Sapa Market Tour
Experience code: EthosmarketSapa
"Markets are fun because they are the ultimate treasure hunt. Be open to the fact that you never know what you'll find.". - Lara Spencer
Duration: 4 hours (approx).
Departure time: Offered every Sunday. Departure from 8.30 - 9.00am
Physical activity: Easy walking tour
Location - Sapa town
Travel Style: - Cultural immersion and food tasting
Connectivity: Wifi - available, Mobile coverage - good.
Departure time: Offered every Sunday. Departure from 8.30 - 9.00am
Physical activity: Easy walking tour
Location - Sapa town
Travel Style: - Cultural immersion and food tasting
Connectivity: Wifi - available, Mobile coverage - good.
Summary:
- Quirky market tour, ideal for cultural ethusiasts, portrait photographers, culinary adventurous travellers and history buffs.
- Includes food tasting and lunch.
Background
One of the best ways to experience culture in mountainous northern Vietnam is at a weekly market.
Most of the larger, more established markets attract people from the surrounding villages who typically wear their best clothes and come to trade livestock, textiles, foraged foods and medicines as well as fruits and vegetables. While markets such as Bac Ha and Dong Van have grown in popularity amongst travellers, the Sunday market in Sapa is often overlooked, but it’s an absolute gem.
For culture and intrigue, Sapa market still rates as one of the top five ethnic markets in northern Vietnam, but should be visited on Sunday morning for the best experience. The months post rice harvest (September) and pre Tet New Year (end of January) are most busy and vibrant, although people are selling textiles, home grown and foraged foods and interesting medicines though out the year.
Markets act as more than a place just for buying and selling, but are an opportunity for local people from different ethnicities to come and socialise and for women to demonstrate their beautiful traditional costumes. Sapa Market is a fantastic place to meet the Black Hmong, Red Dao and Giay. It is not uncommon to meet other ethnic groups who travel into the area. Most weekends, Tay and Thai people visit too.
Our half day morning tour is led by a local Hmong guide. It is a walking tour including pick up from any hotel or guest house within the town centre area.
One of the best ways to experience culture in mountainous northern Vietnam is at a weekly market.
Most of the larger, more established markets attract people from the surrounding villages who typically wear their best clothes and come to trade livestock, textiles, foraged foods and medicines as well as fruits and vegetables. While markets such as Bac Ha and Dong Van have grown in popularity amongst travellers, the Sunday market in Sapa is often overlooked, but it’s an absolute gem.
For culture and intrigue, Sapa market still rates as one of the top five ethnic markets in northern Vietnam, but should be visited on Sunday morning for the best experience. The months post rice harvest (September) and pre Tet New Year (end of January) are most busy and vibrant, although people are selling textiles, home grown and foraged foods and interesting medicines though out the year.
Markets act as more than a place just for buying and selling, but are an opportunity for local people from different ethnicities to come and socialise and for women to demonstrate their beautiful traditional costumes. Sapa Market is a fantastic place to meet the Black Hmong, Red Dao and Giay. It is not uncommon to meet other ethnic groups who travel into the area. Most weekends, Tay and Thai people visit too.
Our half day morning tour is led by a local Hmong guide. It is a walking tour including pick up from any hotel or guest house within the town centre area.
Highlights
- Genuine conversations with local ethnic minorities
- Exploring Sapa culture & history
- Friendly atmosphere among local people
- Street food tasting
*Notes: Subject to availability.
