Foreigners sharing tips about Sapa markets

Foreigners sharing tips about Sapa markets

Every day in Sapa there is a market meeting - where many ethnic people gather to trade and exchange goods such as vegetables, fruits and poultry. Each market is interesting and the number of participants varies.

Ways of identifying ethnic costumes, ways of payment, travel and sightseeing ... in some upland markets in Sapa are clearly shared by foreign visitors on the Goesan Tourism website of ASEAN.

Here are 5 highland markets and some tips to help your exploration trip in Sapa more interesting.

Famous markets in Sapa

Coc Ly market

Coc Ly market mainly sells vegetables and poultry.

Every third occasion, Coc Ly fairgrounds stir up the upland atmosphere when the Miao, the Black Dao, the Nung and the Tay live near the river. What makes the Coc Ly market colorful is the traditional costumes, colorful colors of H'mong hill tribes.

Although the goods here are not very attractive visitors (mostly vegetables and poultry), you will not be able to stop eagerly walking around the sewing embroidery of people here. If you enjoy the culture of the country, you can pay at the market but no less bustling.

Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha market is often complained of being too commercial because it is the largest market in Sapa, also more accessible than other highland markets and is an ideal place for people in Sapa to visit in a short time. Here are the convergence of all ethnic minorities in the area, especially the H'mong hill tribe.

Another interesting point is that you will find the Buffalo and the big fat children - a unique item in the market. Also, if you are lucky, you will also see birds who show off their talents in bird singing.

Lung Khin Nhin Market

The characteristic of Lung Khin Nhin market does not belong to the market but is located in the scenery along the way here. From Sapa, you will pass through Tram Ton pass, the highest road in Vietnam with the height of 1,900 m. Depending on the weather, you'll feel choked when you look at the scenery from this height.

In Lung Khin Nhin market, you will have the opportunity to chat with lesser known ethnic groups such as White Thai. Although the costume of this ethnic fish is not as colorful as the Black Dao or the Meo, chatting with them in the bazaar means you have received their kindness and friendliness.

Sin Cheng Market

Not too long ago, Sin Cheng market is still isolated from the outside - but it is because of the remote location that visitors rarely come here to visit. Road from the town of Sapa here, you will cross the original scene is still not subject to the destruction of people.

In addition, the market is a gathering place White H'mong, Flower H'mong, White Dao and Giay create a combination of ethnic clothing extremely diverse. You will be eager to see the people gather together to talk and talk, creating an atmosphere of communication is gradually lost in the modern city in Vietnam.

Muong Hum Market

Situated near the Chinese border, this is probably the most remote market place in Sapa. Ethnic minorities coming to this market include: Ha Nhi, Phula, Black Dao, Giay, Red Cats, Black Cats. Because of the way Sapa is quite far, you will rarely see the tourists here, making the atmosphere a lot more quiet.

Go up a bit more, you will come to Muong Vi cave. This limestone cave system is quite similar to the beautiful scenery that you can meet in Halong Bay.

Things to know before you go

Take a photo

The first thing to keep in mind is that, even though these places do not prohibit travelers, remember that you are here because of the hospitality, not the duty of the people, so respect them.
If you want to take a photo, please ask the people before shooting. If you are traveling with a guide, ask them to help you do this - by speaking only ethnic languages, or by helping you translate. In the worst case, you just bring the camera closer to the chin and eye contact. Ethnic people will understand this sign and will express their approval or discomfort if they are photographed.

Bargain

If you are in the market for textiles and handicrafts, you will find hand-woven items and textiles (especially in Bac Ha). Hand-woven fabrics, from yarn to dyed fabrics, can take from several hours to several months to do. You will easily recognize hand-woven fabrics because they are softer and have fancy patterns on the embroidered surface. Some of the H'Mong textiles also have deep colors such as dark blue, black and indigo, which will take longer to dye. Do not be afraid to pay, but do not be too crowded with the people here.

Costume

Some markets like Bac Ha have quite convenient roads and tourists can go by car. However, other markets will drain your energy and energy. If you are aiming at the remote markets like Sin Cheng, Lung Khin Nhin, you should prepare walking shoes and exploring psychology.

Sapa weather is quite erratic, just sunny that was raining right. Not to mention, the temperature also goes up and down with great amplitude and pressure changes. Therefore, you should bring raincoat into a light jacket to wear when climbing.