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The border market, also known as Huu Nghi market or Doan Ket market, is a special market located on the land of Dinh Dam village, Noong Het commune, Xieng Khouang province, Laos. The border market was established many years ago to promote cultural and trade exchanges between the two countries. Photo: Thanh Cuong |
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Previously, the market only met twice a month on the 14th and 29th of the solar calendar. To enhance exchanges between the two countries, in 2018, the authorities of the two border provinces of Vietnam and Laos increased the border market to four times a month, every Sunday. Photo: Thanh Cuong |



Goods here are very diverse: Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese goods are all available. Photo: Duc Anh
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The most special thing about the border market is the products that the residents of Ky Son and Noong Het collect from this majestic mountainous region. Photo: Thanh Cuong |



Besides, there are grilled dishes typical of Lao cuisine. Photo: Duc Anh
The food stalls here are located next to each other, on the charcoal stove, the sizzling roasted meats give off a delicious aroma, attracting diners in the early cold of the season. Photo: Duc Anh |
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At the border market, buyers and sellers can use both Vietnamese Dong and Lao Kip. Photo: Duc Anh |
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Nam Can market is a place where the diverse cultures of the Mong, Thai, Kho Mu ethnic groups gather... From culinary products to costumes or utensils, all are brought out by the locals to exchange and sell. Photo: Duc Anh |
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Not only a trading activity, the border market is also a place to exchange and foster friendship between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples. Photo: Thanh Cuong |