Ethnic markets - significant cultural sites of the Northern Vietnam

Take time to explore the most important information for your first trip to Northern Vietnam, especially if you are interested in ethnic markets—a rare opportunity to witness the rich diversity of people, colors, and cultures across the northern highlands.

In this article, we will guide you through the weekly ethnic markets of minority communities, first in the rural districts of Ha Giang, and then in the Sapa region.

Before setting off, make sure to write everything carefully in your travel notebook. Market days follow different calendars, and missing the correct date could mean missing some of the most fascinating cultural experiences in Northern Vietnam.

Ethnic Markets In Ha Giang Province

Markets In Quan Ba District

There are several markets in Quan Ba District, but here we focus on those with clearly fixed schedules.

Tam Son Market takes place every Saturday morning in Tam Son Commune.

Cao Ta Tung Market is a meeting and trading place for residents of Cao Ma Po, Ta Van, and Tung Vai villages, held every Friday morning.

Markets In Yen Minh District, Ha Giang

In Yen Minh District, the Yen Minh Market is held every Sunday morning.

Bach Dich Market is quite unique compared to other weekly markets. Instead of taking place in one fixed location:

On Sunday, it is held at the Bach Dich border gate area.

On Saturday, it takes place in Muong Village.

On the following market day, it is organized in Trang Le Village.

From Ha Giang City, heading toward Minh Ngoc (Bac Me District) and continuing along this road, you will reach Du Gia Village in Yen Minh District. This route is approximately 73 km long, winding and steep, with slopes reaching up to 12%.

The Du Gia weekly market is held on relatively flat ground. One of its special features is that cultural performances are often organized, with locals singing and dancing together. Du Gia remains a typical highland village, still little known and not overly touristic.

Ethnic Markets In Dong Van District, Ha Giang

In the center of Dong Van District, the main market opens every Sunday morning.

However, markets such as Sung Trai, Lung Phin, Pho Cao, and Sa Phin do not follow the weekly calendar. Instead, they operate according to the lunar calendar:

Sung Trai Market is held on the Day of the Ox and the Day of the Goat.

Lung Phin Market opens only on the Day of the Tiger and the Day of the Monkey.

Markets In Meo Vac District, Ha Giang

The most famous event in Meo Vac District is the Khau Vai Market, also known as the Khau Vai Love Market. It takes place once a year, on the 27th day of the third lunar month, a date worth noting carefully.

For travelers who are not specifically interested in the legendary love stories associated with this event, the regular Khau Vai Market can also be visited on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 22nd, and 27th days of the lunar month.

Other markets in the district include:

Sung Tra Market: every Saturday

Son Vi Market: every Sunday

Markets In Xin Man And Hoang Su Phi Districts

In Xin Man District, you can find several ethnic markets:

Coc Pai Market: Sunday

Pa Vay Su Market: Thursday

Nan Xin Market: Thursday

Chi Ca Market: Friday

Xin Man Market: Friday

Then Phang Market (Km 26 Market): Saturday

In Hoang Su Phi District, markets include:

Hoang Su Phi Market: Sunday

Village markets in Ban Luoc, Ban Peo, Ban Phung, Ho Thau, Nam Son, Nam Dich, Nam Khoa, Po Lo, Ta Su Choong, and others.

In general, the central district markets are the most dynamic, lively, and significant. Markets held in small villages of 30–50 households tend to be much smaller and more intimate.

Ethnic Markets In Sapa And Lao Cai Province

In Sapa, ethnic markets are considered major tourist attractions. Due to the dense population and high number of traders and visitors, markets here are generally larger and more active than those in remote areas.

Can Cau Market

One of the most famous markets is Can Cau Market, held every Saturday along the slopes of Can Chu Su Hill in Can Cau Hamlet.

This market specializes in the trading of livestock, including buffaloes, cattle, and pigs, with buffaloes being the most numerous. Visitors may also encounter Chinese traders and people coming from other provinces such as Yen Bai and Dien Bien, as well as H’Mong and Giay sellers and young couples. Can Cau Market is also an important social meeting place for local communities.

Cao Son Market

Cao Son Market takes place in Cao Son Village, Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai Province, every Wednesday. One unique feature of this market is that it can be accessed by boat. People living along the river travel to Cao Son to exchange goods.

Weekly Markets In Sapa And Bac Ha

The weekly market in Sapa, held every Sunday, is always lively and well attended. Local youths gather here to sing and meet friends after a long working week.

Bac Ha Market is recognized as one of the largest ethnic markets in Northern Vietnam. It includes:

A street food area

A livestock trading zone

And the most popular section: stalls selling embroidered clothing and silver jewelry

The Coc Ly Market, also located in Bac Ha District, takes place every Tuesday morning, near a bridge. It is an excellent spot for photography, especially scenes of H’Mong people crossing the bridge to reach the market.

Usually, travelers must climb steep mountain roads to reach weekly ethnic markets. However, Muong Hum Market is located in a small valley, making it especially charming as part of a picturesque natural setting.