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Sunday Markets in Ha Giang
Outdoor markets are essential when it comes to the mountainous provinces in Vietnam. You can come across these markets almost anywhere in the Northwest. These markets aren’t just a trading hub; they are a cherished part of the locals' lives and traditions, fostering cultural exchange among the diverse ethnic minority groups in Ha Giang. Come experience the vibrant tapestry of Ha Giang's weekly markets, and immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of traditional costumes, the aroma of freshly harvested vegetables, and the array of dried herbs, spices, and unique products that characterize each market.
There are markets are held every other day, but the largest ones are usually held on Sundays or during a special festival season. Some markets may not be as large but they will still give you an authentic cultural experience. Each market has its own unique offerings such as: produce from their farms, brocade weaving items, embroidery stalls, household items, fabric dyes, etc. These markets are where you see many different ethnic groups in different traditional clothes in the same place. Their colorful outfits are usually the first things to grab your attention, but if you venture just a bit further to the outer parts of the market, you will find a section dedicated to animals, mostly livestock, from horses, buffaloes, pigs to even dogs. And no visit would be complete without indulging in the local wine that adds a distinct flavor to the market ambiance.
The market is not just a place of commerce; it's a gathering of diverse people, from old ladies to strong men and adorable little kids accompanying their mothers. They travel from different ethnic villages, from as early as 3 AM to get to the market on time, not just to buy or sell but also to share a few moments together and to catch up. Come to the market, where you can purchase happiness without spending a dime.
Quan Ba District
One of the largest markets in Quan Ba District is obviously the Quan Ba market, which takes place every Sunday. People exchange various practical items such as plows, sickles, and knives for agricultural activities. Additionally, they sell many specialties like wild pigs, hill chickens, stream fish, wild vegetables, banana blossoms, corn wine, and more. Visitors can buy colorful headscarves or intricately patterned hemp bags as souvenirs or have a taste of local delicacies and savor a cup of corn wine. A section of the market is dedicated to selling livestock and poultry, and it is usually the noisiest. These animals are often kept in bamboo or thatch cages, or even tied with a rope around their necks for easy supervision.
There are also other local markets in Quan Ba if you’re not in town on a Sunday:
- Local market in Tam Son town on Saturday mornings
- Cao Ta Tung Market, held every Friday
- Tung Vai Market, held once every 5 days
- Bat Dai Son Market, close to the border with China (along with Nghia Thuan Market)
- Quyet Tien Market on Saturday mornings
- Trang Kim Market, 12km from Tam Son Town, held every Thursday from early morning until mid-day
Yen Minh District
Yen Minh Market, every Sunday
Mau Due Market, every Sunday
Sung Trang Market, every Sunday morning
Ban Muong Market, every Saturday
Duong Thuong Market, every Friday
Du Gia Market, every Friday
Duong Thuong Market, every Friday
Dong Van District
Dong Van Sunday Market is a must-visit when in Dong Van Ancient Town, where the Dao, Mong, Tay, Nung, Giay, and Lo Lo usually come.
Every month, the Dong Van market in Ha Giang is held an extra time around the middle of the month. During these special market days, the locals arrange numerous traditional folk games exclusive to the Northeast region, where visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant festivity and gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Dong Van people and the Northeast in general.
The highlight of the celebration is a feast where people invite each other to share corn wine beside a pot of “thang co" - two regional specialties. As a result, you may witness husbands lying on the ground by the roadside while their wives take care of them.
There are also other markets that take place on different days during the month: Sung Trai Market, Sung La Market, Ma Le Market, Lung Cu Market, Pho Bang Market; Pho Cao Market, Lung Phin Market, and Xa Phin Market.
Meo Vac District
Vi Son Market, every Sunday.
Meo Vac Market, every Sunday morning, right by the town of Nho Que River where you’ll meet the Hmong, Hoa, Tay, Nung, Lo Lo, even Chinese ethnic groups.
Sung Tra Market, every Saturday.
Niem Son Market, every 5 days
Khau Vai Love Market is a special market that’s only held once a year. Every year, on the 27th of the third lunar month, locals of the Khau Vai commune gather in a fair, to meet ex-lovers, to rekindle and reconnect without jealousy or hindrance from their current lovers, and it has been a tradition for over a century, ever since 1919. The Khau Vai love market in Ha Giang has become an annual festival, in which entertainment shows and cultural activities have been integrated so the market now spans 3 days, from the 25th to the 27th.
Xin Man District
Coc Pai Sunday Market, located in a small town in Xin Man, easily accessible from Vinh Quang or Bac Ha.
Pa Vay Su Market, every Thursday
Nan Xin Market, every Thursday
Chi Ca Market, every Friday
Then Phang Market, every Saturday
Hoang Su Phi District
Hoang Su Phi is an appealing destination for the captivating beauty of endless golden ripe rice terraces and impressive waterfalls. However, alongside these scenic wonders, the Hoong Su Phi markets also showcase the unique charm of this land.
- Vinh Quang Market, also known as Hoang Su Phi Market, held every Sunday morning
- Thong Nguyen Market, every Sunday
- Thang Tin Market, every Saturday morning
- Ban Luoc Market
- Ban May Market
