If you are planning to visit Sapa, it is worth spending the weekend. This is the best time to explore all the colorful local markets in Sapa. Among all the local markets, Bac ha Sunday market is the most lively and colorful market, that must be on your itinerary. The beautiful town is nestled in the highland valley, 100km northwest of the spectacular hill station Sapa, Lao Cai province. We started from Sapa early morning to reach Bac Ha market. We rented a car, and it took 2 and half an hour to reach the destination.

On the way to Bac ha market, we got a glimpse of China border from there. While driving, we enjoyed the picturesque view of the countryside, bright and colorful rice fields, and mountains filled with lush greenery those are really eye treats for us.

Bac Ha Sunday market is known as the best ethnic market and trading center in Southeast Asia. The market is held every Sunday from morning till afternoon. So, if you plan to visit this beautiful ethnic market, start your day early morning then and spend the rest of your day with different hill tribes over there.

Sunday market is the meeting place where all the ethnic minorities especially from Dao, Nhung, Tay, and Flower Hmong communities gather in the market to sell, purchase, and exchange food, animals, clothes, and household goods. Some walk for several hours, and some travel by motorbike, horse, or buffalo carts from different villages. Hill tribes usually sit here, eat food, and socialize with each other.

Bac ha Sunday market is not a tourist place, so you will feel more of it is like a daily busy rural market in the mountain rather than a tourist destination. But if you are really fascinated to have an authentic experience of the rural village, people, community, and culture of Vietnam, undoubtedly, this market will be an ideal place for you.

Between 5-8 am, the crowd gradually starts to begin, and after that, the whole market becomes crowded with the riot of color until the afternoon. You will get to see here many women especially Flower Hmong women are beautifully dressed in colorful head scarves, embroidered skirts, and tops. The place has its own charm and the vibrant, yet bright dresses make it a beautiful sight.

Just like the colorful clothing, you will get here different multicolored snacks and meals. After we arrived at the market, we tried their local tasty snacks and started to explore the whole market.

The Bac Ha market is categorized into several zones with different products from textiles, jewelry, accessories, handmade crafts, bags, wall hangings, flamboyant fabrics, and traditional costumes for each ethnic minority to the food market where you find fruits, vegetables, meats, local spices, and alcohol to relish your tastebuds with the local flavor. At the exit gate, you will find here a cattle market, separate from the main market. In the cattle market, where animals like cows, buffaloes, pigs, chickens, and horses are traded. If you want something different and authentic souvenir or handcraft items to purchase, which you can’t easily find in the city, you get her in Bac Ha market.

Local alcohol

In the digital age, it would be a little surprising for us that this ethnic tribe still follows its traditions for a century and travels long distances to meet and socialize with a different community. But it gives a true vibe while meeting with people in real. Being a traveler, you get here an intimate look at the culture and business of Northern Vietnam’s ethnic groups.

From Bac Ha market, it can be the best idea for a trip to the surrounding village-like Ban Pho. This small, beautiful village is 5km away from the town and home to the Hmong people. There are 500 families living in the village. When coming to this village, you can make a visit to individual’s room and kitchen and know-how their lifestyles look alike.

We headed towards the Noi Bai international airport directly from the village to catch a flight for Hoi an. While traveling, we recommend visiting this beautiful Asian-European architecture mansion Hoang A Tuong, of course, if you have sufficient time on your hand. Located in Bac Ha town, this majestic castle had been ruled once upon a time by a powerful family in Northwest Vietnam but now it has become a beautiful sight for the photographers. Don’t miss your chance! J