The market along the Da River

Regularly, three times a month, merchant boats and people from the areas along the Da River gather to buy and sell goods at the boat landing in Chieng Sai commune, Bac Yen district. This bustling trading activity enlivens the entire river region.

The riverside market on the Da River, Chieng Sai commune, Bac Yen district.

According to locals, this April, the water level was low, so fewer boats came ashore. The market usually starts the afternoon before, called the "welcome market"; the main market takes place from 7 to 9 a.m. the following day. Boats from many provinces: Nam Dinh, Bac Ninh , Bac Giang, Phu Tho bring a wide variety of goods to sell at the market, from fishing hooks, needles, and spools of thread, to household goods, groceries, clothing, and fabrics…

Local people also bring traditional agricultural products to the market: rice, corn, and green vegetables. Some boats also sell brocade clothing, fabrics, and handmade baskets. Small boats laden with shrimp and fish, caught by fishermen from the Da River the night before, are also brought to the market to sell... The simple, intimate, and genuine atmosphere of the riverside market is not only a place for trade, but also a place for preserving and promoting the national cultural identity.

People shop at the market.

Having traveled back and forth along the Da River for over 30 years, Mr. Ta Xuan Phu, a trader from Bac Giang province, shared: "I travel by boat on the Da River through Hoa Binh and Son La provinces to bring goods to serve the people. Previously, each market had 10-15 boats, carrying all kinds of goods. There were times when, after only half a month, my boat had to return to get more supplies. Now, with expanded roads and easier transportation, especially with the popularity of electronics, the number of boats selling goods has decreased significantly. However, the Da River market still retains its unique characteristics."

From early morning, people in the area eagerly flocked to the market, their laughter, chatter, and calls to buy and sell filling the air along the riverbank. People in their brightly colored traditional costumes happily bought and sold goods. Coming to the market to buy agricultural tools, Mr. Dinh Van Thanh from Que Son village, Chieng Sai commune, shared: "Here, you can find everything, and the prices are reasonable. I regularly come to the market to buy household items and tools for labor and production. Besides that, I also come here to meet relatives and friends."

The boats carried a variety of goods.

At the market, there are also stalls selling food like vermicelli and pho. The aroma of the dishes, mingled with the fresh air of the riverside area, attracts market-goers to stop and enjoy them. A hot bowl of pho at the market seems to taste even better because of the cheerful atmosphere of trade between people from both the lowlands and the highlands.

Ms. Dinh Thi Khem, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Chieng Sai commune, said: "The riverside market along the Da River in Chieng Sai commune meets three times a month, on the 10th, 20th, and 30th. The commune regularly coordinates with relevant agencies to inspect goods sold at the market, preventing goods of unknown origin, expired goods, and substandard goods from reaching the people."

The merchant ship was fully stocked with all kinds of essential goods.

After each market day along the Da River in Chieng Sai commune, the merchant boats cut through the waves, continuing their journey to new lands. Sellers and buyers happily arrange to meet again, so that the docks and boats once more bustle with trade, maintaining the unique cultural characteristics of this riverine region.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/phien-cho-ven-song-da-DXdKCy1Ng.html