The colourful markets of Sapa
Some of the most popular markets are:
Tuesday: Coc Ly Market -A very small market where you can meet with the Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Nung and Tay. During your visit you will also take a boat ride along Chay River and a short walk to Trung Do village of Tay minority (often in July and August the boat ride is not possible due to high water).
Wednesday: Sin Cheng Market -This small market in Si Ma Cai district, (37 km from Bac Ha) is a great location to meet the White H'mong, Flower H'mong, Black Dao, Tay and Giay ethnic costumes. Sin Cheng market is the most unspoiled market in this remote area, near the Sino-Vietnamese border. Road conditions are poor and the market can be suspended during bad weather.
Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin - 15 km out off Sapa en-route to Lai Chau you will cross the 1900 meter high Tram Ton pass (Vietnam's highest). A variety of minority tribes people gather to sell their wares. Expect to see Tai Lu, Tai Laos, White Tai, and H'mong amongst others.
Saturday: Can Cau Market – Located in a valley surrounded by mountains approximately four hours from Sapa by car and just 7km from China. A small but fascinating open air market. It is a blaze of colour, being regularly represented by many of the ethnic minority groups.
Saturday Evening: Sapa’s famous ‘love market’. Whilst not the genuine article anymore (boys and girls from surrounding valleys used to come in search of their life partners), it’s still well worth a visit. Young Red Dzao and Black H’mong girls come to sing songs (mostly for the tourists it has to be said).
Sunday: Bac Ha Market - Approx 3 hours from Sapa this is a massive gathering of hill tribe and ethnic minority people and the most famous of all the markets in the region. As well as livestock and foodstuffs, one can also buy handicrafts and textiles.