The morning mist still hangs in the air as the locals rise early to prepare their goods for the market. The primary mode of transportation is by horse, a familiar sight in these mountainous regions. As the market only operates in the morning, everyone tries to arrive early to set up their stalls and begin trading.
The market offers a diverse range of products, from agricultural produce such as corn, soybeans, vegetables, and forest fruits to livestock, including buffaloes, cattle, horses, pigs, and chickens. Additionally, essential items such as clothing, footwear, stationery, dried food, and farming tools are also available for barter or trade.
One of the most vibrant aspects of this market is the cattle section, where buyers and sellers gather in large numbers, creating a lively atmosphere unique to highland regions. You can also find food stalls selling dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), fried dough sticks, and corn wine, as well as kiosks offering hand-rolled cigarettes, knives, shovels, and traditional farming tools.
Before the renovation period, the market at Tong Cot was small and isolated. The goods on offer were limited to what the locals could produce themselves. The market lacked diversity, with mostly Nung ethnic minority groups in attendance.
However, with the country’s renovation and economic opening-up, Tong Cot market has undergone positive changes. The market space has been expanded, infrastructure improved, and the number of participants has increased significantly. The variety of goods has also increased, introducing new items such as children’s toys, candies, modern clothing, and improved farming tools. The traditional blacksmiths that once occupied the market have now been replaced by mass-produced goods.
The cultural exchange between different ethnic groups has also become more vibrant. Locals now have the opportunity to interact and trade with various ethnic minorities and visitors from lowland regions. This has led to changes in lifestyles, customs, and even clothing choices. Today, only a few elderly individuals don traditional ethnic attire, while most young people opt for modern clothing made from industrial fabrics, some of which are imported from China.
In terms of language, while the market once predominantly used ethnic languages, the common language is now more widely spoken, especially among the youth.
The residents of Tong Cot commune are mostly Nung people, with a significant presence of the Nung Giang subgroup in nearby villages such as Van An, Cai Vien, Thuong Thon, Ha Thon, Ma Ba, and Tong Cot. Traditional Nung Giang women typically wore indigo-dyed shirts with short, tight-fitting collars and sleeves, and a slit skirt. Nowadays, this attire is mostly worn by elderly women.
At the market, locals also sell various local specialties, including a unique dish called “chao mo,” which is deep-fried tofu served with a dipping sauce. This crispy, aromatic treat is a popular choice among visitors. The tofu is fried in a wok of boiling oil until it floats, achieving a golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It is then served hot with a side of dipping sauce.
From Tong Cot, visitors can explore other famous destinations in Cao Bang province, such as the Pac Bo National Special Relic Site (approximately 27km away) and the Mountain Eye (about 22km away). These attractions contribute to the region’s tourism appeal, offering a glimpse into the traditional cultural values of the local ethnic minority groups.
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