To many people, a special ‘countryside market’ held on Sundays in downtown Ho Chi Minh City is imbued with memories and love.

Located at No. 7 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 1, the weekly market is not known by many residents of the bustling southern metropolis.

For those who know of its existence, the market never fails to surprise them with a variety of items that would otherwise be very difficult to come by at other markets or supermarkets in the city.

On top of that, shoppers are also treated to many local specialties from various localities nationwide.

For a market, the space is quite humble, housing just over ten stalls selling a variety of commodities, from foods to handicrafts, which are made and sold with the environment in mind.

Clean, fresh fruits, and vegetables are wrapped in banana leaves and displayed on bamboo shelves while customers carry reusable bags or baskets instead of plastic bags.

The ‘countryside market’ is one of many activities held by ‘Hoi quan cac ba me’ (Club of Mothers).

The club’s chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, 46, and her members have maintained the market since 2001.

Another ‘specialty’ of the market is its cozy atmosphere, which is far different from the hustle and bustle normally observed at a traditional market.

There is no haggling and bargaining and the customers are neither noisy nor in a rush as most visit the market to enjoy an air of nostalgia rather than seek a good deal.

All proceeds from the market go to supporting financially challenged students and families in need in the city.

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