Bac Ha Market

The market in Bac Ha is held every Sunday from early morning until about 2 pm. Despite the long distance, the ethnic minorities around the area can walk, ride a horse or, if they are well off, ride a motorbike to Bac Ha market to trade goods. However, the biggest purpose of Bac Ha fair is probably still to exchange. Previously, Bac Ha market was located on a gentle hill. Today, due to attracting a large number of tourists should be moved down to a new concrete market with many sales areas. Although the market's pristine geographical beauty is gone, it still retains its cherished traditional features.

The market is divided into three main areas, surrounded by local houses. The area for sale of agricultural products and essential goods is in the center, the area on the right is the food court, and the vacant lot on the left across a bridge is a place to trade cattle, buffaloes, and horses. Also dotted are roadside barber shops, dog shops and local shops.

Bac Ha Market sells almost all kinds of items, from home-grown agricultural products, handicrafts to machinery items. Handcrafted products are meticulously cared for in the selection of materials and delicate patterns. The most popular is probably brocade, some items take months or even years to complete, because the dyeing and embroidery process is very complicated. Therefore, timing and choosing wisely can help you bring home authentic traditional souvenirs. Most of the products are sold on the ground, making it easy for both domestic and international buyers to choose.

The food corner is always the busiest place in a market, the same is true for Bac Ha. Visit the food stalls and mingle with the locals, you will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of the highland ethnic people. Among all the dishes, the most touted is Thang Co, which is considered a specialty originating in Bac Ha. It was traditionally made from horse meat, but is now mixed with pork, beef and their offal. You should pair your meal with a glass of corn wine like the locals around. The wine has a rather mild taste but will gradually heat up when entering the throat, it is very suitable for the always cold weather in the highlands.

One of the most unique features of Bac Ha market is the cattle trading area, mainly buffaloes and horses. Bac Ha horse is short, hairy, has high resistance to cold. People traded horses for commuting and farming purposes, as the mountain breed was able to withstand large weights. In addition, Bac Ha is always famous for its fierce, intelligent and loyal dog. Every time Tet comes in spring, Vietnamese people from all over the country flock to Bac Ha to find themselves a pet dog.

Bac Ha Market is not only a place of exchange and trade of the people here, but its meaning is more than that. After a week of farming or hard work, Bac Ha market becomes a place for villagers to meet, exchange, eat and have fun. At that time, the market was filled with the colors of different ethnic traditional clothes, the atmosphere was bustling with excitement like a festival. Women wear the most vibrant outfits, while men meet friends and family they only see once a week. Traditionally, they would drink rice wine and go home by tying themselves on horseback for safety. The occasion of Bac Ha market taking place on Sundays and weekends means families save money all week and go out to play, shopping for essentials as well as snacks for the kids.