Vieng Market in Ninh Binh: Experience the unique market of buying and selling good and bad luck, the only one of its kind this year.
Taking place only on the night of the 7th and early morning of the 8th of January, the Vieng Market in Ninh Binh attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to pray for good fortune, shop for local products, and pay respects at the Phu Day historical site complex.
Every year, on the night of the 7th and the early morning of the 8th day of the first lunar month, Vieng Market (also known as Vieng Phu Market or Vieng Xuan Market) in Ninh Binh province holds its only market day of the year. This is a special cultural event that attracts tens of thousands of locals and tourists from all over the country who hope to "buy good luck and sell bad luck" at the beginning of the new year.
A unique cultural practice of buying and selling for luck.
Unlike typical commercial markets, those who visit Vieng Market don't prioritize profit or haggle aggressively. The general sentiment among visitors is to wish for a prosperous and peaceful new year through the exchange of traditional goods.
The traditional market space used to extend from the area in front of Ông Khổng Temple to the area in front of Tiên Hương Shrine. However, over time, the market has expanded in scale, stretching from the old Gôi town along National Highway 37B, passing through Vụ Bản commune to Hiển Khánh commune in Ninh Bình province.
Typical products at Vieng Market
The goods at Vieng Market are very diverse, ranging from agricultural tools such as sickles, hoes, fishing nets, and baskets to seedlings and handicrafts. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, a tourist from Hai Phong, shared that every year he comes here to buy something for good luck. This year, he chose to buy fishing nets and baskets with the meaning of attracting wealth and hoping for a prosperous family.
In particular, roasted beef and veal are indispensable agricultural products at this market. According to reports, the price of beef at Vieng Market this year ranges from 250,000 to 300,000 VND/kg. Tourists often buy beef as a way to bring "good luck" home.
Combining spiritual tourism at Phu Day
Besides shopping, tourists often combine their activities with visiting religious sites within the Phu Day complex, located around the market area. This is where Saint Mother Lieu Hanh, one of the four immortals in Vietnamese folk beliefs, is worshipped. Offering prayers at Phu Chinh Tien Huong has become a tradition to pray for wealth and peace for their families.
Organizational and security matters
This year, the Vieng Xuan Market has been elevated to a festival, lasting from the 6th to the 8th day of the first lunar month, aiming to preserve and promote traditional values. To ensure the safety of tens of thousands of visitors, the Ninh Binh Provincial Police have mobilized approximately 400 officers and soldiers, setting up 41 checkpoints to manage traffic flow and maintain security and order.
Mr. Tran Van Quan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hien Khanh commune, said that the locality has implemented comprehensive fire prevention and control plans and deployed forces at checkpoints to ensure the safety of the market, helping visitors participate in the spring festival in a civilized and safe atmosphere.
