Promoting the value of the market

About 15km from the center of Tua Chua town, Xa Nhe market, Xa Nhe commune is held every 6 days on the day of the Rooster and the day of the Cat according to the Can Chi calendar. At the market, people of Mong, Dao, Thai, Phu La ethnic groups... from the communes of Xa Nhe, Muong Dun, Tua Thang, Muong Bang and some other areas come to buy, sell, exchange goods, exchange and visit. The market is held from early morning to late afternoon, the goods people bring to the market are mainly agricultural products, food, production tools... Not only do people bring goods to sell, but they also bring with them the beauty and uniqueness of their ethnic group. Those are ethnic costumes that are delicately hand-embroidered.

Ms. Hang Thi Ly, a resident of Xa Nhe commune, said: “On market day, no matter who, rich or poor, everyone tries to be present as a promise. Those who are well-off will ride motorbikes, those who are poor will walk to the market, regardless of distance.”

Mong and Dao ethnic women in colorful dresses walk in groups with baskets of goods, some carrying children, some carrying products to the market. The market is not only a place to exchange and buy and sell goods but also a place to exchange, express feelings, and participate in cultural activities. The market has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the highland people, as the locals say: "Going to the market."

Not having a long tradition like Xa Nhe market, but with its unique features, Tua Chua town night market (opened in October 2022 and taking place from Saturday evening to Sunday every week) is attracting a large number of tourists from near and far when coming to Tua Chua district. Located right in the center of Tua Chua town - where urbanization and modernization are developing strongly with convenience stores gradually replacing traditional markets, the town market still retains many traditional identities. Ta Sin Thang market is located in the center of 5 northern communes: Sin Chai, Ta Sin Thang, Lao Xa Phinh, Trung Thu, Sinh Phinh, is a lively and bustling image of the mountains and forests.

Coming to Tua Chua market, visitors will experience a cultural space full of community - a beauty of the highlands. The market is a place to exchange and buy goods; a place for meeting, playing and living of the local people; also a place to preserve the unique culinary culture, costumes... Besides the agricultural stalls, Tua Chua market has a unique highlight with art performances, folk games, and ethnic dishes.

People look and buy goods at Xa Nhe market.

With many unique cultural and spiritual features and tourism development potential, in recent years Tua Chua district has been gradually developing the market into a local tourism product.

Mr. Dang Tien Cong, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Tua Chua district, said: The market in the district, especially the Tua Chua night market, is a typical product of the district. Currently, the Tua Chua night market is the only tourism product exploiting the night market model in the province. After one year of opening, the number of visitors to the market has increased every week, proving the great appeal of the Tua Chua night market to tourists. It has become a destination, connecting with tours when visiting Tua Chua in particular and Dien Bien in general. On average, at the Tua Chua night market, each session attracts from 3,000 to 4,000 people; the Xa Nhe market and the Ta Sin Thang market attract over 1,000 people/session.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Cuc, from Hanoi, shared: I work in the tourism industry and have been to many night markets in different cultural regions. This is the first time I have come to Tua Chua. I am very impressed with the market selling agricultural products close to daily life, and the people are friendly and simple. What surprised me more is that some ethnic people here use technology to do business, sell goods and promote the cultural image of ethnic minorities in the area.

Tua Chua district strives to become one of the attractive tourist centers of Dien Bien province and the Northwest region by 2030; attracting over 40,000 tourists, of which about 10% are international visitors. Revenue from tourism and tourism support services accounts for an important proportion of the total budget revenue in the area. Through tourism development, direct and indirect jobs are created for over 3,000 workers. To achieve the set goals, along with promoting the value of historical and cultural relics, caves, etc., Tua Chua district focuses on promoting fairs; gradually connecting with travel agencies to bring tours to Tua Chua fair associated with tourist attractions in the district.

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