The main market takes place on odd-numbered dates each month and is a bustling hub of traders, drawing people from far and wide to buy, sell, and exchange news and stories. The market has long been a center for activities such as chess, wrestling, and rituals, creating lasting memories for the local community.
Cho Soc, a two-story market built adjacent to the main road, offers a wide range of products rarely found elsewhere, from silk to livestock and seeds. Even though it officially opens for trade only six times a month, it remains a popular gathering place for people to socialize, participate in traditional activities, and engage in cultural exchanges.
Despite being located outside the center of Kien Xuong district, Cho Soc is considered one of the largest local markets. With an area of over 8,000 square meters and more than 300 fixed business households, the market is not just a bustling commercial center but also a vital cultural hub, fostering community bonds between Vu Quy commune and its neighboring areas.
Beyond its role as a trading center, Cho Soc holds a significant place in the revolutionary history of Vu Quy commune. Thanks to the attention and investment from local authorities, the market’s infrastructure has been continuously upgraded to ensure its long-term development while preserving its traditional values.
Cho Soc is renowned not only for its diverse range of goods but also for its traditional cuisine and fresh produce, including meat and vegetables sold in separate, hygienic sections. The food stalls, with their delicious offerings of fried cakes, rice crackers, and steamed rice cakes, are especially popular among visitors who crave the authentic, rustic flavors.
One of Cho Soc’s unique features is the presence of stalls specializing in traditional handicrafts such as knives, sickles, hoes, shovels, conical hats, baskets, and various woven items. These meticulously crafted products are either made by local artisans or sourced from famous craft villages in the province. Mr. Tran Van Thanh, a long-time seller of straw mats, shares, “I not only sell these mats but also aim to serve the needs of the community, providing them with essential items when they visit Cho Soc. Moreover, the straw mats of Quynh Phu are famous for their quality and craftsmanship, which is why I have continued selling them for over a decade.”
As the community’s lifestyle evolved, the hobby of growing and collecting ornamental plants and flowers gained popularity, leading to the addition of plant stalls in Cho Soc. To support this growing trend, the Vu Quy commune authorities designated a separate area next to the market specifically for the plant stalls. Today, this plant market operates regularly, offering a diverse range of bonsai and ornamental flowers, especially during the Tet holiday, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
A visit to Cho Soc offers a glimpse into the rustic charm of a northern Vietnamese market, where one can immerse themselves in the local culture, indulge in traditional delicacies, and explore unique handicrafts.
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