The Century-Old Market: A Unique Destination and Pride of Thanh Land

Over a century, despite historical upheavals, Phố Đoàn has retained its original architecture. Most stalls are still thatched, with only a few replaced by corrugated iron roofs to withstand the weather. Spanning an area of 2,000 square meters, the market is conveniently situated on flat land alongside the Ma River, making it easily accessible for large gatherings.

Directions to Phố Đoàn Market

To reach Phố Đoàn Market, visitors from Hanoi can take National Highway 1A to Thanh Hoa City and then turn onto National Highway 45 towards Ba Thuoc District. The journey from the district center to the market covers 14.5 kilometers, mostly along winding mountain roads, so suitable transportation is essential.

For adventurous souls, a trek from Lung Cao or Thanh Son villages through streams and terraced fields offers a complete immersion in nature. The surrounding majestic scenery undoubtedly adds to the allure of this highland market.

Specialties and Delicacies of the Market

Phố Đoàn Market presents a delightful array of unique local products and delicacies.

Wild Vegetables and Precious Medicinal Herbs

Unlike markets in the lowlands, Phố Đoàn boasts a rare assortment of wild vegetables such as bitter greens, sắng leaves, and mang le bamboo shoots, along with precious medicinal herbs like thảo quả, dổi seeds, and mắc khén peppercorns—all gathered from the pristine Pù Luông forest.

Fresh Produce from the Mountains

Free-range mountain chickens, ‘cắp nách’ pigs (a local breed of small pig), stream fish, and especially forest mice—a highland delicacy—are among the fresh produce specialties offered at the market.

Traditional Processed Foods

The market is renowned for its processed foods, including smoked buffalo meat (‘thịt trâu gác bếp’), forest honey, and corn wine fermented with leaf yeast. The corn wine, stored in dried gourds, is a popular souvenir, priced between 100,000 and 150,000 VND per liter.

Intricate Handicrafts and Textiles

Phố Đoàn Market also showcases and trades traditional handicrafts, such as intricately embroidered Thai ethnic costumes, ‘Piêu’ scarves, tobacco pouches, and locally made bamboo and rattan products like baskets, bags, and ‘gùi’ (a traditional backpack-like carrier).

Unique Trading Methods

What sets Phố Đoàn Market apart in this digital age is its traditional trading methods. Notably, around 30% of transactions in the market still occur through bartering. For instance, a hen might be exchanged for 10 kilograms of corn, or a basket of wild vegetables for a five-liter jar of corn wine.

This method not only reflects ancient customs but also sets the market apart from its modern counterparts. For visitors interested in bartering, local tourism experts suggest bringing fabrics or old farming tools for exchange.

Delicious Highland Cuisine

Phố Đoàn Market is not just a shopping destination but also a culinary paradise, offering a delightful array of highland specialties.

Bamboo-Husked Rice – A Signature Dish

Bamboo-husked rice, or com lam, is a must-try dish when visiting Phố Đoàn Market. The fragrant rice, cooked inside bamboo tubes, is typically served with grilled meat or sesame salt, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Grilled Meat Skewers with a Twist of Mountain Spices

Meat skewers, made from either pork or buffalo and marinated with the distinctive mắc khén peppercorns, are grilled to perfection over charcoal. This dish is a favorite among visitors, thanks to the unique flavor imparted by the peppercorns, native to the Northwest mountains.

Crispy Glutinous Rice Fritters

For dessert, the market offers crispy glutinous rice fritters filled with sweet mung bean paste. The delicate sweetness of the beans coupled with the crunchy exterior makes for a delightful treat.

Etiquette When Visiting Phố Đoàn Market

To show respect for local culture and contribute to the preservation of the market’s traditional values, visitors are advised to follow these guidelines:

– Refrain from touching goods without first seeking the seller’s permission.

– Avoid wearing revealing clothing to respect local customs.

– Bargain reasonably and avoid pushing for extremely low prices, especially for handcrafted items.

– Do not litter, and help maintain the market’s cleanliness.

Phố Đoàn Market is not just a commercial hub; it is a living museum of highland cultural heritage. The combination of breathtaking natural scenery, unique cuisine, and traditional trading methods creates an irresistible allure for visitors.

In the context of sustainable tourism development, preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of Phố Đoàn Market is a priority for local authorities and residents. This responsibility extends beyond the people of Lũng Niêm to the entire community, as we strive to conserve the ethnic cultural heritage of the region.

With its distinctive cultural charm and traditional trading atmosphere, Phố Đoàn Market is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience in the Pù Luông region.