Colourful Local Market in Can Tho
The “chom hom” (squatting) market in Vi Thanh Ward, Can Tho city, offers a glimpse of traditional trade in the Mekong Delta. Most goods are fresh produce harvested from local gardens and brought directly to market by farmers.
Early in the morning, vendors arrange vegetables, fruits and freshly caught fish in baskets on the ground. Sitting or squatting beside their goods, they wait for customers. Under the sun or in a light drizzle, the market remains busy as local residents stop to buy fresh ingredients for their daily meals.
Unlike modern supermarkets, the market offers a simple shopping experience. Much of the produce comes straight from nearby gardens, orchards and waterways, reflecting the area's agricultural abundance. Buyers and sellers greet one another and bargain over prices, creating a lively atmosphere rooted in everyday community life.
The market also provides a source of income for local farmers, who can sell their produce directly to consumers. This short supply chain allows shoppers to buy fresh goods while helping growers maintain their livelihoods.
As Can Tho continues to develop, the “chom hom” market remains part of the city's daily life. Its modest stalls, baskets of homegrown produce and familiar exchanges between vendors and customers offer an authentic view of local commerce in the Mekong Delta.
By VNA/VNP