Na Si Market, the rustic beauty of the Northwest highlands

According to Mr. Lo Van La, Head of Na Si Market Management Board, the market was initially formed spontaneously from a 5% land area of ​​Hat Lot commune. Local people, mainly ethnic minorities, brought natural products such as stream fish, shrimp, wild vegetables to sell and exchange. Over time, the number of buyers and sellers increased, the need for trade increased, prompting the local government and people of Co Hien and Na Si villages to propose the establishment of an official market.

On that basis, the commune assigned the two villages to invest in building and managing the market. With a total capital contribution of 54 million VND from the people, Na Si market was formed on a small but solid scale: with concrete pillars, a corrugated cement roof, a cement floor, a parking lot and a sanitary facility to serve the people. A Market Management Board of 6 members was established, responsible for ensuring security and order, environmental sanitation and promoting food safety. Thanks to that, activities at the market took place in an orderly manner and have increasingly developed.

Shopping space with a strong highland character

Na Si Market is only open in the afternoon, from 13:30 to 17:30 every day. Although the opening hours are not long, each market session attracts from 70 to 100 traders, mainly people from neighboring communes such as Hat Lot, Chieng Mung, Muong Bon, Chieng Mai... They bring all kinds of agricultural products and natural products typical of the mountainous region to sell.

Unlike the lowland markets, the goods at Na Si market are displayed directly on the floor, making it easy for customers to observe and choose. The items here are not only rich in variety but also bear the mark of the Northwest mountains and forests. From wild vegetables, wild bamboo shoots, spices such as garlic, ginger to fruits such as mango, longan, apple... all are grown and harvested naturally. In addition, aquatic products such as snakehead fish, stream fish, eel, swamp eel, shrimp, and prawns are also sold in abundance.

Unique insect market in the heart of the Northwest

One of the highlights that attracts the attention of many people when coming to Na Si market is the appearance of insects, products that seem strange but are considered precious specialties by the locals. Crickets, grasshoppers, ant eggs, bamboo worms, bee pupae, etc. are all caught by the locals from the forest and brought to the market to sell. Thanks to that, Na Si market is known as "the largest insect market in Son La".

According to Ms. Lo Thi Hong, a resident of Ke Nhun village, Chieng Mung commune, who has been associated with the market for more than 10 years, most of the products sold by the people are made by themselves or found in nature. Insects, wild vegetables, and free-range poultry are sold at reasonable prices, ensuring quality and helping to increase family income.

Traditional cuisine attracts diners

Not only a place to buy and sell fresh food, Na Si market is also famous for its cooked food area. Rustic dishes such as mixed soup, beef meat and organs, thang co, nam pia... are prepared in a traditional culinary style, rich in the flavor of the highlands. The aroma mixed in the smoke from the kitchen, along with the simple decoration in the rustic market space, have created a special attraction for locals and tourists.

Ms. Lo Thi Huyen, from Na Si village, usually starts her selling day at 2 pm. Every day, she brings home-cooked dishes to the market and is always enthusiastically supported by customers, many days even selling out. According to her, selling food at the market not only brings a stable income but also helps preserve the traditional cuisine of her hometown.

Unforgettable cuisine like thang co impresses tourists

With a vibrant atmosphere, a variety of goods, especially unique features such as the insect market and traditional cuisine, Na Si market has become an interesting destination for many tourists from all over the world.

Mr. Do Thanh Tung, a tourist from Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi, shared: “Every time I pass by Na Si market, I stop. The market has many new things, especially insect products, which are rare in the lowland markets. In addition, dishes such as thang co and nam pia also bring unforgettable experiences. I will definitely come back here in the near future.”

Ms. Tong Thi Huong, a resident of Nam Ban village, Hat Lot commune, also said: “I often shop at Na Si market. The products here are very diverse, especially fresh food and insects. The market fully meets my family's daily food needs.”

Not only a trading space, Na Si market also plays an important role in promoting agricultural products and highland specialties to tourists inside and outside the province. At the same time, the market contributes to creating jobs and increasing income for many households.

Over time, from an empty lot on the side of the road, Na Si market has grown to become one of the typical trading points of Mai Son district. Products with strong highland identity are respectfully preserved and promoted, contributing to building an image of Son La as dynamic, friendly and rich in cultural identity.