Located in District 5, Cho Sau Bo (Insect Market) is one of a kind. For almost three decades, it has been the primary food source for bird and fish hobbyists in Ho Chi Minh City.
As early as 6 am, the small courtyard next to Thuan Kieu Plaza (District 5) comes alive. Dozens of people gather around baskets, tubs, and polystyrene boxes filled with crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and other insects, as well as reptiles such as geckos, lizards, snakes, and scorpions. Buyers and sellers create a unique scene in this one-of-a-kind market dedicated to bird and fish enthusiasts in the city.
Although called a market, there are only about a dozen insect traders here. These “small business owners” are mostly insect hunters or buyers from outlying areas like Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, and Binh Chanh, as well as neighboring provinces such as Long An and Tay Ninh. They bring their catch by motorbike and sell it here. Retail customers can spend as little as VND2,000 to VND10,000 for a bunch of insects, while wholesale buyers often purchase in bulk, distributing them to smaller shops across the city. The market is busiest from 7 to 9 am when bird and fish keepers arrive after their morning coffee to buy food for their pets.
Initially, only a few people sold insects here, but over time, word spread among bird and fish enthusiasts, and the market grew busier. Most sellers here come from outlying districts like Hoc Mon and Binh Chanh and the Mekong Delta provinces.
Despite being a small, spontaneous market on the sidewalk, the prices here are fixed, and there is no haggling. Pre-packaged crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars cost VND5,000 per bag, while various worms are sold for around VND10,000 per small can.
What started as an insect-only market has evolved into a hub for bird enthusiasts to gather and exchange ideas. Visitors come not only to buy birds but also to socialize and share their bird-keeping experiences. Some traders have expanded their offerings to include bird cages, food, and accessories, making the market even more vibrant.
The Insect Market in Ho Chi Minh City not only provides additional income for rural workers but also serves as a popular meeting place for bird and fish lovers. Even city dwellers come here to reminisce about their distant rural homes. This market has become a gathering place for bird enthusiasts and traders, always filled with the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects.
A visit to this small insect market in the heart of Saigon takes one back to a peaceful corner of the countryside, filled with the sounds of birds and insects. Many come here not just to buy and sell but also to immerse themselves in this serene atmosphere, a respite from the bustling city life.
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