Timeline and Development History
According to the oral history of the local Tay people, Coc Ly market – which means “Mận Root” in the local language – has existed since the 19th century. Initially, the market was held in Coc Sam village, but in the 1990s, it was relocated to its current location for more convenient trade between neighboring communes such as Nam Mon and Ta Thang.
From a small market serving only the basic exchange needs of the local people, Coc Ly has developed into a diverse cultural center. Notably, the arrival of international tourists since 2010 has boosted the preservation of traditional crafts such as linen weaving and indigo dyeing, contributing to the preservation of the highland cultural identity.
Geographical Location and Natural Landscape
Coc Ly market is located by the Chay River in a breathtaking natural valley. The road leading to the market winds through terraced fields and sa mộc forests, creating a majestic and attractive scene for visitors before they even reach the market area.
The market space is naturally divided into specialized areas: the east side is for agricultural products and herbs, the center is for cuisine, while the west side focuses on livestock and handicrafts. Notably, the buffalo market – which used to occupy up to 40% of the market area – has been separated to an area 500 meters away to ensure environmental hygiene, reflecting the market’s adaptation to sustainable development needs.
Surrounding the market is a diverse ecosystem with ancient nghiến forests, including a prominent nghiến heritage tree with a trunk diameter of up to 3.1 meters. The Chay River flowing through the area not only creates a romantic landscape but also provides alluvium for the Shan snow tea gardens and corn fields – the main ingredients for local specialties.
Highland Delicacies and Handicrafts
Coc Ly market is famous for its unique highland specialties. Visitors can find forest honey made from azalea and wild coffee flowers, characterized by its amber color thanks to bees collecting nectar at an altitude of 1,200-1,500 meters. Mushrooms and wood ears are harvested from the primary forest, naturally sun-dried on bamboo racks, retaining the distinctive flavor of the mountains.
Especially, Séng Cù glutinous rice is an indigenous rice variety that can only be cultivated at altitudes above 800 meters, with sticky and fragrant grains, and high nutritional value.
The textile area is a must-visit spot, featuring indigo-dyed linen fabrics of the Mong Hoa people, entirely hand-woven on wooden looms. Each meter of fabric takes 3-4 days to complete, as evident in the spiral patterns symbolizing eternity. The Dao Den people’s silver jewelry, especially the intricately carved dragon and phoenix necklaces, are crafted using traditional copper casting techniques, making valuable souvenirs for visitors to take home.
Colorful Ethnic Cuisine
The cuisine at Coc Ly market offers a journey of taste discovery with many delicious traditional dishes. Thang Co – a stew made from 12 parts of a horse or cow – is prepared in a large copper pot, seasoned with 20 types of forest spices such as mac khen and thảo quả, resulting in a rich and unique flavor.
Xoi ngu sac (five-colored sticky rice) is naturally colored with black rice leaves, turmeric, and gac, usually served with roasted sesame salt, making it a visually appealing and nutritious dish.
Visitors can also enjoy Men la corn wine, brewed in dry gourds with yeast made from 36 types of herbs, imparting a distinctive spicy flavor not found elsewhere. Along the market path, stalls sell steamed rolls with forest banana leaf wrappers, filled with meat from free-range pigs of the Mường Hum breed, irresistible to those who appreciate delicious food.
Notably, the cháo ấu tẩu (a type of toxic plant) porridge, prepared by soaking the toxic plant in rice water for seven days, is considered a tonic and reflects the folk wisdom in safely processing natural ingredients.
Gold Teeth Service – A Unique Cultural Practice
One of the unique experiences at Coc Ly market is the gold teeth service, an age-old custom of the highland ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam, symbolizing wealth, power, and charm in the local culture.
In this special “dental clinic” within the market, visitors can observe or directly experience this custom. The gold used for the teeth is not pure gold but a gold alloy, reasonably priced at about 60-70 thousand VND per tooth.
The gold teeth artisans use gold alloy tooth molds (shaped like peanut shells), grind and shape them, and then attach them to the real teeth using specialized adhesive. This process requires tooth grinding techniques to ensure a perfect fit, resulting in sturdy gold teeth that can withstand chewing and last for a long time, with some people keeping them for up to 40 years.
This service attracts young men and women in the market, adding charm and a bright smile to the lively market atmosphere. Besides aesthetics, it offers an opportunity to learn about the customs, historical stories, and cultural significance of the gold teeth tradition in Northwest Vietnam.
Interactive Cultural Experiences
Coc Ly market offers more than just shopping and culinary delights; it provides unique interactive cultural experiences. Visitors can participate in short cooking classes taught by Dao mothers, learning to prepare fish grilled in bamboo tubes marinated with forest ginger and mac mat.
In the evening, visitors have the opportunity to witness the Tay people’s ritual of worshipping the forest god, featuring a spiritual ceremony with wooden pơmu masks, expressing the intimate relationship between humans and nature among the ethnic minority groups.
From the market, visitors can explore the surrounding areas with many attractive destinations. A 7-kilometer bamboo rafting trip along the Chay River allows visitors to admire natural waterfalls and karst caves, immersing themselves in the pristine beauty of nature.
A must-visit site is the Coc Sam nghiến forest, home to 231 ancient nghiến trees recognized as national natural heritage, offering a unique experience in the primary forest with centuries-old giant trees.
Shopping Tips and Cultural Etiquette
When visiting Coc Ly market, it is essential to keep in mind some negotiation tips and cultural etiquette. Locals usually set prices 20-30% higher for tourists. To get a better deal, it is advisable to invite the seller to try the product (such as honey) before bargaining. Importantly, do not touch any items before purchasing, especially spiritual objects like amulets.
When taking photographs with the locals, kindly ask for their permission, and refrain from filming religious ceremonies to respect the local culture. It is recommended to dress modestly and avoid wearing clothes that expose the shoulders when visiting the buffalo market area, considered a sacred space for local men.
Ideal Time to Visit: According to locals’ advice, it is best to arrive at the market between 6 and 8 am to witness the lively scene of locals bringing their goods to the market on horseback. September and October are considered the most favorable months to visit Coc Ly market, as it is the season for harvesting mushrooms and wood ears, offering the opportunity to buy the freshest produce.
Coc Ly market is more than just a trading place. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity has created a sustainable development model where tourism serves as a bridge to preserve the unique cultural values of the ethnic minority groups in Northwest Vietnam. By visiting Coc Ly market, tourists not only observe but also become a part of this vibrant cultural space, taking home unforgettable experiences of a culturally diverse and ethnically rich Vietnam.
