Buzz
The bustling markets with distinctive features in the Northwestern highlands of our country always intrigue both domestic and international tourists.
Explore Vietnam's renowned highland markets, a must-visit experience.
Highland markets are not just places for trading goods but also for socializing and cultural exchange among the highland communities. The most prominent feature of these markets is the vibrant array of colors, from the traditional attire of the ethnic minorities to the locally crafted stalls displayed abundantly on the ground. Although highland markets may not be as bustling as they once were, they are still worth a visit to gain insight into the lives of the local ethnic communities.
Cán Cấu Market (Si Ma Cai, Lào Cai)
Cán Cấu highland market, also known as Si Ma Cai market, is located around 100 km from Lào Cai city. The journey to reach here is not easy, as it involves traversing winding mountain roads, often narrow and steep. However, it is precisely this challenging journey that adds to the excitement and anticipation for travelers when they finally arrive at the market. Cán Cấu market primarily caters to the H'Mong and Giáy ethnic groups and usually convenes every Saturday morning. While Cán Cấu market may not be as large and bustling as Bắc Hà market (which is 20 km away), its distinctiveness lies in preserving the cultural traits of the ethnic minorities, relatively unaffected by the influx of goods from China. Visitors to Cán Cấu market also have the opportunity to savor traditional local dishes such as rice vermicelli, pho, and offal, but with flavors unique to the region.
Quyết Tiến Highland Market (Hà Giang)
Quyết Tiến Highland Market is situated in Quản Bạ district, Hà Giang province, about 320 km from Hanoi. The market only convenes on Saturday mornings, starting before dawn. Nowadays, tourists are increasingly flocking to Quyết Tiến Market, yet the market area still maintains its pristine, simple charm. Local ethnic people sometimes come here not to buy or sell anything, but to socialize, meet friends, and sometimes find a life partner. Besides selecting vibrant ethnic handicrafts, visitors also have the opportunity to chat and learn about the lives of the H'Mong ethnic people. Famous specialties of Hà Giang such as Tráng Kìm pho, thắng cố, and cháo ấu tẩu are also available for sale at the market.
Tả Sìn Thàng Highland Market (Điện Biên)
Tả Sìn Thàng Highland Market is located in Tủa Chùa district, known for its famous snow Shan tea. The market gathers in the central valley of 5 communes: Sín Chải, Tả Sìn Thàng, Lao Sả Phình, Trung Thu, Sính Phình. Every 6 days, without prior arrangement, the market spontaneously assembles from before the sun reaches its peak. Tả Sìn Thàng Market is characterized by the purple fabric on the ethnic people's headscarves. Midday is always the busiest and most lively time at the market. Like most other highland markets, Tả Sìn Thàng Market offers various agricultural tools, foodstuffs, needles, fabrics... Particularly, if you visit Tả Sìn Thàng Market, you'll be invited to taste a cup of fermented Mông Pê wine brewed with forest leaves alongside hot thắng cố broth.
Dào San Highland Market (Phong Thổ, Lai Châu)
Dào San Highland Market is a place for meeting, trading, and exchanging goods among the 8 communes of Phong Thổ highland area, Lai Châu province. Located around 60 km from the city center of Lai Châu, Dào San Market usually gathers every Sunday and is always filled with laughter, chatter, and conversations of the H'Mong and Dao ethnic communities living here. The market is like a recreational spot for the highland communities, so everyone eagerly prepares their attire to go to the market before the market day. Nowadays, Dào San Market not only attracts local ethnic people but also tourists and lowlanders who come to buy ethnic fabrics or enjoy the food sold at the market while learning about the lives of the local people.
According to Ngoi Sao
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 16, 2016
