From “Tram Bac” to “Tam Bac”: A Century-Long Historical Journey
Few people know that the name “Tam Bac” originated from the French-era variation of the word “Tram Bac”. Located by the historic Tam Bac River – formed during the Nguyen Dynasty, the market was officially established in the early 20th century and quickly became a crucial distribution hub for agricultural produce and garments in the Red River Delta region.
1972 marked a tragic year when the market was severely damaged during the American War. This event coined the nickname “Cho Do” (translated as “fallen market”) among locals, a name that has stuck with the market for over half a century.
According to long-time traders, the market has endured many hardships, but the spirit of commerce persevered. Each time it fell, the market rose again, better than before.
2002 marked a significant turning point when the market was reconstructed on a grand scale, housing 775 stalls within a two-story steel-framed structure. It became a first-class market directly managed by the city. However, fate dealt another blow when a massive fire ravaged 664 stalls on February 12, 2023, prompting a bold decision by the authorities: to relocate the entire market to a new location.
Instead of rebuilding on the old site, Hai Phong authorities decided to move Tam Bac Market to a new location: Lot L13.3-CCQ3 in So Dau Ward, Hong Bang District. This new strategic location is praised for its proximity to the district’s administrative center, the Hoang Thanh Wedding Center, and Metro Supermarket, benefiting both trade and tourism.
According to Hai Phong’s Department of Industry and Trade, the decision to relocate the market is part of the city’s vision to develop a modern urban plan. The old site of Tam Bac Market will be transformed into a multi-functional commercial and service complex, while ensuring the livelihood of traders by providing a larger and more convenient new market.
Spanning an area of 2.5 hectares, the new Tam Bac Market blends modern design with cultural heritage. The market space is scientifically divided into a fixed trading area and a vibrant night market, catering to both local residents and tourists.
A Diverse Shopping Experience and Delicious Cuisine
The new Tam Bac Market continues to offer three traditional groups of products: fabrics and garments (occupying 40% of the business area), agricultural produce and food (30%), and household items and souvenirs (30%). Notably, the fabric section boasts over 150 stalls offering a wide range of materials, from silk and coarse cloth to imported fabrics from South Korea and Thailand.
Fabric traders shared that since moving to the new market, they have not only retained their traditional customers but also expanded their product lines to include office wear and environmentally friendly fabrics to cater to the younger generation’s preferences.
In addition to the shopping area, the culinary delights of Tam Bac Market are a highlight for visitors, featuring signature dishes of Hai Phong. Banh Da Cua, the city’s culinary emblem, is a must-try. This dish combines chewy rice noodles with a broth made from freshwater crabs and is priced affordably at VND 25,000-30,000 per bowl.
Other delectable treats include Hai Phong’s unique red jellyfish salad, chicken stewed with Chinese herbal medicine, nem tai (a type of sausage), Thanh Tri rolls with a local twist of pork shoulder and wood ear mushrooms, and black bean dessert cooked with green mung beans, ginger, and rock sugar.
The dried seafood stalls, offering treats such as sun-dried squid and filleted mackerel, along with the famous Hai Phong version of spicy bread, also attract many visitors.
Shopping Tips and Ideal Visiting Times
For the best shopping experience at Tam Bac Market, visitors should take note of the ideal times: 5:00–7:00 AM is perfect for buying fresh seafood and newly arrived agricultural produce; 9:00–11:00 AM is suitable for browsing the garment section and bargaining for better prices due to fewer customers; and 2:00–5:00 PM is ideal for enjoying the culinary delights and purchasing souvenirs.
Regarding security, visitors are advised to keep their wallets in inner pockets and avoid carrying large sums of cash. It is essential to carefully examine goods before payment, especially when purchasing used electronics. The market also provides free personal lockers at the entrances for visitors to store large bags.
Future Vision and Development Orientation
Beyond mere reconstruction, Hai Phong city has ambitious plans to transform Tam Bac Market into a multi-functional commercial center. According to the People’s Committee of Hai Phong, the Tam Bac Market reconstruction project aims not only to preserve cultural values but also to boost the local economy. By 2026, the city expects Tam Bac Market to attract approximately 500,000 visitors annually, contributing to Hai Phong’s appeal as a prominent tourist and shopping destination in Northern Vietnam.
The new Tam Bac Market seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, serving not just as a shopping destination but also as a cultural crossroads. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the distinctive pace of life in the port city of Hai Phong. The market’s rebirth after the fire disaster is a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the people of Hai Phong. From the ashes, a modern, safe, and culturally rich marketplace has emerged, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the “commercial soul” of the region in this new era.
Despite its new form, Tam Bac Market retains the breath of history and the stories of generations of traders. It is not just a place of commerce but also a cultural hub and a symbol of the city’s resilience, always striving for progress.
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