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

At the special market, buyers receive leaves as a blessing for the new year. Instead of money, they use the given leaves to exchange for necessities.
March 12, 2024 | 14:12

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.

Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
The leaf market drew in a large crowd early in the morning. Photo: PLO
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
Each person gets three numbered Bodhi leaves. With each leaf, customers can purchase an item. Photo: PLO
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
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
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
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
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
Customers can use leaves to exchange for any goods at the market, regardless of the goods' actual price. Photo: PLO
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
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
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
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
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
Phiên chợ lấy lá thay tiền, muốn mua món ăn chỉ cần đưa lá cây ở TP.HCM
Many necessities were handed out to the people. Photo: PLO
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