The Architectural Marvel: A Century-Old Marketplace in Hai Duong, a Living Testament to History and Local Pride.

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One of the most distinctive features of Com Market is the over-a-century-old brick house complex, a rare surviving example of traditional architecture amidst the wave of modernization in Vietnam’s rural areas. This complex was built during the time of Mr. Cai Nhâm, a well-respected local figure, who sponsored its construction using lime waste in a traditional architectural style. The walls, covered in moss and imbued with the patina of time, create an ancient ambiance and stand as a living testament to the market’s long history.

This brick house complex is not just a marketplace but also a witness to the region’s historical ups and downs, holding special architectural and cultural value.

The Rhythm of the Rural Market Days

Unlike modern markets that operate daily, Com Market retains the traditional bi-monthly market day characteristic, opening on the 2nd and 7th days of the lunar calendar each month. On these days, from the early morning hours, when dew still blankets the fields, the village roads buzz with people coming and going—buyers and sellers alike—creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere.

Especially noteworthy is the market day on the 27th of the twelfth lunar month, considered the last and busiest market day of the year. Locals and neighboring villagers flock to the market to shop for the upcoming Tet Holiday. The market is abuzz with the colors of Tet flowers such as chrysanthemums, roses, snapdragons, and Chinese peonies, painting a vibrant picture of spring.

The Tet Market at Com has a unique atmosphere. People come not only to shop but also to meet, greet, and exchange New Year’s wishes. It is an occasion to uphold the long-standing tradition of neighborhood camaraderie.

A Diverse Range of Traditional Goods

Although not a specialized or large-scale market, Com Market offers a comprehensive range of essential goods to meet the daily needs of the local population. From fresh produce harvested from home gardens to live livestock and handicrafts, as well as daily necessities, the market has it all.

Notably, traditional sweets and snacks such as “keo vo,” peanut brittle, and freshly fried doughnuts are always in high demand among shoppers. With their rich flavors characteristic of Northern Vietnam’s cuisine, these treats not only satisfy culinary cravings but also embody the culinary culture of the region, passed down through generations.

During the Tet season, Com Market also becomes a significant supplier of Tet flowers for the local community. The flower stalls, brimming with vibrant chrysanthemums, roses, snapdragons, and Chinese peonies, transform the market into a fragrant and colorful spring garden.

Preserving Traditional Values

Amid the rapid urbanization and modernization of Vietnam’s rural areas, preserving traditional markets like Com Market has become more crucial than ever. This responsibility falls not only on the local authorities but also on the shoulders of every community member committed to safeguarding and promoting the invaluable cultural heritage of their nation.

Com Market is intertwined with the history and collective memory of Tan Viet and Thanh Ha. Its conservation and valorization are significant not only economically but also culturally, as they contribute to preserving the region’s cultural identity.

In the current development landscape, Com Market faces challenges but also harbors opportunities. Striking a balance between preserving traditional values and fostering sustainable tourism could be a viable path forward, ensuring the market’s continued existence and prosperity in the years to come.

With its rich history and unique cultural attributes, Com Market deserves recognition and conservation as a precious cultural heritage site of Hai Duong Province and the Red River Delta. It is not merely a place of commerce but also a sanctuary for transmitting traditional cultural values from generation to generation, thereby preserving the ethnic identity in the relentless flow of time.