The Unique Cultural Space of Highland Periodic Markets

Periodic markets are vibrant cultural spaces—destinations for socializing, trading, and promoting ethnic identities, while strengthening community solidarity. In the mountainous communes of Phu Tho province, many such markets still thrive today.

A significant number of these markets continue to operate on specific schedules, such as Ranh Market (Muong Dong), Tan Lap Market (Muong Vang), Vo Market (Nhan Nghia), Bo Market (Van Son), and Pa Co Market (Pa Co), among others. These markets are typically situated near commune centers or along rivers and lakes. They take place on fixed days of the week or during special Tet holidays, usually lasting from early dawn until early afternoon.

Abundant local produce brought by ethnic minority people to the periodic market for trade.

The most unique markets include Bo Market, Pa Co Market, Pheo Market, and Tan Minh Market. These highland gatherings offer a vivid portrait of community life and multiculturalism, characterized by brilliant ethnic costumes, rich forest products, and bustling social activities.

Traditional ethnic costumes accompany the Mong people to the market.

According to Mrs. Xa Thi Ninh from Tan Pheo Commune, decades ago, when travel was difficult, people living far away had to travel by foot or horse, often forming “waiting markets” (temporary stops) from the night before to be ready for the morning session.

Today, while motorbikes have made travel easier and faster, many locals still maintain the habit of walking to the market. They attend with the mindset of meeting acquaintances, socializing, and enjoying the cultural atmosphere—especially the local cuisine. Almost everyone dresses in their finest attire and greets each other with friendliness. For many, “going to the market” is synonymous with "going out for fun."

Highland residents maintain the tradition of inviting each other to the Tan Minh periodic market, held every Thursday.

A noticeable feature of these markets is the dedication of ethnic minorities to preserving their identity through language and traditional dress. Trading involves everything from high-value goods to simple home-grown items like a chicken, a dozen eggs, or a few stalks of sugarcane and bundles of vegetables.

In the digital age, internet and smartphones have begun to draw some people away from traditional activities. There is a trend where the physical space for these markets is shrinking, and their economic function risks overshadowing their inherent cultural value.

Bo Market is held every Tuesday that attracts tourists eager to explore the traditional beauty of the Van Son highlands.

Recognizing this, local authorities are focusing on promoting the “dual function”—both economic and cultural—of traditional highland markets. For example, Pa Co Market (held every Sunday) has become a cultural rendezvous for the Mong people, boosting tourism. The locality has even launched the “Pa Co Night Market” to tap into traditional cultural values. Similarly, Bo Market is now a key stop in the Van Son highland discovery tour.

Periodic markets imbued with indigenous culture are among the most attractive experiential tourism products in highland discovery journeys.

Mr. Bui Xuan Truong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated: "To preserve market culture alongside tourism development, the province is ramping up the promotion of cultural identities and organizing highland market activities linked to major local holidays. we aim to spread the unique beauty of these markets through various forms suitable for each region."

Bui Minh