Geographical Location and Historical Background
This unique market spans an area of 2,000 square meters, nestled alongside small canals and lush fruit orchards. Designed to resemble a typical Southern Vietnamese village, the market features thatched-roof stalls, winding scenic bridges, and areas dedicated to traditional agricultural experiences. Its location on fertile alluvial soil provides a significant advantage for the development of agriculture-based tourism.
The market is the result of a collaborative initiative between the People’s Committee of Tan Thuan Dong Commune and My Phuoc Thanh Dong Thap Tourism Joint Stock Company. This partnership aimed to materialize the vision of developing eco-tourism and promoting local cultural heritage. Starting with just 20 stalls upon its launch on December 3, 2022, the market has expanded to 50 stalls by early 2025, offering diverse functional areas such as cuisine, handicrafts, experiential zones, and a performance stage.
Local Produce and Folk Culinary Delights
Tan Thuan Dong Country Market showcases the essence of Western Vietnam’s agricultural and culinary traditions. Among the array of agricultural products, the most prominent is the renowned Hoa Loc mango of Dong Thap province, sourced directly from GlobalGAP-certified orchards and sold at a price range of 25,000 to 35,000 VND per kilogram. Other popular choices include smooth-skinned pomelos, An Phuoc apricots, and delicate-skinned longans.
Nearly half of the market space is dedicated to folk cuisine, featuring delicacies such as Western-style pancakes (“banh xeo”), grilled snakehead fish (“ca loc nuong trui”), and tapioca pearl coconut milk dessert (“che khoai mi nuoc cot dua”). These dishes not only tantalize the taste buds but also adhere to strict food safety standards, thanks to the vigilant management of the market committee.
Beyond food, the market showcases handicrafts such as Tan Thoi sedge mats, Go Cong leaf hats, and water hyacinth handbags. These handcrafted items, made by local artisans, contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts while providing a stable source of income for the community.
Immerse Yourself in Cultural Experiences
The market goes beyond a mere trading place; it serves as a vibrant space for cultural exchange and exploration. Various activities foster a sense of connection between locals and visitors. Traditional cake-making classes, such as “banh it la gai” (glutinous rice cakes wrapped in gai tree leaves) and “banh bo thot not” (palm sugar sponge cakes), and the “bep que” (rural kitchen) area, where visitors can prepare traditional dishes themselves, have garnered special interest.
Every Saturday evening, the outdoor stage lights up with “don ca tai tu” performances—a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage art form. Melodies like “Da co hoai lang” and “Tu dai oan” are brought to life by artists from the Dong Thap Folk Arts Club, preserving the soul of Southern Vietnamese culture.
Tourism Linkages and Socio-Economic Impact
The market serves as an ideal stopover in a linked tour itinerary encompassing Sa Dec flower village, Lai Vung tangerine gardens, and riverside attractions along the Tien River. Many visitors opt to explore the market in the afternoon, relishing the cool breeze and the golden hour light filtering through the thatched roofs—a truly poetic experience.
In 2024, the market welcomed over 104,000 visitors, a 40% increase from 2023. The average monthly revenue reached 500 million VND, with the culinary zone contributing 70%. During the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, revenue soared to 1.2 billion VND per week, driven by the demand for specialty products and ready-made gift packages.
Beyond its economic role, the market provides employment opportunities for approximately 120 households living below or near the poverty line, with an average income of 4-5 million VND per person per month. This successful model is being replicated in three neighboring communes, creating a network of “inter-communal rural market tours” linked to 15 traditional craft villages.
Sustainability and Future Directions
A notable aspect of the market’s operations is its commitment to environmental protection. All traders use environmentally friendly materials such as banana leaves, newspaper, and biodegradable boxes instead of plastic bags. The presence of 20 waste-sorting bins throughout the market raises community awareness about waste management. Thanks to these efforts, in 2024, the market was recognized as a “Green Tourist Site” by the People’s Committee of Dong Thap province.
Looking ahead, the Tan Thuan Dong Country Market plans to expand river-based activities such as rowing and fishing, as well as organizing seasonal festivals like a mango festival and a firefly festival. Additionally, there are plans to develop a homestay system in the surrounding area to extend visitor stays and increase local spending.
Tips for Visitors
The golden hour, between 4 PM and 6 PM, is the ideal time to visit the market, as the setting sun bathes the surroundings in a warm, golden light. During the Lunar New Year holidays, it is advisable to arrive before 5 PM to avoid overcrowding and ensure a wider selection of specialty products.
When shopping, visitors should carry small denominations of cash as most stalls do not accept electronic payments. Gentle haggling is generally accepted, and you can expect a discount of around 10-15% on handicrafts. Additionally, the service counter sells thermal bags for 10,000 VND, which are handy for transporting food items.
The Tan Thuan Dong Country Market is a testament to the potential of sustainable community-based tourism, seamlessly blending culture, economy, and environmental preservation. It not only preserves the memories of a bygone rural era but also serves as a new destination for those eager to explore the charms of Western Vietnam.
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