The Biggest Market in Binh Phuoc Province, Always Bustling Thanks to Its Prime Location

The market welcomes thousands of visitors daily, with a significant surge during holidays and festive seasons. Mornings are particularly bustling, as traders from other provinces flock to procure agricultural produce.

Spanning a vast area, Chon Thanh Market is meticulously organized into specialized sections: fresh produce on the inside, with consumer goods, handicrafts, and a food court on the outer periphery. The well-arranged, sturdy rows of stalls facilitate a seamless shopping experience for both buyers and sellers.

A Historical Landmark Tied to the Frontier Region

The history of Chon Thanh Market is intertwined with the formation and development of this frontier region. Since the 19th century, under the Nguyen Dynasty, this area belonged to Bien Hoa province, later becoming part of Thu Dau Mot during the French colonial period. In 1956, under the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, Binh Long province was established, and in 1964, Chon Thanh district officially came into existence.

During the anti-American resistance war, Chon Thanh served as a crucial military base, witnessing fierce battles. Back then, the market consisted of makeshift stalls that had to be relocated frequently due to the war. After 1975, with the region’s development, the market gradually expanded and transformed into the vibrant hub it is today.

Urbanization and population growth prompted the need for infrastructure upgrades. From its humble beginnings, Chon Thanh Market has evolved into a bustling commercial center, catering to the growing needs of locals and tourists alike.

Signature Delicacies from the Fertile Land

Stepping into Chon Thanh Market, visitors are overwhelmed by the diverse array of goods, especially agricultural products unique to the fertile basalt soil of Binh Phuoc.

The most prominent product is cashew nuts, which have earned Binh Phuoc the title of the country’s “cashew capital.” In the market, one can find an assortment of cashew products: raw cashews, salted roasted cashews, and processed items like cashew candy and cakes.

Binh Phuoc cashews are renowned for their large size, thick kernels, and sweet, buttery taste. This delicacy is a favored choice for gifts, especially among tourists from metropolitan areas.

In addition to cashews, the market showcases other distinctive agricultural produce, such as robusta coffee from the neighboring districts of Bu Dang and Dong Phu; tropical fruits like mangosteen, durian, and rambutan, available seasonally and renowned for their freshness.

The forestry products section captivates visitors with its unique offerings, including pure forest honey, “mít tố nữ” (a type of termite mushroom that grows seasonally in Binh Phuoc’s forests), and an array of products crafted from locally abundant rubber wood.

Cuisine Reflecting the Cultural Essence of Eastern South Vietnam

The food court at Chon Thanh Market is a must-visit destination for tourists. Here, the distinctive culinary culture of the people of Eastern South Vietnam is showcased through simple yet delectable dishes.

“Ve sầu sữa chiên,” a unique dish made from milk-fed cicadas, deep-fried with special spices, piques the curiosity of many visitors. These cicadas are caught during a specific season, then processed and marinated with spices before frying. This crispy treat is typically enjoyed with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, believed to be highly nutritious.

Another specialty is “heo thả rông” (free-range pork), renowned for its firm texture and delectable flavor. From this superior pork, dishes like roasted and salt-and-chili-rubbed pork are crafted.

“Bánh canh bột gạo,” a rice noodle soup with tender noodles and a broth made from pork bones, served with shredded pork and fried shallots, is another favorite. The food court also offers familiar yet irresistible dishes like “bún riêu” (a tomato-based vermicelli soup), “hủ tiếu Nam Vang” (a Cambodian-influenced rice noodle soup), and “chè đậu đen” (black bean sweet soup).

Shopping Tips for Visitors

For a complete shopping experience at Chon Thanh Market, visitors should keep the following in mind:

– Ideal Time: Arrive early in the morning (5:00–7:00 AM) to procure the freshest agricultural produce. Handicrafts and specialties are sold throughout the day, but better deals can be found in the afternoon as sellers aim to clear their stock.

– Price Negotiation Tips: For agricultural produce, prices are usually fixed, but for bulk purchases (5 kg or more), you may request a 10–15% discount. When buying handicrafts, compare prices at 2–3 stalls before making a decision.

– Safety Precautions: Avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable jewelry when visiting the market. Carefully inspect the quality of goods, especially dried products like bamboo shoots and mushrooms.

Familiarize yourself with local specialties before shopping to avoid confusion. Bring your own cloth bag to be environmentally friendly and facilitate easier movement within the market.

Challenges and Sustainable Development Orientation

Despite its vast potential, Chon Thanh Market faces challenges in its development journey. Inadequate infrastructure is a pressing issue: the parking area is limited, and the drainage system needs improvement, especially during the rainy season. Additionally, environmental concerns related to waste disposal from food stalls require attention to enhance the overall visitor experience.

To transform Chon Thanh Market into an appealing tourist destination, a comprehensive strategy is necessary, encompassing infrastructure upgrades and the preservation of local cultural values.

Recognizing these challenges, local authorities have proposed practical solutions. Infrastructure development takes center stage, including plans for a spacious parking lot, improved lighting, and English-language signage to better serve international visitors.

Simultaneously, cultural events like the revival of the Binh Phuoc Ethnic Cultural Festival within the market premises are being organized. This initiative not only promotes the image of Chon Thanh Market but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of local traditional values.

Notably, there is a strong focus on equipping traders with tourism skills. Short-term courses on communicating with foreign visitors and marketing local products are being conducted to enhance service quality and create a positive impression on tourists.