Long Xuyen floating market still waiting for people

The peaceful river

The sun was still sleepy, the Hau River at Long Xuyen floating market was already awake. At 5:30 am, the small boat gently rocked, taking us away from the dock, joining the rhythm of the floating market. Mr. Nguyen Van Lanh (53 years old), a resident of My Hoa Hung commune, had a pensive look on his weather-beaten face: "It's a bit late to go now. Back then, at 4 am, boats and canoes were already bustling, traders from everywhere came to exchange and buy and sell very busily!" Mr. Lanh's voice rang out, quiet amidst the sound of waves lapping against the boat's side.

A moment of silence passed. Uncle Lanh’s eyes looked far away as if he was searching for the golden memories of a bustling floating market in Long Xuyen. Now, the trading scene was deserted, with fewer buyers and sellers. The floating market - a market of a bustling time, seemed to only remain in memory. The income of those who depended on this river also decreased significantly, following the slower pace of life on the river.

Life on Long Xuyen floating market. Photo: SONG MINH

Uncle Lanh said he has been attached to this floating market since he was a boy. “In the past, this floating market had countless goods from fruits, vegetables to household appliances. The cries, the sound of engines, the laughter and chatter could be heard from dawn,” Uncle Lanh shared. However, change is inevitable, for the people here, the deserted Long Xuyen floating market is not too surprising. The country is developing, the roads are spacious, and trading on land has become more convenient than ever. Small traders leave their boats and canoes ashore to do business more quickly.

Uncle Lanh’s friends who used to live on the river have now found a new life on the shore. People’s lives have improved, they have more choices in work and life. But for those who have witnessed and been attached to the floating market, this change still leaves a bit of regret.

Deserted wharf waiting for travelers

Although the market is deserted, the unique features and typical culture are still there. There are still visitors from far away who come to visit, enjoy the charming river scenery and feel the simplicity of the people of the West. “This is the second time I have come to Long Xuyen floating market. I know the market is not as bustling as before, but I still want to come to experience it. The feeling of sitting on a boat, drifting with the water, watching the peaceful scenery on both banks, and especially having breakfast right on the river, is really wonderful”, said Mr. Nguyen Minh Hien, a resident of An Chau commune.

Having said that, Mr. Hien excitedly told about the stir-fried pork noodle bowl that he had enjoyed on a small boat at the floating market. “The dipping sauce was rich, the meat was marinated fragrantly, stimulating the taste buds. The price was only 20,000 VND/bowl, too cheap for a very interesting experience of having breakfast on the river! Not to mention, the taste of the coffee on the river was also very “cool”. A cup of black coffee costs 10,000 VND but the taste is unforgettable,” Mr. Hien said. The experience of having breakfast and drinking coffee on the river is still an irresistible attraction. Although there are only a few boats left, the flavor of a bowl of noodles, a bowl of vermicelli with crab soup or a glass of iced coffee is still rich.

For more than 30 years, the small water stall of Ms. Nguyen Thi Vang, a resident of Long Xuyen ward, has become a part of the floating market. Ms. Vang believes that trading on the river requires speed. “Seeing customers from afar, almost by a conditioned reflex, I have to quickly steer the boat close to their boat. When customers order food, I have to prepare it immediately so that they can continue their journey,” Ms. Vang said.

Every day, the income of a few hundred thousand dong used to help Ms. Vang stabilize her life. But now, the market is deserted, and the number of tourists has decreased significantly. Ms. Vang's voice is a bit sad: "Now, around 9 am, I have to go ashore to find a place to sell more, because if I stay on the floating market, my income will no longer be stable."

With the potential for development of river tourism, it is hoped that in the near future, Long Xuyen floating market will again become an attractive destination, attracting tourists to come, not only to explore the culture of the river region, but also to experience genuine, simple emotions.

SONG MINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cho-noi-long-xuyen-van-doi-nguoi-a461193.html