Ethnic market in Pho Cao offers a glimpse into highland culture

Pho Cao market opens early and usually wraps up by noon. It is held every six days, with the day shifting back by one each week.

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Pho Cao is a border commune home to ethnic groups such as the H’Mong, Hoa, Pu Peo, Kinh, Tay, Nung, and Giay.

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Locals say the market day follows the zodiac signs with horns, Ox and Goat, so the shift is merely a coincidence on the solar calendar.

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Unlike Pho Cao, Lung Phin market in Dong Van also follows a six-day cycle but is held on zodiac days of forest-dwelling animals -Tiger and Monkey.

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Pho Cao market sits in the centre of Pho Cao commune, nestled in a narrow, elongated valley.

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The market is a popular marketplace for residents not only in Pho Cao but also those from nearby communes like Van Chai, Lung Thau, and Sung La.

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Highland markets are vibrant snapshots of local life and culture, especially in their food offerings.

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From five-coloured sticky rice (Xôi ngũ sắc), stew made from horse meat and offal (Thắng cố), and sour noodles (Phở chua) to brocade, herbs, handbags, and watches, everything can be found at Pho Cao market.

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The most abundant goods here are ethnic costumes worn by local communities.

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The market is a place for ethnic minorities to trade and exchange goods.

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Some of the most eye-catching stalls feature traditional outfits and jewelry.

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It’s also a meeting place where young men and women date and locals come for cultural exchange.

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Aside from shopping, visitors can find nearly any service they need, including traditional cloth shoe repair, as shown in this photo.

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Pho Cao market is seen as an appealing destination for travelers who enjoy discovering local heritage.

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More than a trading hub, the market is also a cultural gathering space for ethnic communities on the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

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The food court is divided into areas for women and children, offering treats like rice noodles served with different kinds of meats, sticky rice cakes, steamed rice flour cakes, and other local dishes.