Market - a symphony of the highlands

People bring to the market many products of the mountains and forests.

Most of the people go to the market on winding paths in the forest, their motorbikes rumbling without any hurry or impatience, just rolling through the sleeping villages.

Near the market, we could hear the giggling voices of Mong and Dao girls in their colorful dresses. The way they went to the market together was like going to a festival - there was anticipation, excitement and joy in their eyes.

The market was not crowded yet, but the atmosphere exuded something very special: a friendliness, simplicity and sincerity that made us feel as close as home.

There is no need for lavishly decorated shops or ostentatious signs. Here, every simple canvas, every sack resting on a rock is a “stall”. And it is also there that culture comes to life through every color of skirt, every fold of scarf, every shy look or tight handshake.

At the market, people sell chickens, bundles of firewood, and wild bamboo shoots, innocently exchanging smiles and stories of life. Some people go to the market without buying anything, just to meet acquaintances, chat a few stories, and drink a cup of corn wine together. Some people carry their goods to the market from 3am, and after selling, only have time to buy a kilo of salt, a bunch of dried fish... then wade through streams and climb mountains to go home.

The market is attractive because of the colorful dresses of Mong and Dao girls, which are meticulously embroidered. The impressive thing is the many-folded skirts of Mong women that flutter with each step. Mong women often wear colorful traditional costumes, they are confident that it is the most beautiful "weapon" to attract the eyes of people around.

At the wild vegetable stall, women carefully hold bundles of young bamboo shoots, bamboo tubes of rice, baskets of eggs... Everything is rustic and honest, as if carrying the breath of the mountains.

Far away at the end of the market, some Tay men and women sat under a tree, in front of them were plates of corn cakes, boiled bananas, and a few cups of wine. They were chatting and laughing.
In another corner, a few women happily chatted and asked each other about their husbands and children, the crops... It is a lively, traditional and enduring culture.

The simplicity of buyers and sellers at the market.

The highland market is not only a place for trading goods but also a symphony of languages, ethnicities, and cultural sounds. The high-pitched Mong language seems to glide over the hilltops; the Dao language is patient and soft like a stream; the Tay language is warm and affectionate like an evening fire.

People greet each other and ask about each other in their mother tongue, and everyone understands with their eyes, smiles and sincere hospitality.

Stopping by a stall simply displayed on the ground, the Korean woman smiled kindly and invited us to buy her goods in broken Mandarin. Her simple voice warmed my heart as if I had just sipped a cup of corn wine.

Meeting Giang A Pao, a Mong man in Lung Luong village, who brought a rooster and some bundles of dried bamboo shoots. Sold for more than 200,000 VND, Pao shared that he was hesitating between buying pork or new clothes for his children. In the end, he chose to buy new clothes. "The children will be very happy... I have little money but my wife told me to buy so many things, I don't know if I have enough to buy them!" - Pao shared with a gentle smile.

Going to the market is an opportunity for women to confide and chat with each other.

Market-goers do not always have enough, but they still have to go to the market, still carrying their own smiles and simplicity. In addition to exchanging goods, the market is also a place to share stories, news, lessons... Women sit together near the market, sharing secrets of embroidery, childcare, and making many kinds of cakes; young people exchange new music and flute tunes; the elderly pass on old stories, ways to preserve the customs and ethics of the highlands...

The market is a place where different ethnic groups meet, creating a rich picture of life here. We become a part of the market, of the people, of the small joys and the quiet warmth. We feel ourselves slowing down, feeling every breath of the earth and sky, and realizing that, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there are fascinating touches here.

The sun rose to the top of the mountain, the sound of people gradually faded. The loads of goods became lighter, the footsteps mixed together on the trail back. Some walked, some pushed their bikes, some were silent, some were laughing and talking. They greeted each other, making plans to meet again next time. Mrs. Trieu Thi Men, a Dao woman in Vu Chan, said: “The market is so much fun, everyone, young and old, wants to go. If you don’t buy anything, let’s meet and chat to ease the longing…”.

We left the market, the sun’s rays slanted down the small road. A day passed, without noise, without haste, only joy in every glance and smile. There, every color of dress, every sound of the flute, every greeting… was a note in the endless harmony between heaven, earth and people.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202507/cho-phien-ban-hoa-ca-cua-vung-cao-7630ffe/