In the early hours of February 25, the ninth day of the first lunar month, dozens of refrigerated trucks delivered fish from Dong Thap, An Giang and Vinh Long.
Workers unloaded crates through the night to supply retailers before the annual offering day, which falls on the 10th day of the lunar month.
Despite peak demand, prices remained steady at VND 35,000-50,000 (about USD 1.40-2.00) per kilogramme.
The fish, packed tightly in large basins, were sprayed regularly with water to maintain freshness throughout trading hours.
Inside the market hall, some were prepared on the spot for retail buyers.
Chao, manager of the 5 Kien fish stall, said workers began shifts at 6 pm and finished at 5 am during the peak period. Additional staff were hired and wages rose two to threefold to meet surging demand.
The owner of Cuc Loc fish stall said average daily sales of about 500 kilogrammes can jump to 3-4 tonnes during the peak, with shipments exceeding 10 tonnes last year and selling out.
Traders said supply remains stable despite lower output and expect strong sales. “More than 100 tonnes arrived at this time last year. This year appears lower, but we need to wait until the afternoon of the ninth day to gauge demand,” said An, a trader from the Mekong Delta.
Covering 30 hectares on the city’s western outskirts, Binh Dien is one of southern Vietnam’s largest wholesale markets, supplying seafood and fresh produce to HCM City and neighbouring provinces. Grilled snakehead fish is a staple offering in many southern households on God of Wealth Day.
