Along National Highway 32, amidst the bustling flow of modern city life, Cho Nu remains a captivating destination for shoppers. Nestled in Minh Bot, Minh Nong Ward, the market has preserved its rustic, simple, and traditional charm as a rural fair. It convenes on the 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 10th days of the lunar month, with the 3rd and 8th being the main fairs and the rest considered auxiliary or ‘xep’ fairs.
The exact origins of Cho Nu are unknown, but according to local elders, it has existed for as long as they can remember, passing through many generations. Initially located by the Hong River, under a banyan tree, near a well, and alongside moored boats, the market moved into the village during the war, finding shelter under green bamboo groves. In 1992, it officially settled in Minh Bot, Minh Nong Ward, spanning an area of nearly 5,000 square meters, and it has remained there ever since.
Cho Nu offers a diverse range of products, catering to the shopping needs of the local community. Its unique character lies in its agricultural produce—a testament to the hard work and resilience of its people. From food and consumer goods to clothing and household items, the market has it all. There’s a dedicated section for religious offerings and metal goods like knives and sickles, alongside woven bamboo products such as baskets, trays, and mats. Fresh seasonal vegetables and famous rural delicacies like ‘banh da’, ‘banh duc’, fried cakes, rice noodles, and sweet potato cakes are also available. Serving not just the residents of Minh Nong Ward and nearby areas but also attracting customers from neighboring districts, Cho Nu is a bustling hub of exchange and trade.
Ms. Ta Thi Thanh, a cake seller at the market, shared, “I’m from Thuy Van, Viet Tri, and I’ve been selling cakes here for 10 years. Every day, I wake up early to make the cakes before bringing them to the market to sell.” Under a few simple baskets and trays, she offers a variety of traditional cakes, including steamed glutinous rice cakes, rice rolls, sweet potato cakes, and more.
Cho Nu preserves traditional beauty with its rustic handicrafts, a rarity in modern city markets. Each main fair features approximately 300 stalls, mostly run by small traders from Cao Xa and Vinh Lai (Lam Thao) and Vinh Tuong (Vinh Phuc). They bring a variety of agricultural products, vegetables, tools, and essential daily items. In the past, the market spilled onto the highway, causing traffic safety concerns. However, local authorities have repeatedly intervened, improved, and upgraded the market, effectively eliminating highway encroachment. Currently, the Minh Nong Ward People’s Committee plans to upgrade the market to meet the shopping needs of the people, preserve the cultural values of Cho Nu, and promote local socio-economic development.
Despite the proliferation of supermarkets and the growth of online shopping, Cho Nu retains its unique appeal. Locals continue to flock to the market not just for their shopping needs but also to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of their hometown, right in the heart of Viet Tri city.
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