Located about 15km from the center of Tủa Chùa town, the Xá Nhè market in Xá Nhè commune is held every six days, on the days of the Rooster and the Cat according to the Chinese calendar. At the market, people of the Mong, Dao, Thai, and Phù Lá ethnic groups from the communes of Xá Nhè, Mường Ðun, Tủa Thàng, Mường Báng, and other areas flock to buy, sell, exchange goods, socialize, and visit each other. The market is open from early morning until late afternoon, with goods mainly consisting of agricultural products, food, and tools for production. Besides goods to sell, the people also bring the unique beauty and characteristics of their ethnic groups, such as exquisitely hand-embroidered traditional costumes.
Ms. Hang Thi Ly, a resident of Xa Nha commune, said: "On market days, regardless of who you are, rich or poor, everyone tries to be present as if by appointment. Those who can afford it come by motorbike, while those who are struggling walk to the market, no matter how far or near."
Hmong and Dao ethnic women, dressed in brightly colored traditional clothing, walk in groups, carrying baskets of goods, some with children on their backs, others with produce, all heading to the market. The market is not only a place for exchanging and selling goods, but also a place for social interaction, expressing feelings, and cultural activities. The market has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the highland people, as the locals say: "Going to the market for fun."
While not as long-standing a tradition as the Xa Nha market, the Tủa Chùa town market (opened in October 2022 and running from Saturday evening to Sunday every week) is attracting many visitors from near and far to Tủa Chùa district. Located right in the center of Tủa Chùa town – a rapidly developing urban area with convenience stores gradually replacing traditional markets – the town market still retains many traditional characteristics. Meanwhile, the Tả Sìn Thàng market, situated in the center of five northern communes: Sín Chải, Tả Sìn Thàng, Lao Xả Phình, Trung Thu, and Sính Phình, presents a vibrant and bustling image of the mountainous region.
Visiting Tủa Chùa market, tourists will experience a cultural space full of community spirit – a beautiful feature of the highlands. The market is a place for exchanging and buying goods; a place for meeting, having fun, and socializing for the local people; and also a place that preserves unique culinary culture, traditional clothing, and more. Besides agricultural product stalls, Tủa Chùa market has unique highlights with its cultural performances, folk games, and ethnic dishes.
With its unique cultural and spiritual features and tourism development potential, Tủa Chùa district has been gradually developing its traditional markets into a local tourism product over the years.
Mr. Dang Tien Cong, Deputy Head of the Culture and Information Department of Tua Chua District, said: "The markets in the district, especially the Tua Chua night market, are a distinctive product of the district. Currently, the Tua Chua night market is the only tourism product exploiting the night market model in the province. After one year of opening, the number of visitors to the market has increased weekly, proving the great attractiveness and appeal of the Tua Chua night market to tourists. It has become a destination, connecting with tourist tours when visiting Tua Chua in particular and Dien Bien in general. On average, each session at the Tua Chua night market attracts 3,000 - 4,000 people; the Xa Nha and Ta Sin Thang markets attract over 1,000 people per session."
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Cuc, from Hanoi, shared: "I work in the tourism industry and have visited many night markets in different cultural regions. This is my first time in Tua Chua, and I am very impressed with the market selling agricultural products that are close to everyday life, and the people are friendly and simple. What surprised me even more is that some ethnic people here are using technology to do business, sell goods, and promote the cultural image of their ethnic communities in the area."
Tủa Chùa District aims to become one of the most attractive tourist centers in Điện Biên Province and the Northwest region by 2030, attracting over 40,000 tourists, including approximately 10% international visitors. Revenue from tourism and related services will account for a significant portion of the district's total budget. Tourism development will create direct and indirect jobs for over 3,000 workers. To achieve this goal, in addition to promoting the value of historical and cultural relics and caves, Tủa Chùa District will focus on publicizing its local markets; gradually connecting with travel agencies to offer tours to Tủa Chùa markets in conjunction with other tourist attractions in the district.
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