Money does grow on trees: Marketplace where leaves replace cash a big hit in southern Vietnam

This year’s leaf market was hosted by the People’s Committee, the Women’s Union, and the Youth Union in Phu Binh Ward, Long Khanh City, Dong Nai Province and featured 23 booths selling 33 kinds of food, drinks, and goods.

Visitors to the marketplace were given three leaves each which they could exchange for products.

By the end of the day, most booths had sold out of their products, leaving only happy vendors with handfuls of leaves.

Local authorities sample products at the Leaf Market in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam for food safety testing. Photo: A.Loc / Tuoi Tre

“The market was interesting and special because it was so unique. Dishes were free but clean and tasty,” said local resident Tran Thi Thong Nhat.

“I hope similar markets will be held in the future.”

The vendors who participated in the market did so simply because they enjoyed sharing their food and drinks with others.  

“I brought 600 servings of banh troi nuoc [sweet rice ball soup] and banh it [sticky rice dumplings] even though I knew I’d be paid in leaves instead of cash,” said Giang, a vendor.

“If the event is held again next year, I will definitely participate and prepare more food.” 

Local residents happily buy necessities and use leaves as payment at the Leaf Market in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: A.Loc / Tuoi Tre

According to Nguyen Thi Le Huyen, chairwoman of the Phu Binh Women’s Union, the ward held the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8) to create a playground for all residents, particularly women.

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The Leaf Market – a fair where guests and visitors used tree leaves in lieu of cash – took place in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam on Wednesday, attracting over 1,000 visitors.

This year’s leaf market was hosted by the People’s Committee, the Women’s Union, and the Youth Union in Phu Binh Ward, Long Khanh City, Dong Nai Province and featured 23 booths selling 33 kinds of food, drinks, and goods.

Visitors to the marketplace were given three leaves each which they could exchange for products.

By the end of the day, most booths had sold out of their products, leaving only happy vendors with handfuls of leaves.

Local authorities sample products at the Leaf Market in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam for food safety testing. Photo: A.Loc / Tuoi Tre

“The market was interesting and special because it was so unique. Dishes were free but clean and tasty,” said local resident Tran Thi Thong Nhat.

“I hope similar markets will be held in the future.”

The vendors who participated in the market did so simply because they enjoyed sharing their food and drinks with others.  

“I brought 600 servings of banh troi nuoc [sweet rice ball soup] and banh it [sticky rice dumplings] even though I knew I’d be paid in leaves instead of cash,” said Giang, a vendor.

“If the event is held again next year, I will definitely participate and prepare more food.” 

Local residents happily buy necessities and use leaves as payment at the Leaf Market in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: A.Loc / Tuoi Tre

According to Nguyen Thi Le Huyen, chairwoman of the Phu Binh Women’s Union, the ward held the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8) to create a playground for all residents, particularly women.

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