A highland market in Phu Tho (formerly part of Hoa Binh Province) is not only a place for local trade but also a fascinating destination for tourists seeking rare specialties seldom found in lowland areas.

Minh Anh, a visitor from Hanoi, shared her excitement after attending a rural market during an August trip to Van Son Commune in Phu Tho Province (formerly Van Son Commune, Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province).

Known as Cho Bo, or Lung Van Market, this weekly market takes place in the center of Van Son Commune, approximately 50 km from downtown Hoa Binh and about 120 km from Hanoi. It operates only twice a week, on Tuesday and Sunday mornings.

Visiting the market on a weekend morning, the young woman was struck by the vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Locals from surrounding villages and neighboring districts brought a wide variety of agricultural goods and essential items to sell.

“Most of the goods here are grown or harvested by local people, including seasonal vegetables and herbs. Right now, in addition to bamboo shoots, chayote, and wild greens, they’re selling exotic items like forest rats, tree bugs, jungle mice, and other rare products,” Minh Anh said.

The market also showcases a wide range of goods that reflect the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group. Minh Anh was particularly intrigued by the forest rat meat (locally known as he hoach), which comes from rats that feed solely on forest fruits and leaves, making the meat aromatic, clean, and healthy.

The rats are cleaned and smoked for about three days to give the meat a firm texture and golden-brown skin. Once prepared, the meat can be grilled, stir-fried, steamed, or braised.

During her visit to Lung Van Market, Minh Anh also bought forest herbs, medicinal bathing leaves, and mountain garlic as gifts for her family.

“Although the road to the commune is still rough, the air here is fresh and cool. Van Son lies in a lush valley about 1,200 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains, so the climate is temperate year-round. If you come on a market day, you can try a lot of rare and delicious specialties,” the tourist from Hanoi shared.

Among the unique items for sale are wild silkworms, mountain prawns, ginger flowers, and bamboo shoots - all harvested directly from the surrounding forests.

One particularly unusual item is the aquatic larva known locally as con com nguoi (“midwife larvae”), which lives underwater before crawling ashore and metamorphosing into dragonflies.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen Duy Tu, Party Secretary of Van Son Commune, explained that the Lung Van Market traditionally opens on Tuesday mornings. In recent years, an additional Sunday market has been added to meet rising demand and promote tourism.

The goods sold at the market are mostly locally sourced, either grown or foraged by the villagers. Availability depends on the season and natural conditions.

Lung Van Market is rich with native products such as Quyết Chien chayote, Bac Son purple garlic, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, corn, pumpkins, and chili. Visitors will also find rare forest items like mountain rats, snails, and various insects, including tree bugs, stink bugs, and crickets.

The market’s most famous fruit is the Nam Son ancient mandarin. This small, rough-skinned citrus has a distinct aroma and a sweet-tart flavor. Its peel can also be used medicinally to treat coughs and reduce phlegm.

The Nam Son mandarin season runs from November to early December, when the fruit is at peak ripeness. Thanks to its exceptional flavor and early harvest, it commands a high market price.

Thao Trinh