1. Basic information about Bac Ha Market

1.1. Location and opening hours

Bac Ha Market is a vibrant cultural hub where ethnic minorities of the Northwest, such as the Hmong, Tay, Nung, Dao, and Phu La, gather to trade. The market preserves cultural identity, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily life of these communities.

Bac Ha Market sits right in the center of Bac Ha Town in Lao Cai Province, about 100 kilometers away from Sapa. It is held once a week on Sunday morning. During summer (around July), the market opens as early as 5 AM. In the colder months (from October), it opens a little later at 6 AM. No matter the season, the market usually winds down at around 12 PM.

1.2. Structure

Bac Ha Market is divided into five areas, each with its own offerings.

Handmade textiles: Here, ethnic women display beautifully embroidered and woven items, all made by hand. You can find colorful scarves, bags, clothes, and more.
Fresh produce: This area is filled with vibrant fruits, vegetables, and specialties. The colors are striking, from red chilies and green herbs to golden chunks of beeswax.
Household goods: This area offers everyday tools like hoes, shovels, knives, and farming equipment.
Livestock: This area is always busy, featuring hundreds of buffaloes, cows, horses, and more.
Two special corners: One is for Bac Ha dogs, a rare local breed known for their strength and loyalty. The other is for Bac Ha birds, filled with the sound of singing birds like nightingales, starlings, bulbuls, etc.

>>> Read more: Markets in Sapa: Top 10 spots to immerse yourself in the local culture

2. Top things to do at Bac Ha Market, Vietnam

2.1. Go shopping for souvenirs

Bac Ha Market is packed with vibrant stalls selling handmade items that reflect the creativity of local ethnic groups. The textile area is the most popular, showcasing woven and embroidered items that are a symbol of the culture of the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people.

Many of these pieces take weeks or even months to complete. As you walk through the market, you will also see stalls selling silver jewelry, traditional teas, and the famous Ban Pho corn wine. Also, don’t miss chili sauce and other farm produce.

Shop til you drop at Bac Ha Sunday Market in Sapa

2.2. Delight in the local cuisine

At Bac Ha Market, there are dozens of food stalls serving up flavorful dishes. Here are some specialties that capture the culture of Vietnam’s northern highlands:

Thang co: A traditional dish of the Hmong people, thang co is a stew made from horse meat and offals and cooked with herbs, cardamom, and other mountain spices.
Pho chua Bac Ha: This “sour pho” is a refreshing noodle dish with chewy rice noodles, pickled vegetables, roasted peanuts, and a slightly tangy sauce.
Banh duc ngo: Made from corn flour, this yellow steamed cake has a soft, jelly-like texture and a naturally sweet taste. It is often topped with pickled sauerkraut.
Banh day: These chewy rice cakes are made from glutinous rice and often paired with mung bean or pork fillings.
Banh chung den: A variation of the classic banh chung, this sticky rice cake is made with black glutinous rice.
Men men: A traditional Hmong dish made from steamed ground corn flour, men men is often enjoyed with soup or meat.
Dried buffalo and smoked pork: These smoked and dried meats are preserved using traditional methods and make great souvenirs.
Corn wine: A strong, fragrant liquor made from fermented corn, it is often shared during gatherings and celebrations.

>>> Check out the top 15 Sapa foods to enjoy the flavors of the region!

2.3. Talk and take photos with the locals

At Bac Ha Market, members of different ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Tay, and Dao come from nearby villages dressed in their most colorful traditional outfits. Wandering around, you will likely find yourself chatting with the locals. Some may share stories behind their crafts, others may invite you to try a local treat. You are welcome to take photos, especially when you ask politely. A smile, a short conversation, and a quick snapshot can turn into your favorite memory of the day.

Take Bac Ha Market photos home for keepsakes

2.4. Explore the art of beeswax drawing in traditional Mong customs

Beeswax drawing is a technique used by the Mong people to decorate fabric with detailed, symbolic patterns. At Bac Ha Market, you can see this craft in action at the display area of the Mong Embroidery and Beeswax Drawing Cooperative from Thai Giang Pho Commune.

Here, artisans sit patiently with hot wax and metal tools to create precise lines and motifs on cloth. The process involves applying melted beeswax to the fabric, then dyeing it. The wax resists the dye, leaving behind beautifully patterned designs once it is removed.

2.5. Enjoy traditional performances

At Bac Ha Market, the locals often perform traditional performances like the gay senh tien stick dance and the khen instrumental dance. These rhythmic performances draw crowds and create a festive atmosphere.

