At this year's Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival in Hai Phong, buffalo meat went on sale early, but prices soared to between 3 million and 5 million VND per kilogram (approximately $120 to $200), even during the preliminary rounds.

buffalo fighting.jpeg
Visitors crowd to buy buffalo meat from the preliminary round.

According to VietNamNet reporters, the number of attendees at this year’s event declined significantly. Many left the stadium early, after watching just a few opening matches. Instead of staying for the entire event, many people opted to watch from the large LED screens set up outside and waited for the opportunity to buy buffalo meat before heading home.

Immediately after the first matches of the preliminary round, such as buffalo pair 08 vs 11 or 01 vs 07, the losing buffaloes were quickly slaughtered, and their meat was put on sale just outside the Do Son Stadium. Preliminary-round buffalo meat was priced at an average of 3 million VND per kilogram (around $120).

Notably, buffalo number 01, despite losing, was considered to have fought the fiercest and longest match. Its premium cuts were sold at a staggering 5 million VND per kilogram (around $200).

buffalo fighting1.jpeg
The buffalo from match 1, after losing, was sold for 3 million VND per kilogram (about 122 USD/kg).

The horns and hearts of the buffaloes were also in high demand, with many buyers believing they would bring strength and courage.

Phan Van Dung, a local from Hong An ward, Hai Phong City, shared: “This year’s matches were rather dull, so I bought the meat and left early. The price is quite high. Last year, meat from buffaloes that lost in the preliminaries was only about 1.5 to 2 million VND per kilogram (roughly $60 to $80).”

Buffalo number 01 and 07 fight a long and intense match.

buffalo fighting2.jpeg
Buffalos No. 01 and No. 07 engage in a prolonged clash.

Hoang Cuong from Hung Yen commented: “The price of buffalo meat is higher this year. I planned to buy some as a souvenir, but with these prices, I decided not to. People say eating this meat brings luck, but honestly, it’s just a belief - no one has ever proven it.”

Buffalo number 01, despite losing, was priced at 5 million VND/kg for premium cuts. Many buyers refused at that price.

buffalo fighting3.jpeg

buffalo fighting4.jpeg
Buffalo No. 01 lost the match but showed remarkable resilience. Its meat was offered at 5 million VND per kilogram (about 204 USD/kg), though many buyers rejected the price.

With 25 years of experience selling buffalo meat at the festival, Nguyen Thi Dinh noted, “This year, the meat is selling quickly, even with the listed price of 3 million VND/kg. The slaughter and sales process is done publicly, under the supervision of local authorities.”

Nguyen Thi Dinh swiftly cuts meat for buyers as the crowd grows larger.

Water spinach, rice paddy herb, and sour starfruit are sold outside Do Son Stadium as garnishes for cooking buffalo meat.

buffalo fighting5.jpeg
Nguyen Thi Dinh quickly cuts meat for customers as the number of buyers keeps increasing.
buffalo fighting6.jpeg
Water spinach, rice paddy herb, sour starfruit, and more are sold along both sides of the entrance to Do Son Stadium. These are traditional garnishes served with buffalo meat.

Hoai Anh - The Bang