Yellow Watermelon

Yellow Watermelon of Vi Thanh City, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam

When it comes to fruits I, mr.hotsia, have experienced during my travels in Vietnam, the name of yellow watermelon at the Vi Thanh morning market (Vi Thanh) in Hau Giang province always stays vivid and on my lips.

Vi Thanh is a small city located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, about 240 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This city is not a bustling tourist spot like the big cities but is full of charm from the traditional lifestyle of locals who firmly hold on to their customs and traditions.Vi Thanh CityThe Kenh Xa No canal flows through the center of the city. Most locals use boats as their main mode of transportation to the morning market and for their simple daily lives.

Morning Market of Yellow Watermelon and Auspicious Fruits

I traveled from Can Tho to Vi Thanh by bus departing from the new Can Tho bus station, about 4 kilometers from the city center. Arriving in Vi Thanh in the morning, I did not miss the chance to exploreVi Thanh Morning Marketlocated next to the Kenh Xa No canal. Walking through a small town’s morning market like this made me feel like I was stepping back in time because it was full of locals selling fruits, fresh vegetables, and various goods in a simple manner.

At that time, Vietnam was entering the Tet festival, the Vietnamese New Year. I saw yellow watermelons sold everywhere at the locals’ stalls. Many might wonder how this yellow watermelon differs from the large red watermelon we are familiar with. I bought some yellow watermelon to try out of curiosity.

It turned out that the yellow watermelon here tastes milder than expected, not as sweet and juicy as the red watermelon I’ve eaten back home. It feels like an unripe watermelon with a subtle flavor. But what made me understand why yellow watermelons are widely sold during this time is because they are considered auspicious fruits. Yellow in Vietnamese culture symbolizes wealth and good fortune.

During this festival, I saw many homes, shops, and hotels in Vi Thanh placing yellow watermelons in front of their houses to worship ancestors and pray for happiness and prosperity in the new year. Besides yellow watermelons, pomelos tied into shapes resembling gourds were also placed in temples and important places at the same time.

Yellow Watermelon and Life at Vi Thanh Market

Walking the morning market in Vi Thanh gave me a deep insight into the locals’ way of life. Most locals still use boats as their main transportation to the market. Some paddle boats carrying vegetables, fruits, and fresh goods to sell, while others cross the canal by boat to shop. I remember while eating yellow watermelon at a stall, I talked with a kind vendor who told me these fruits are not just food but symbols of luck and hope that locals want to pass on in the new year.

Vi Thanh market also offers a wide variety of fresh food and local goods. I tried the famous 12,000 VND noodle bowl here, which I will share more about in the article.12,000 VND Noodles in Vi ThanhIt was another impressive experience.

Strolling Around Vi Thanh with Its Charming Simplicity

Besides the morning market, I also had the chance to wander around Vi Thanh. The Kenh Xa No river flows through the city center. People live simply. There is a Co Op Mart where I often stop to find food, snacks, and buy souvenirs.Co Op Mart, Vi ThanhIt’s a place where I feel warm like home because the atmosphere is calm and prices are affordable.

In the evening, I also witnessed the fun of Vi Thanh locals through mobile karaoke trucks with singers performing beautiful Vietnamese songs by the roadside. It’s another lively highlight that brings this small city to life in an incredible way.Vi Thanh Nightlife: Mobile KaraokeIt’s an experience I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying if you visit here.

Summary of Impressions from Yellow Watermelon and Vi Thanh

The yellow watermelon in Vi Thanh may not be as sweet and juicy as the common red watermelon, but it reflects the culture and beliefs of Vietnamese people during the Tet festival very well. I, mr.hotsia, feel that Vi Thanh is a charming city with simplicity and warmth from its people. Walking the morning market and experiencing local fruits like yellow watermelon is a charm you won’t find in big cities.

If anyone wants to experience the true atmosphere of southern Vietnam where traditional lifestyles are still preserved, I recommend visitingVi Thanh Cityand don’t forget to try the yellow watermelon at the morning market. I guarantee this experience will give you a fresh perspective on Vietnam that differs from the usual image.