Travel

Unveiling Tay Ninh’s Oldest Market: A 72-Year Legacy of Unique Architecture and Culinary Delights

Step into a vibrant, sensory explosion and discover the beating heart of the Cao Dai religion. Long Hoa Market, steeped in provincial history, offers a unique shopping experience, brimming with local specialties and a lively festival atmosphere. Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and tantalizing aromas, as you explore this market, a source of immense pride for the Cao Dai community. Prepare to be enchanted and captivated by the lively buzz of Long Hoa Market, a true reflection of the province's vibrant soul.

Administrator

2 December, 2024

An Introduction to Long Hoa Market, Tay Ninh

Long Hoa Market boasts four fronts, all located on Huynh Thanh Mung Street, in Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh City. From here, visitors can quickly reach nearby attractions such as Hoa Thanh Park, 800 meters away, the Tay Ninh Holy See, 2.7 km away, Thien Lam Go Ken Pagoda, 3.9 km away, Ba Den Mountain, 12.7 km away, and Dau Tieng Lake, 24.5 km away.

On the 12th day of the Nhâm Thìn month, corresponding to December 28, 1952, in the Gregorian calendar, due to a significant increase in the number of Cao Dai followers migrating from various provinces to the Cao Dai Holy Land to settle, Pham Cong Tac, the Pope’s Chief of Staff, took the initiative to commence the construction of Long Hoa Market. He based the design and location on his own drawings, with the primary purpose of providing a convenient trading place for Cao Dai followers. This groundbreaking event not only marked the necessity for commercial space but also symbolized unity and prosperity within the Cao Dai community.

The Market’s Unique Architecture

Long Hoa Market is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a square land lot with a cruciform covered market hall. It is surrounded by eight gates leading to eight paths, each representing a profound meaning: ‘Thai Cuc sanh Luong Nghi (Yin and Yang), Yin and Yang sanh Tu Tuong, Tu Tuong sanh Bat Quai, and Bat Quai sanh Ra Can Khon Vu Tru, van linh.’ These gates and their directions are as follows:

– Gate 1 of Long Hoa Market faces north, leading to the Tay Ninh Holy See.

– Gate 3 is west-facing and leads to Tu Lam Temple, Go Ken Pagoda, and the Tay Ninh River.

– Gate 5 faces south and leads to Ho Chi Minh City.

– Gate 7 faces east and leads to Tri Hue Cung, a structure managed by the Tay Ninh Holy See.

The name ‘Long Hoa’ refers to the opening of the Long Hoa Assembly, presided over by Di Lac Vuong, the final examination in the Ha Nguon period to appoint Buddhist positions.

Long Hoa Market’s Cuisine

As the market primarily serves Tay Ninh Cao Dai followers, it offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, and every month, for ten days, it exclusively sells vegetarian food according to the Cao Dai faith. Long Hoa Market’s vegetarian specialties are diverse and abundant. While it initially specialized in vegetarian dishes to cater to Cao Dai followers, it now offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Long Hoa Market offers a comprehensive range of food items, from vegetarian to non-vegetarian options.

The trading area of the Long Hoa Market in Hoa Thanh, Tay Ninh, is divided into different trading sections corresponding to each gate:

Gate 1: The outer area features gold, silver, and jewelry shops, while the inner section offers household items.

Gate 2: Outside are stalls selling bánh canh, hủ tiếu, and vegetarian dishes, while the inner section offers vegetables and fruits.

Gate 3: The outer area sells bánh tráng and salted chili, while the inner section offers groceries and worship items.

Gate 4: The outer section features electrical appliances and household items, while the inner part sells meat, seafoodsection offers flowers and ornamental plants, and the inner part sells dried and canned goods.

Gate 6: Dried and canned goods are sold in the outer area, while the inner section offers fresh flowers and fruits.

Gate 7: The outer area offers ironware and pipes, and the inner section provides spices and food ingredients.

Gate 8: Fashionable clothing is sold in the outer area, while the inner section features a vibrant food scene.

Long Hoa Market is not only the bustling center of Tay Ninh but also a familiar destination for traders from all over. On regular days, it is where locals shop for daily necessities. However, on weekends and major holidays, such as the full moon of the first and eighth lunar months or the Yến Diêu Trì Cung Festival, the market buzzes with even more activity. Traders flock here to procure famous specialties like bánh tráng (rice paper), salted shrimp, bean curd, and more. These delicacies have become synonymous with Tay Ninh, beloved by near and far visitors alike.

Despite undergoing multiple renovations, Long Hoa Market has retained its traditional charm amidstsection offers flowers and ornamental plants, and the inner part sells dried and canned goods.

Gate 7: The outer area offers ironware and pipes, and the inner section provides spices and food ingredients.

Gate 8: Fashionable clothing is sold in the outer area, while the inner section features a vibrant food scene and dining options.

Long Hoa Market is not only the bustling center of Tay Ninh but also a familiar destination for traders from all over. On regular days, it is where locals shop for daily essentials. However, on weekends and major holidays, such as the full moon of the first and eighth lunar months or the Yến Diêu Trì Cung Festival, the market buzzes with even more activity. Traders flock here to procure famous specialties like bánh tráng (rice paper), salted shrimp, bean curd, and more. These delicacies have become synonymous with Tay Ninh, beloved by near and far visitors alike.

Despite undergoing multiple renovations, Long Hoa Market has retained its traditional charm and unique character. Amidst the modern stalls, you’ll still find traditional corners brimming with vibrant fruits and fragrant baked goods. More than just a place of commerce, Long Hoa Market is a cultural hub and an ideal destination for visitors seeking to explore and experience the local lifestyle of Tay Ninh.