Buzz
When exploring Sa Pa, apart from admiring its scenic beauty and savoring delicious dishes, everyone surely wishes to purchase memorable souvenirs for their loved ones and friends. Renowned for its vibrant markets, shopping destinations in Sa Pa always attract a large number of visitors.
Sa Pa Market Square
Located in the heart of Sa Pa town, Sa Pa Market Square is the marketplace of the Black H’Mong and Red Dao people. Formerly, the market only convened on Saturdays and Sundays, but now, being a tourist area, the market frequently opens to cater to the sightseeing needs of tourists.
The specialty liquor crafted by the Mông people of Phố is renowned for its robust flavor and distinctive boldness, capturing the interest of many tourists. Additionally, the horse trading area is bustling with activity, attracting visitors from remote villages and even as far as Bac Giang province to engage in horse trading.
Sa Pa tourism offers a unique experience at the Bac Hà market, where visitors won't find the usual hustle and bustle of bargaining or overcrowded scenes. Instead, they encounter genuine faces adorned in vibrant ethnic attire, coming to the market not just to trade but also to meet fellow market-goers and interact with tourists. As the evening sets in and the market begins to wind down, locals journey back to their villages, conversations gradually fade, and the golden evening light blankets the landscape, transforming it into a serene yet melancholic scene, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor to this market.
Cốc Ly Market
Located adjacent to the bamboo suspension bridge spanning the Chảy River is Cốc Ly Market. Although not large in size, the market plays a crucial role in the lives of the ethnic communities residing in the western region of Bắc Hà district.
Every week, gathering on Tuesdays, Cốc Ly serves as a hub for trade and exchange of goods among the Hmong, Dao Khuyến (also known as Black Dao), and Nung people.
Similar to other highland markets, at Cốc Ly Market, one can find a variety of goods, from local produce to items brought in from other regions or even China. People don't just come here to shop but also to socialize, enjoy food, meet others, and make friends. The market is divided into different sections such as the buffalo and horse trading area, fruit market, household goods, and food stalls.
If you have the opportunity to visit Sa Pa for tourism, be sure to explore these shopping destinations. Here, tourists can shop and learn about the customs and traditions of the locals, as this place is not just for trading goods but also for gatherings and socializing among the village youth.
