herbal teas, basil seed drinks, gum arabic, and gum tragacanth... In addition, the market also sells vegetables and fruits from home gardens. Some people buy traditional Vietnamese clothing like ao ba ba (traditional blouse and headscarf), wooden clogs, conical hats, woven baskets, and bamboo products as souvenirs. Ms. Lien believes that the islet's rural market attracts tourists, especially during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), because of its simple, peaceful atmosphere, creating a relaxing and comfortable feeling for visitors to take photos with family, friends, and loved ones. Besides that, the food at the market is very rustic, full of local flavors, and reasonably priced with clearly displayed prices. In particular, the people here are very honest, approachable, and friendly. "The market also features folk games, traditional music performances, etc., creating a vibrant community atmosphere. It is this authenticity, simplicity, and unique community experience that makes tourists return to Tan Thuan Dong rural market every week, and even during Tet (Lunar New Year)," expressed the Vice President of the Women's Union of Cao Lanh Ward.
Tan Thuan Dong islet market is a popular destination for many tourists during Tet (Lunar New Year).
Ms. Ho Hue Thu Hang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Lanh Ward (Dong Thap Province), said that in recent times, Tan Thuan Dong islet market has operated very effectively, contributing to job creation, product promotion, and the image of the locality. "During the Lunar New Year, the market will be decorated with miniature scenes reflecting the countryside, and cultural and artistic activities and experiential programs will be promoted to attract and best serve tourists. We hope that Tan Thuan Dong islet market will continue to welcome many tourists this Tet holiday and be a memorable destination for everyone to welcome a peaceful and happy new year," the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Lanh Ward emphasized.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/doc-dao-cho-que-cu-lao-dip-tet-238260215141216363.htm
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