Warm Charity Market in Ho Chi Minh City: Where Leaves Used as Currency

On the afternoon of March 10th, the charity market at Hoc Mon market in Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City, drew in a crowd of thousands. Held annually, the market aims to support disadvantaged people in the district organized by the Management Board of Hoc Mon Market's Trade Union and the Thien Phat volunteer group.

Nguyen Tuyet Nhung, Head of the Hoc Mon Market Management Board, said this was the first market to be held with leaves used as currency. The Management Board of Hoc Mon Market organizes the special market in spring for shoppers to convene and exchange wishes for the new year. As more individuals became aware of the market's purpose, the event grew in scale.

The leaf market drew in a large crowd early in the morning. Photo: PLO

Each person gets three numbered Bodhi leaves. With each leaf, customers can purchase an item. Photo: PLO

The market has numerous stalls, selling nearly 5,000 essentials including vegetarian dishes, savory dishes, tea, drinking water, vegetables, eggs, and spices. The market's goods are donated by the Thien Phat volunteer group. Photo: PLO

Nguyen Thanh (Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City) said that the Hoc Mon market held a 0 VND market annually for disadvantaged people, but this was the first time she had seen and experienced a leaf market. Photo: PLO

Customers can use leaves to exchange for any goods at the market, regardless of the goods' actual price. Photo: PLO

Ngoc Chau, from Hoc Mon district, Ho Chi Minh City, happily showed her purchases of tea and vegetables. Despite the hot weather, there was a large turnout and everyone was welcoming, she said. Photo: PLO

The program conveys a message that money should be a tool rather than a goal. It advocates for a life of love, sharing, and non-reliance on materialism. Photo: PLO

Many necessities were handed out to the people. Photo: PLO

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