Ethnic markets in Vietnam – a list of the most interesting

This list of ethnic markets in northern Vietnam is far from complete but a selection of some of the most authentic and interesting in the region. Most of markets begin in the early morning an continue to about midday, getting quieter as the day wares on. 

 Sin in Ho Market

• a small town in the province of Lai Chau (from the Lai Chau town approximately 70 km)
• Sin Ho market is held every Saturday and Sunday (Sunday is busier)
• large and less frequented by tourists
• food, household goods, textiles, but also technological equipment
• ethnic minorities – Black Dao and Red Hmong.

Sapa Market

• Daily market 
• hoe to the best range of traditional textiles of any market in all of Vietnam
• more frequented by tourists and therefore less authentic than some.
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Dao, Giay and Tay

​Muong Hum Market

• market is held every Sunday, about 50 km north of the town of Sapa
• authentic market, which retains its culture and style
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Ha Nhi, Dao and Giay

Dong Van Market

• the largest Sunday market in the north, in the town of Dong Van
• 6.00 – 11.00 am, several ethnic minorities
• practically everything (especially cattle, food, textiles and other hot stuff)
• the opportunity to taste the local cuisine and dishes
• this area is also suitable for trekking and exploring ethnic minorities
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo 

Coc Ly Market

• a small village in the province of Lao Cai, about 50 km from the Lao Cai town
• market is held on Tuesday
• textiles, fashion accessories, wildlife
• ethnic minorities – mainly Flower Hmong

Cao Son Market

• a small village, about 25 km north of Coc Ly market
• market is held on Wednesday
• mainly local produce – vegetables, textiles, jewellery …
• ethnic minorities – Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao

Meo Vac Market

• similar market as the Sunday market in Dong Van
• also known as “cattle” market, people here brings buffalo, cows, goats for sale
• the road leads from Dong Van town over the spectacular Ma Pi Leng mountain pass
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo 

​Pha Long Market

• about 70 km to the north from the town of Lao Cai, near the Chinese border
• mainly agricultural products, textiles and animals
• market is held on Saturday
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Tay, Dung, Pa Di

​Bac Ha Market

• more frequented by tourists and travellers
• market is held on Sunday
• textiles, fashion accessories, food, but also animals
• this place is also suitable for light trekking or visiting other markets
• ethnic minorities – mainly Flower Hmong

Sin Cheng Market

• small Saturday and weekend market in Lao Cai province
• less frequented by tourists than other markets in this province
• ethnic minority – Flower Hmong

Lung Phin Market

• small Sunday market, about 10 km from the town of Bac Ha
• less frequented by tourists than market in Bac Ha
• ethnic minority – Flower Hmong

Coc Pai Market

• Sunday and Saturday market in the western province of Ha Giang, a little less accessible
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Nung, La Chi, Cao Lan
• animals, food, textiles and other hot stuff

Muong Khuong Market

• Sunday market in Lao Cai province
• handicraft, cattle, vegetable, traditional incense and local products
• ethnic minorities – Flower Hmong, Nung

Y Ty Market

• Saturday market
• ethnic minority - Ha Nhi 

Hoang Su Phi Market

• Sunday market in the province of Ha Giang, Vinh Quang town
• road to the market leads through the beautiful scenery
• practically everything (animals, food and textiles)
• ethnic minorities – Hmong, Tay, Nung, Dao, La Chi

Ha Giang town Market

• Sunday market in the centre of the town of Ha Giang
• the biggest market in the town
• ethnic minorities – Red Dao, White Hmong, Tay, Nung 

Quan Ba Market

• Sunday market in the province of Ha Giang, Tam Son town centre, Quan Ba District
• the biggest ethnic market in the area
• practically everything (animals, food, textiles and other items)
• several ethnic minorities and Vietnamese residents

Yen Minh Market

• Sunday market in the centre of Yen Minh
• The biggest ethnic market in the area and several ethnic minorities
• practically everything (animals, food, textiles and other items)
• some specialities: wine, agricultural products, herbs, fruits, vegetables

Ma Le Market

• small market, about 10 km from the city of Dong Van, on the road to Lung Cu (northernmost place of Vietnam)
• market is held on Saturdays

Pho Bang Market

• market in the far north of the province of Ha Giang, Dong Van district, a short walk from Pho Cao
• market is held on a rota basis. week 1 is Sunday, next week the market will be on Saturday, then Friday etc.
• there are many old houses in the Pho Bang area

Lung Phin Market

• market 35 km south of the city of Dong Van, 15 km from the town of Meo Vac
• one of the most authentic ethnic market
• many ethnic minorities from the local area
• some specialities: mint, Lung Phin tea, dried beef, corn wine, brocades

Mau Due Market

• Saturday and Sunday market in Yen Minh district
  
• Sunday is the busier of the two days
  
• some specialities: wine, agricultural products, herbs, fruits, vegetables

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