Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market is one of the largest and most well-known weekly marketplaces in Lao Cai. It is not just a marketplace for people to sell agricultural products, brocade textiles, and handicrafts, but it is also a vibrant hub for cultural exchange among ethnic minorities such as the Tay, Nung, H'Mong, and Thai. Bac Ha Market is a must-see for anybody visiting Lao Cai.

The best time to visit

Bac Ha Market is held on Sundays, making it a lively and crowded event every week. On that day, villagers care for their cattle, look for uncommon forest goods, or create colorful brocade skirts, garments, and scarves. When market day approaches, they bring their items to trade while also socializing with others in the neighborhood.

Sharing local culture with international tourists (Source: Dantri)

When market day approaches, they bring their items to trade while also socializing with others in the neighborhood.

How to Get There

Bac Ha Market is a bustling marketplace in Bac Ha town, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, about 70 kilometers from the city center. To get to the market, take National Highway 70 from Lao Cai City. When you reach Bac Ngam village, turn left and continue for another 30 kilometers to Bac Ha Market.

Locals flock to the market (Source: Dantri)

Typically, going from Lao Cai City to the market can take about three hours. However, the market is only open from early morning to 3 p.m. Visitors frequently depart on Saturday night, stay overnight in Bac Ha, and wake up early to enjoy the market at its busiest.

Read more: Bac Ha Market Tour 2 Days: Explore Vietnam’s Ethnic Traditions

Things to Do in Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market has undergone a renovation to better reflect modern life. It is now a larger and more structured room, complete with a cement floor and designated spaces for various types of merchandise. The market is organized into several sectors, including agricultural products, brocade textiles, handicrafts, metal goods, farming tools, and a food hall. This planned layout not only improves the villagers' livelihoods, but it also boosts tourism, giving it a more pleasant experience for visitors.

The Brocade Section

The brocade section in Bac Ha Market are a must-see, featuring beautifully crafted skirts, blouses, and accessories. Each piece is delicately hand-sewn and embroidered in brilliant hues. The H'Mong people in Bac Ha think that bright colors bring good luck and happiness, as they represent the blooming flowers of the great Northwest highlands.

Handicraft products at the brocade section (Source: Vnpay)

Each piece of clothing or accessory is handcrafted with care and accuracy, often taking up to a year to finish. As a result, pricing may be a little costly, but they are well worth it for such exquisite and intricate handcrafted items. To support them, you can get a brocade scarf or a traditional hat as a significant souvenir for your family and friends.

Singing and Dancing at the Bac Ha Market

Because of the large distances between villages in the region, Bac Ha residents rarely meet one another. That is why the market is more than simply a place to do business; it is also a social gathering where people can reconnect and share their experiences. 

Singing and dancing at the Bac Ha Market (Source: Van Hoa)

They only meet once a week so many choose to dress in their most exquisite traditional costume. For young men and women, the market provides an opportunity to find romance. If you arrive early in the morning, you might be lucky enough to see traditional singing and dance performances by the villagers!

Bac Ha Cuisine

Besides the famous handicrafts, Bac Ha market is also a must-see place for foodies. The market's food section is more than just a shopping area; it's a "boulevard" of distinct sensations that will transport you on a genuine gourmet trip.

Thang Co - The popular dish of Bac Ha cuisine (Source: Coracle) 

One of the must-try dishes is Thắng Cố, a traditional dish of the local ethnic groups. It is served in huge, boiling pots over an open fire. Its rich and distinct flavor makes each sip of the soup a memorable experience.

Corn Wine – An essential part of Bac Ha Cuisine (Source: Eholiday)

Bac Ha Cuisine also has the tempting perfume of corn wine, a well-known regional delicacy. Each sip of this strong liquor carries the deep-rooted drinking culture of the Northwest highlands.

Other popular local dishes include steamed corn cakes, "mèn mén" (steamed cornmeal), "phở chua" (sour pho), and more. Start your morning at Bac Ha Market by savoring the flavors that define the charm of this beloved Northwestern region.

The Livestock Section

One of Bac Ha Market's appearances is its dedicated livestock section, which trades animals including buffaloes, horses, dogs and rare birds. These animals play an important role in the daily life of Northwestern farmers, assisting them in cultivating the huge terrace fields. The livestock section is especially well-known for the Bac Ha dog, a highly clever breed distinguished by its fluffy coat and attractive appearance.

The lively livestock section in Bac Ha Market (Source: Vietnam Discovery)

Fluffy Bac Ha Dogs are incredibly adorable (Source: Mia)

In addition to cattle, the market has a diverse bird section that draws pet and bird lovers. You can listen to the wonderful melodies of numerous birds, such as nightingales, starlings, five-colored birds, francolins, red-whiskered bulbuls, and magpie robins.

Conclusion

Bac Ha Market presents an interesting and immersive experience with its energetic cultural environment and great ethnic variety. In the Grand Northwest mountains, this is really a must-see site. If you get the opportunity, go around this interesting market and let its special appeal sink in!

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