According to local residents, the water levels have been low this April, so fewer boats are coming. The market usually starts in the afternoon of the day before, called the "welcoming market," and the main market takes place from 7 to 9am the following day. Boats from many provinces, such as Nam Dinh, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, and Phu Tho, bring a variety of goods to sell, ranging from fishing hooks, needles, and spools of thread to household items, essentials, clothing, and fabrics.

Local people also sell traditional agricultural products such as rice, corn, and vegetables. Some boats offer brocade clothes, handmade fabrics, and handwoven baskets and bags, while some are filled with shrimp and fish caught by local fishermen from the river the night before. The simplicity, closeness, and rustic charm of the river market are not only a place for trading but also a venue for preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the people.

Having travelled for over 30 years along the markets on the Da River, Ta Xuan Phu, a merchant from Bac Giang province, shared: "I travel by boat along the Da River across Hoa Binh and Son La provinces to bring goods to serve local people. In the past, each market had 10-15 boats with a variety of goods. At times, halfway through the month, my boat had to return to pick up more goods. Now, with roads expanded and easier travel, and especially the popularity of online shopping, the number of boats selling goods has decreased significantly. However, even now, the Da River market still retains its unique characteristics”.

From early in the morning, local people wearing colourful traditional attire eagerly go to the market. Coming to buy farming tools, Dinh Van Thanh from Que Son hamlet said: “Here, you can find everything you need, and the prices are reasonable. I often come to the market to buy household items for my family and tools for production. I also come here to meet relatives and friends.”

The market also has food stalls selling dishes like “pho” and “bun” (rice noodle soup). The delicious aromas of these dishes mixed with the fresh air of the river attract people to stop by and enjoy. A bowl of “pho” at the market seems to taste even better, thanks to the lively trading atmosphere between people from both upstream and downstream.

Dinh Thi Khem, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Chieng Sai commune, stated that each month, the Da River market in Chieng Sai holds three sessions, on the 10th, 20th, and 30th. The commune regularly cooperates with relevant authorities to inspect the products sold at the market, ensuring that no items with unclear origins, expired goods, or low-quality products are sold to the people.

After each market session, the merchant boats continue their journey to new lands. Sellers and buyers happily say goodbye to each other, promising to meet again, when the river dock and boats will once again bustle with trading, thus preserving the unique cultural traits of the river region.