Nga My, a commune that has faced myriad economic and social challenges, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. In recent years, thanks to the close attention of the Party and the State through effective ethnic policies, the lives of the ethnic minority people here have seen positive changes. Incomes have improved, the rural landscape has been enhanced, and Nga My market is a vivid testament to the region’s progress, becoming an important highlight in its sustainable development journey.
The market is held once a month, on the last Sunday, in Bay village, just about 1 km from the center of Nga My commune. This event is not just a trading festival but also an opportunity for the community to gather, connect, and share stories of everyday life, thereby strengthening solidarity and bonding. The uniqueness of this market lies in its timing and location, creating a distinctive feature of the Nga My market, transforming each session into a true cultural festival where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Nga My market, visitors will immediately notice a difference from the lowland markets. The space comes alive with a blend of colorful traditional costumes and multiple languages. It is a gathering place for many ethnic groups, each bringing their unique culture, forming a rich and harmonious whole. Notably, despite the bustling atmosphere, the market is not chaotic but filled with joyous laughter, peace, and excitement. This is a vivid testament to the cultural fusion full of identity, where differences are celebrated and intertwined.
Nga My market attracts not only with its atmosphere but also with the diversity and richness of the products on offer. It is a place where the local people bring down the products of their labor or what they have gathered from the fields and forests to trade and sell. The stalls are arranged scientifically, especially those introducing the vibrant cultural colors of the Thai ethnic group, who are the majority in the region.
Visitors can find countless unique products here, from fresh mountain-grown vegetables, fruits, and distinctive spices like dổi seeds and mắc khén seeds—the soul of highland cuisine—to fresh produce such as free-range chickens, ducks, fish, and delicious sausages, all carrying the strong flavors of the mountains. Interestingly, the way the highland people sell their goods is also unique: there is no haggling or bargaining, only sincerity and simplicity in each transaction, reflecting the gentle and honest nature of the local people.
In addition to agricultural products, the market also sells items closely associated with mountain life, such as fish scoops, knives, sickles, rattan chairs, and trays. All of these are handmade, showcasing the dexterity and sophistication of the local people’s labor. These items are not only useful but also cultural artifacts that help visitors understand the daily life of highland residents.
A trip to the Nga My market would be incomplete without tasting the delicious specialties of the Thai ethnic group. Right at the stalls in the market, visitors can sample attractive dishes such as ‘mọc’, ‘ột’, grilled fish, and grilled meat—distinctive flavors prepared from fresh and flavorful ingredients, embodying the essence of mountain cuisine. Enjoying these culinary delights is not just a sensory experience but also a way to explore the traditional food culture of the Thai people.
The Nga My market is not just about trading and culinary delights; it is also a space filled with music and dance. Another highlight of the market is that visitors and locals can join together in singing and dancing to folk songs that carry the cultural identity of the ethnic groups. The sound of gongs and drums blends with the cheerful laughter, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere that unites the community. The traditional dances and ancient songs performed at the market testify to the enduring vitality of ethnic culture, bridging the past and the present.
The Nga My market is not just an attractive destination for those who love to explore and experience the unique culture of the highland people, but it also actively contributes to the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of the beautiful traditional cultural values of the Thai ethnic community. Despite the constant changes and developments of modern life, the local people remain steadfast in preserving the distinctive features of the market, turning it into a living repository of culture.
The Nga My market is truly a must-visit destination, not just for its trading and exchanging of goods but also as a place of gathering and entertainment. More importantly, it is a place that preserves a diverse cultural treasure, including cuisine, costumes, and customs. Each market session offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local cultural space, understand the lives and souls of the highland people, and appreciate the true beauty of a land rich in traditions.
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