A Heritage Site in the Heart of the Delta
Located in Thanh Cu village, Ngoc Thanh commune, Kim Dong district, Hung Yen province, Go Market sits on a high mound about 15km southeast of Hung Yen city center. This advantageous location used to be a bustling center of commerce with a “above the wharf, below the boat” system connecting the surrounding areas.
The name “Thanh Cu” signifies a “noble mound”, reflecting not only the geographical features but also the local people’s aspiration for a peaceful life. This unique location has created a market space unlike any other in the region.
According to folk proverbs: “Hung Yen has several large markets, but the most famous is Go Market, with its river, wharf, and bridge, attracting traders and buyers from all around”. These folk verses highlight the significance of Go Market in the traditional trade system of that time. The convenient structure, with boat wharves and bridges, facilitated easy access for merchants from different places.
The standout feature of Go Market is its preservation of traditional Northern architecture over time. The ancient brick houses with moss-covered tile roofs create a serene and tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling pace of life. Despite its historical ups and downs and no longer as bustling as before, Go Market retains its unique charm for those who appreciate traditional culture.
The time-worn brick walls and faded tile roofs have become the architectural hallmark of this market. It is not just a place for trade but also a cultural space, preserving the tangible and intangible values that are gradually disappearing in modern life.
Culinary Memories within the Market
Go Market is renowned not only for its unique architecture but also for its traditional dishes imbued with the flavors of the homeland. Among them, the signature dish is “chao ca” (fish porridge).
“Chao ca” (or “chao banh”) is made from fresh local fish such as rohu or walking catfish, combined with native rice and simple spices. The unique aspect is the cooking process, passed down through generations, preserving the traditional taste with natural sweetness and the fragrant aroma of spring onions and coriander. This dish is usually enjoyed with grilled rice crackers, creating a harmonious blend of the porridge’s sweetness and the crackers’ crunch.
In addition to “chao ca”, Go Market is also famous for “banh cuon cha” – thin rice noodles with minced pork filling, served with golden-brown grilled pork patties. The patties are made from fresh pork, grilled over charcoal, giving them a distinctive crispness and aroma that is hard to find elsewhere.
A popular snack among tourists is “banh da vung” – sesame rice crackers. These crackers are made from rice flour, coated with roasted sesame seeds, and baked to a crisp. Each cracker carries the unique flavor of Hung Yen province.
Present State and Conservation Efforts
Today, Go Market is considered an intangible cultural heritage site, attracting tourists who want to experience a traditional country market. However, like many other cultural heritages, Go Market faces the threat of fading away due to urbanization and changing shopping habits.
Tourist activities at Go Market focus on introducing visitors to the ancient architecture, experiencing the morning market, and savoring local delicacies. Tourists can explore the old brick houses with moss-covered tile roofs and immerse themselves in the peaceful market atmosphere. The market is busiest in the early morning, especially during the Tet Holiday season.
A special experience for tourists is listening to local people recount stories of the market’s golden age, when boats crowded the river wharf. Some families even organize activities for tourists to experience cooking “chao ca”, allowing them to prepare the ingredients and cook this specialty themselves.
The ancient market scene, bathed in the morning light, and the rustic market stalls also create an ideal backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Photos taken at Go Market often evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance, capturing a time not too distant but seemingly buried deep in memory.
Tips for Visiting Go Market
For a complete experience at Go Market, tourists should keep in mind the following:
Regarding the best time to visit, early mornings (from 5 am to 7 am) are when the market is most vibrant, offering an authentic glimpse into a traditional country market. Tet Holiday is also an ideal time to visit, as the market buzzes with special holiday treats like traditional cakes and New Year candies.
When shopping at the market, tourists can expect a friendly bargain from the vendors. They are often willing to offer discounts for bulk purchases. For specialties like “chao ca”, it is best enjoyed fresh on the spot, while “banh da vung” and grilled pork patties can be bought as gifts, priced at 20,000 to 50,000 VND per bag.
For safety, tourists should avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable jewelry when visiting the market. Additionally, maintaining general hygiene and refraining from littering are ways to contribute to the preservation of this cultural space.
Go Market preserves tangible values, such as ancient architecture, and intangible values, such as cuisine and customs, of the people in the Red River Delta. It awaits visitors who cherish traditional culture, who are willing to listen to stories of a bygone era, and who will help write a new chapter in the history of this ancient market in the heart of the Northern Delta.
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