Na Si Market: The rustic beauty of the Northwest highlands.

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

Based on that, the commune assigned the two villages to independently invest in and manage the market. With a total capital contribution of 54 million VND from the people, Na Si market was established on a small but solid scale: with concrete pillars, corrugated iron roofing, a cement floor, along with a parking area and restrooms to serve the people. A Market Management Board consisting of 6 members was established, responsible for ensuring security and order, environmental hygiene, and promoting food safety. As a result, activities at the market are well-organized and are developing further.

A shopping space with a distinct highland atmosphere.

Na Si Market only operates in the afternoon, from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM each day. Although the opening hours are short, each market session attracts 70 to 100 vendors, mainly people from neighboring communes such as Hat Lot, Chieng Mung, Muong Bon, Chieng Mai, etc. They bring a variety of agricultural products and natural products characteristic of the mountainous region to sell.

Unlike markets in the lowlands, 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 diverse but also bear the distinct mark of the Northwest mountains and forests. From wild vegetables and bamboo shoots, spices like garlic and ginger, to fruits like mangoes, longan, and apples… all are grown and harvested naturally. In addition, various seafood such as snakehead fish, stream fish, eels, mudfish, shrimp, and prawns are also widely available.

A unique insect market in the heart of Northwest Vietnam.

One of the highlights that attracts many people's attention when visiting Na Si market is the presence of various insects, seemingly exotic products but considered precious delicacies by the locals. Crickets, grasshoppers, ant eggs, bamboo worms, bee pupae... are all caught from the forest and brought to the market for sale. Thanks to this, 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 involved with the market for over 10 years, most of the products brought to sell by the villagers are either made by themselves or gathered from nature. Insects, wild vegetables, and free-range poultry are sold at reasonable prices, ensuring quality while also increasing family income.

Traditional cuisine captivates diners.

Not only is Na Si Market a place for buying fresh produce, it is also famous for its cooked food section. Traditional dishes such as mixed vegetable soup, beef and offal stew, thang co (a type of stew), nam pia (a type of stew)... are prepared in the traditional culinary style, rich in the flavors of the highlands. The aroma mingled with the smoke from the cooking fires, along with the simple display in the rustic market space, creates a special attraction for locals and tourists alike.

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

Unforgettable cuisine like thang co (a traditional stew) leaves a lasting impression on tourists.

With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse goods, and especially unique features like the insect market and traditional cuisine, Na Si Market has become an interesting destination for many tourists from all over.

Mr. Do Thanh Tung, a tourist from Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi, shared: “Every time I pass through Na Si market, I always stop. The market has many interesting things, especially the insect products, which are rarely seen in markets in the lowlands. In addition, dishes like thang co and nam pia also offer unforgettable experiences. I will definitely return to this place in the near future.”

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

More than just a trading space, Na Si Market plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural products and local specialties to tourists from within and outside the province. At the same time, the market contributes to creating jobs and increasing income for many households.

Over time, from a vacant plot of land by the roadside, Na Si market has grown into one of the typical trading hubs of Mai Son district. Goods reflecting the unique characteristics of the highlands are cherished, preserved, and promoted, contributing to building an image of Son La as a dynamic, friendly, and culturally rich place.