Photographer Khang Chu Long captured striking moments and vibrant life at Lung Phinh. According to him, the area boasts natural landscapes found nowhere else: jagged limestone mountains, mist-shrouded ridges, cool highland air, valleys interlaced with towering peaks, and terraced rice fields that create a majestic and poetic backdrop.

Beyond its stunning scenery, the Lung Phinh Friday market is a lively gathering point for ethnic groups such as the Mong, Hoa, Giay, Tay, and Phu La. From early morning, villagers stream in on foot or horseback, bringing textiles, farm produce, and livestock. The result is a vibrant, colorful scene brimming with energy.

The market is divided into separate zones: fresh produce and herbs, livestock, household tools, local textiles, traditional liquor, and - most famously - the food court. The food area buzzes with activity, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out, chopping ingredients, and the cheerful chatter of customers.

Here, both locals and visitors can sample ethnic delicacies such as sour pho made by the Phu La people, thang co (a traditional horse meat stew), and dishes made from native black pig (lon man). No visit is complete without a taste of the region’s signature corn liquor, distilled with forest herbs and spring water from altitudes above 1,200 meters. These culinary traditions define the cultural identity of this highland market.

Scenes from Lung Phinh Market:

Le Duong