The Thut Market bears resemblance to the Khau Vai love market in Meo Vac, Ha Giang province. However, instead of being held frequently, this market only occurs once a year. Here, those who arrive early set up their stalls first, and everyone follows suit in an orderly fashion, without the usual pushing and shoving seen in regular markets. Visitors to the market do not haggle over prices because what they are buying is not just a product but also good fortune for the year ahead.
Thut Market attracts locals and tourists alike from various regions. It is not only a place for exchanging goods but also an opportunity to promote the unique products of the ethnic minorities. Especially, this market is an ideal place for young men and women to find love, hence its nickname, the Love Market.
When visiting the Thut Market, guests can enjoy folk dishes prepared by the locals themselves, such as goat cakes, cow horn cakes, and cassava cakes. Among these, goat cakes are the most popular. According to local beliefs, buying goat cakes at the love market brings good luck, especially in matters of the heart. For those still seeking their soulmates, purchasing a pair of these cakes is thought to increase the chances of finding “the one.” For married couples, the cakes symbolize prosperity and happiness for their families. Due to this significance, goat cakes are only sold at this unique market in Tuyen Quang; taking them elsewhere would diminish their spiritual value.
Artisans of the goat cakes share that these treats do not have any fillings and are made entirely from cassava flour—a familiar ingredient in highland cuisine. When kneading the dough, they mix boiling water and regular water to achieve the perfect elasticity, then add gac fruit for an attractive color. If a deeper shade is desired, they increase the amount of gac in the mixture.
The market features 22 stalls from different villages in the commune, offering a variety of specialty products such as sanh pomelos, dried bamboo shoots, fresh lemons, pomelo wine, and fresh produce. There are also stalls selling farming tools, clothing, and food and beverages, all produced by the local community.
What sets the Thut Market apart is its unique trading spirit: “buyers don’t haggle, sellers don’t overcharge.” People come here to “sell bad luck and buy good fortune,” so everyone tries to bring home something. It is believed that leaving the market empty-handed means missing out on blessings and good luck for the new year. Therefore, when the market closes, everyone carries a gift, a token of good wishes for their families.
This year, the Thut Market also organized several exciting folk games, including male and female volleyball tournaments, tug-of-war, blindfolded pig and duck catching, banana tree climbing, balance beam walking, pot smashing, and cone throwing. These activities added to the lively and festive atmosphere of the market.
With its diverse range of agricultural products and distinctive highland cultural features, the Thut Market in Phu Luu commune has become a popular destination, attracting thousands of visitors from inside and outside the province. The market not only promotes local products but also opens up opportunities for tourism development in Ham Yen district.
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