The Ultimate Guide to Quảng Nam’s “Chợ Năm Ngàn”: A Treasure Trove of Forest Delicacies at Unbelievable Prices

The unique “Five Thousand Market” in Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province, has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Initially starting as an evening market at 5 pm, the market’s opening hours were shifted to 7:30 am to cater to the growing demand for trade in the area. The market is predominantly run by local ethnic Co Tu women, who bring a variety of homegrown produce and handcrafted items to sell.

Traditionally, the Co Tu people were not accustomed to trading, but over time, they learned from the Kinh (Atut) people and started bringing their self-made products to the market to support their household income. The women of the Co Tu community offer a range of fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, and other specialty products that attract customers from the plains, ensuring a steady flow of visitors to the market.

The market stands out for its honest pricing and unique selling approach, with all items priced at a flat rate of 5,000 VND and no bargaining involved. This straightforward transaction style has become a trademark of the market and contributes to its charm.

As the market gained popularity, the range of products expanded beyond just vegetables and fruits to include high-value items such as honey, Ba Kich liquor, Ta Vat liquor, brocade, and rattan backpacks, with prices reaching up to hundreds of thousands of dong. This provided a significant boost to the locals’ income.

The produce sold at the market is all-natural and free from chemicals, ensuring the highest quality and safety for consumers. The traditional farming methods employed by the ethnic community have played a crucial role in building trust with customers.

Recognizing the importance of this market to the community, the Tay Giang district authorities constructed a more permanent structure, covering an area of nearly 200 square meters, with a roof and iron columns, at a cost of 150 million VND. This new infrastructure provides much-needed shelter during inclement weather, making trading more comfortable for the vendors.

The new market not only serves the people of A Tieng commune but also attracts sellers from neighboring communes such as Anong, Lang, Bhale, the distant border communes of Tr’hy and Avong. By exempting all taxes related to trading activities, the local government encourages participation and supports the vendors’ livelihoods.

Today, the “Five Thousand Market” is more than just a trading hub; it has become a tourist destination in its own right, offering visitors a unique insight into the local culture and a chance to purchase authentic ethnic products. The local authorities plan to replicate this successful model in other communes, empowering more people to market their specialty products and increase their income.

The establishment of this market has brought about a significant shift in the mindset of the Co Tu people. Moving away from solely relying on shifting cultivation, they have embraced trading as a stable source of income. Additionally, the market has positively impacted the development of tourism and ancillary services, establishing a distinct identity for Tay Giang.

With its cultural significance and unique offerings, the “Five Thousand Market” has become a symbol of progress and sustainable development for the Co Tu community in the highlands of Tay Giang, going beyond a mere marketplace.