2.6. Visit nearby attractions

You can make the most of your trip to Bac Ha Market by exploring nearby attractions:

Bac Ha Walking Street (400 meters away): Open on Saturday evenings, Bac Ha Walking Street is a lively area filled with street food and traditional performances. It is a great place to experience the town’s nightlife before visiting Bac Ha Market in the morning.
Hoang A Tuong Palace (1.4 kilometers away): Also known as the Hmong King’s Palace, this mansion was built in the early 20th century. Tourists can walk through its grand halls, learn about the region’s history, and take in views of Bac Ha Town from the palace grounds.

There are two notable attractions near Bac Ha Market

>>> Read more: What to do in Sapa: 16 must-have experiences for first-time visitors

3. Tips for visiting Bac Ha Market

3.1. How to get there?

To reach Bac Ha Market from the center of Lao Cai Province, most travelers will follow National Road 70 east. Once you reach Bac Ngam Village, take a left turn and continue for another 30 kilometers. The final stretch includes winding mountain roads with sharp bends, so extra caution is needed if you are riding a motorbike. The trip usually takes about 2.5 hours. For a smoother experience, consider renting a car with a driver or booking a tour that includes transportation.

3.2. What to note?

Keep these in mind to make the most of your trip to Bac Ha Market:

Bring cash, especially small bills, as most vendors do not accept card or mobile payments.
Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes.
Watch your belongings in busy areas to avoid pickpocketing.
Try the food with care if you have a sensitive stomach. Dishes like thang co may be strong in flavor for first-timers.
Plan your return trip ahead of time as transportation options may be limited in the afternoon.

4. Popular Bac Ha Sunday Market tours

There are many tour operators providing tours from Sapa to Bac Ha Market. These tours are generally similar, with some minor differences in prices, group sizes, and extra services. The itinerary typically includes:

7:30 AM - Get picked up in Sapa
8:00 AM - Depart toward Bac Ha Market
11:00 AM - Explore the market
12:30 PM - Have lunch at a local restaurant
1:30 PM - Visit nearby attractions like Ha Khau Gate and Mau Temple
3:00 PM - Return to Sapa

Some recommended tour operators are Real Vietnam Travel Company, GUU TRAVEL, and Vietnam Nomadtrails. Tour prices typically start from 870,000 VND/pax.

Immerse yourself in a Bac Ha Market tour

5. FAQs about Bac Ha Market

5.1. How can I get to Bac Ha Market from Sapa?

From Sapa, you can reach Bac Ha Market by traveling to the center of Lao Cai Province first, then follow National Road 70 as mentioned above. The full trip takes about 3 hours. You can hire a taxi or rent a car with a driver to travel with convenience. If you prefer something more adventurous, renting a motorbike is also an option, but be cautious on the winding mountain roads.

5.2. Is Bac Ha Market worth visiting from Sapa?

Yes, Bac Ha Market is worth visiting from Sapa, especially if you are interested in experiencing a vibrant market and immersing yourself in the local culture of ethnic minorities. It is a popular day trip for those staying in Sapa.

5.3. What can I buy at Bac Ha Sunday Market?

At Bac Ha Market, you will find:

Handwoven and embroidered clothing
Silver jewelry
Local teas and corn wine
Dried buffalo and smoked pork
Fresh produce and homemade chili sauce
Tools and farming equipment
Local livestock, birds, and dogs

5.4. Which ethnic groups visit Bac Ha Market?

Bac Ha Market is a vibrant gathering place for various ethnic groups in northern Vietnam, including the Hmong, Black Dao, Tay, Nung, and Phu La. These groups come from the surrounding hills and valleys.

5.5. What are other must-visit markets in Bac Ha?

Besides Bac Ha Sunday Market, Lao Cai Province hosts several other weekly markets:

Coc Ly Market: This market takes place every Tuesday in Coc Ly Commune, about 23 kilometers southwest of Bac Ha Town.
Ban Lien Market: This market is held every Thursday in Ban Lien Commune, Bac Ha District, known for its strong cultural presence of the Tay, Mong, and Dao communities.
Lung Phinh Market: This market takes place every Friday in Lung Phinh Commune, only 10 kilometers away from Bac Ha Town.
Bac Ha Night Market: This market is open from 8 PM to 10 PM every Saturday in Bac Ha Town. It is a fair-style market with handmade goods.

There are many other markets near Bac Ha Market’s location

Visiting Bac Ha Market is a great way to experience the daily life of Vietnam’s northern highlands. Whether you go for the handmade textiles, the local dishes, or the chance to meet ethnic communities in their traditional outfits, the market offers something memorable at every turn. With guided tours available from Sapa, it is easy to plan a day trip that combines comfort, culture, and adventure all in one.

If you are planning a longer trip through Vietnam, consider adding other must-visit destinations to your itinerary, like Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. For a relaxing stay in those destinations, consider the hotel and resort system of Vinpearl. You can also enjoy family-friendly fun at VinWonders, a series of entertainment complexes packed with games, shows, and activities for all ages.