Location
Bac Ha Market is in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province. It’s about 80km from downtown Sapa and the market occurs every Sunday.
Characteristics
Bac Ha Market is one of the biggest and most well know in all of North Vietnam. The energy and colour of the Flower Hmong People give the area a unique vibrancy. The best way to see the market in all its glory is to arrive early and leave before the crowds of tourists arrive on the buses between 10am and 11am. This either means a 5am start from Sapa, or an overnight stay in Bac Ha on Saturday night. By doing so, not only will you avoid the tourists, but you will also see the market in full swing.
Bac Ha Market is at its finest very early as the local minority tribes bring their livestock, wares and rice wine to sell each week. Although there are things to buy in the form of handicrafts and souvenirs, the best quality products can be found in Sapa. Bac Ha Market is not really a place for shopping, but is a great location to visit if you are happy to people watch and take in the energy and vibrancy of the occasion.