In Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province, there is a bustling yet informal market that draws visitors eager to experience a distinctive way of buying and selling. Known as the chợ chồm hổm, or “makeshift market,” this local marketplace stands out for its simplicity - there are no fixed kiosks or stalls. Instead, vendors sit on small stools or squat on the ground, carefully arranging their goods within a compact space of just two to four square meters.
The makeshift market in Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province, is a vibrant scene of neatly arranged slots, creating a colorful spectacle from above – Photo: Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa
Most of the sellers are local farmers who bring freshly harvested produce from their own fields. The market overflows with Mekong Delta specialties, including water lilies, spinach, water hyacinth, and longan. It operates in the early hours, opening at around 2 a.m. and closing by 10 a.m., offering a glimpse into the region’s traditional rural trade.
With its rustic charm and vibrant colors, the makeshift market has become a visual delight, especially when viewed from above. In 2024, readers of Saigon Tiep Thi, a sister magazine of The Weekly, selected it as one of the “Top 7 Destinations with Extravagant Aerial Views,” recognizing its striking layout and cultural significance.
By Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa