Dong Thap: The unique Xom Ray market

Located amidst the fields of Hamlet 14, My Ngai Ward, Dong Thap Province (formerly Tan Nghia Commune, Cao Lanh District), Xom Ray market, with its stalls selling traditional cakes and dishes with authentic rural flavors, is gradually becoming a familiar destination for locals and tourists from near and far every weekend.

A MARKET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD

Every Saturday afternoon, as the sun begins to set, the Xóm Rẫy ​​market comes alive with activity. The small, paved road, about 3 meters wide and nearly 500 meters long, leads to the bustling market. On both sides of the road, stalls are set up simply but neatly; surrounding them are cornfields bearing fruit and rows of lush green coconut trees... all blending together to create a tranquil, familiar scene, reminiscent of the traditional rural markets of the Mekong Delta.

Ms. Pham Thi Mai brought many kinds of traditional cakes to the Xom Ray market to sell.

The market has 29 stalls, mainly selling traditional folk cakes typical of the Mekong Delta such as: Banh bo (rice cake), Banh da lon (pork skin cake), Banh tam (silk worm cake), Banh tet (sticky rice cake), Banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), Banh duc man (savory rice cake)... In addition, there are also rustic grilled dishes such as: Grilled rat, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, grilled rice paper, grilled fertilized duck eggs... along with many refreshing drinks with a strong hometown flavor such as: Shaved ice, basil seed drink...

More than just a place for buying and selling goods, Xóm Rẫy ​​market evokes the image of a rustic rural market, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience amidst the peaceful countryside.

Ms. Pham Thi Mai (63 years old, residing in Hamlet 11, My Ngai Ward) said that her family has been involved in making traditional cakes for many years. Every day, she makes cakes according to orders, but since the Xom Ray market started operating, she prepares more types of cakes to bring to the market to sell on weekends.

"To be ready to sell on Saturday afternoons, I often stay up late preparing the ingredients for the cakes. Each time I finish making them and take them to the market to sell, it's quite tiring, but when I see customers eating them and praising how delicious they are, I'm very happy. Thanks to the market, I have extra income and the opportunity to meet many people, so I'm very excited," Ms. Mai shared.

Many kinds of agricultural products are sold at the market.

Besides that, the stalls selling vegetables, roots, and fruits also attract many customers. Unlike traditional markets, many of the agricultural products here are grown by local people and then brought to sell. From gourds, loofahs, and garden plums to black beans and green beans, everything is neatly arranged and displayed to tourists. A special feature is that the products are all affordably priced; many customers quickly choose a few items and happily pay, rarely haggling, because everyone understands that these are products grown by the local farmers.

Ms. Le Thi Nien (57 years old, residing in Hamlet 14, My Ngai Ward) said that her family grows many kinds of vegetables such as mung beans, gourds, and sweet potato leaves. "Since the market opened, every Saturday afternoon I make sure to bring my produce to sell. This helps me earn extra income, and I also get to meet and chat with customers at the market, which I really enjoy," Ms. Nien happily stated.

ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS

From around 3 PM, the market starts to get crowded and continues until about 8 PM. As the intense afternoon sun fades, more and more groups of tourists from all over flock to the market. Some come to enjoy the local food, while others simply want to stroll around the market, enjoying the fresh air amidst the fields. Many families bring their young children to play, eating snacks and taking souvenir photos.

The Xom Ray Market reopened on January 31, 2026, featuring food stalls, OCOP (One Commune One Product) products, and agricultural produce. The food is mainly prepared by local people, serving tourists who come to visit and experience the area. After 7 weeks of operation, the market attracted over 32,000 visitors, with estimated revenue of approximately 1.52 billion VND.

Ms. Tran Thi Hien (47 years old, residing in Phuong Thinh commune) said that although her house is about 10 km from the market, she visits almost once every two weeks. “What I like most about coming to the market is the fresh air amidst the rice fields. Eating cakes while strolling and breathing in the cool, pleasant air is wonderful. Besides, I get to see the locals bustling with trade, so every time I come, I feel happy,” Ms. Hien shared.

Not only locals from the province, but also many tourists from neighboring areas have come to Xom Ray market after watching promotional videos on social media. Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Ai and her husband, from Can Tho City, said that before coming here, she had watched many videos introducing the market and was very curious to experience it. “When we arrived, I found the scenery very interesting. The market is located in the middle of a field, so the air is fresh and cool. The traditional cakes are delicious and reasonably priced. If I have the chance, I will definitely come back,” Ms. Ai said.

Xóm Rẫy ​​market attracts a large number of tourists who come to visit, experience, and enjoy the rustic dishes of the countryside.

Depending on the time of year, each market session attracts from several hundred to thousands of visitors and shoppers. Most tourists enjoy the rustic dishes with authentic local flavors. In addition, the market area features a miniature buffalo sculpture in the middle of a field for visitors to take souvenir photos. Some traditional games such as ball throwing into a basket and performances of traditional Vietnamese music are also held regularly, adding to the market's appeal.
Not only is it nổi prominent for its traditional cakes and drinks that evoke childhood memories, the Xóm Rẫy ​​market also holds special value in the community spirit of the local people. From bakers and vegetable growers to small-scale vendors, everyone works together to create a market rich in local identity, contributing to promoting the image of the Mỹ Ngãi region to tourists.

The Xóm Rẫy ​​market is held regularly every Saturday.

In 2025, due to weather conditions, the market had to temporarily cease operations. However, recognizing the effectiveness and appeal of this model, the local authorities proceeded to repair and upgrade many items, arrange stalls more neatly; upgrade and repair the market gate and access road; the area for traditional folk music performances… and launched the Xom Ray Community Market Tourism Destination to promote the value of the rural market.

Simultaneously, the People's Committee of My Ngai Ward intensified its efforts to promote and encourage small traders to ensure compliance with product quality standards, dress code, and maintain polite, civilized, and friendly communication and behavior. They were also urged to adhere to regulations and operating procedures, display prices, and sell at the listed prices; prioritize food safety and hygiene; and use fresh, high-quality ingredients and clean processing methods to protect consumer health.

According to Nguyen Hoang Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of My Ngai Ward: “The Xom Ray market is held every Saturday to create a space for buying and selling agricultural products, rural cuisine, and developing agricultural tourism experiences. The initial activities have been effective, contributing to promoting local specialties and potential. Visiting the Xom Ray market, tourists have the opportunity to experience a unique market amidst the rice fields, recreating the rustic atmosphere of a traditional rural market and preserving the lifestyle and essence of a corner of a Southwestern Vietnamese village.”

MY XUYEN

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/dong-thap-doc-dao-cho-phien-xom-ray-a237957.html