Located about 120km from Hanoi, Lung Van Market, also known locally as Bo Market, is one of the most popular attractions in Van Son Commune, Phu Tho Province (formerly Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province).

Situated in the heart of the commune, the market is more than a traditional trading place. It has become a lively cultural destination where visitors can experience local cuisine, observe distinctive trading customs and gain insight into the everyday life of the local community.

A traditional Muong market with a growing tourism appeal

Lung Van Market is about 50km from the former Hoa Binh city center, with convenient road access for both cars and motorcycles.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Nguyen Duy Tu, Secretary of the Van Son Commune Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council, said the market has traditionally operated every Tuesday morning.

In recent years, a second market session has been introduced on Sunday mornings, helping meet the trading needs of local residents while supporting tourism and attracting visitors from across Vietnam.

Seasonal produce and unique mountain delicacies

The market offers a wide range of products, most of them locally grown or gathered from the surrounding mountains.

According to local authorities, 99% of Van Son's population belongs to the Muong ethnic group.

As a result, the goods sold at the market reflect the traditions of the Muong people. Seasonal homegrown produce includes Quyet Chien chayote, Nam Son heritage mandarins, peanuts, corn, squash and Bac Son purple garlic, alongside forest products such as bamboo shoots, wild eggplants, medicinal herbs and wild vegetables.

Lung Van Market is also known among travelers as a destination for unusual regional delicacies, including smoked mountain rats, pupae, mountain snails and edible insects such as grasshoppers, shield bugs, crickets and flying termites.

Several stalls also sell homegrown fruits and vegetables cultivated by local families, including bottle gourds and other traditional crops grown by Muong households.

Among the market's more unusual offerings are edible insects such as grasshoppers and locusts, along with aquatic dragonfly larvae, locally known as con com nguoi, which live underwater before emerging and transforming into dragonflies.

Affordable local food

Like many traditional markets across Vietnam, Lung Van Market is also a favorite breakfast destination for both residents and visitors.

From early morning, food stalls become busy serving generous bowls of grilled pork vermicelli, pork organ noodle soup, chicken glass noodles and chicken pho, with prices ranging from VND15,000 to VND20,000 (about US$0.60–0.80) per bowl.

Walking around the market, visitors can also sample a variety of traditional snacks, sweet soups, steamed buns and freshly made fried cakes.

One of the market's most popular treats is the handmade fried cake, prepared fresh on-site and available either with a mung bean filling or without filling.

Perhaps most surprising is the price. Each cake costs only VND2,000 (around US$0.08), yet remains a favorite thanks to its soft, chewy texture and distinctive aroma that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

A cool mountain escape

Van Son Commune sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains that keep temperatures pleasantly cool throughout the year.

In addition to exploring the market, visitors can enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful scenery.

The market is at its busiest between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., making early morning the best time to experience its lively atmosphere and browse the widest selection of fresh local produce and handmade specialties to take home as souvenirs.

Thao Trinh - Thu Hien