
During the summer, the seafood selection at Giao Hai Market is abundant and diverse, offering a variety of options such as squid, shrimp, crab, shrimp, sole, stingray, mackerel, silver bream, and more. The short operating time of the fishing boats, which is usually around 10 to 12 hours, ensures that the seafood arrives fresh and doesn’t require ice to maintain its quality. This also makes it easier to consume and guarantees high standards.
The market takes place twice a day: in the morning from 5 am to 7 am and in the afternoon from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Prices vary depending on the tide, and purchasing in bulk can lead to better deals. For instance, certain types of fish are priced as low as 20,000 – 35,000 VND/kg.
At the market, seafood is clearly categorized based on quality. Shrimp, crab, and shrimp are divided into three grades: “first water” indicates larger, meatier specimens with eggs (brick-colored); “second water” refers to smaller ones with less meat; and “third water” includes dead specimens, regardless of size. This grading system results in price variations for each type of seafood.
For instance, the “first water” shrimp is priced at 110,000 – 120,000 VND/kg, the “second water” ranges from 80,000 – 90,000 VND/kg, while the “third water” is approximately 40,000 – 50,000 VND/kg. Mackerel of the “first water” grade is sold for 25,000 – 30,000 VND/kg, while the “second water” variety falls between 15,000 – 20,000 VND/kg. Silver bream, specifically the “first water” grade (larger and greener) is often purchased by traders at 40,000 VND/kg, while the “second water” and “third water” grades are priced at 30,000 – 35,000 VND/kg.
The Giao Hai Fish Market was established to serve as a hub for the sale of seafood caught by fishermen from Giao Thuy district and its surrounding areas. Except for days when the sea is rough, the market operates twice a day, in the morning from 4:30 am to 6:30 am and in the afternoon from 1 pm to 3 pm, coinciding with the arrival of fishing boats at the harbor.
The market is always bustling with buyers and sellers, and the constant stream of boats docking brings an abundance of fresh seafood. Smaller boats tend to pull up close to the shore, while larger vessels anchor in calmer waters and use smaller boats or pontoons to transport their catch ashore.
One unique aspect of the Giao Hai Fish Market is the absence of fixed stalls or designated selling areas. Transactions take place directly on the sandy beach, creating a vibrant trading atmosphere. Many traders wait even before the boats arrive, and some even wade out to the pontoons to select their goods in advance. As soon as the seafood is brought ashore, buyers inspect, measure, and bargain to get the best deals.
The buying and selling process is conducted with great urgency, as everyone aims to secure the freshest produce before it is transported to other markets. Shrimp, fish, crab, shrimp, and squid are quickly snapped up, measured, and placed in ice-filled containers for further distribution.
Twice a day, the Giao Hai Fish Market buzzes with activity as buyers and sellers converge, and boats loaded with seafood continuously dock. Since its establishment, the market has not only served as a seafood trading hub but also provided stable employment for hundreds of local residents.
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