Market Tours

Bac Ha Market - Sundays

Time: approximately 10 hours, starts 6.30-7AM

Fitness level: Easy*

*Please note that this tour includes walking through the market and visiting villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Description

Experience the largest and most vibrant minority market in Northwest Vietnam, where ethnic groups gather to trade, socialize, and showcase their traditions. Held every Sunday, Bac Ha Market is a lively hub of culture and commerce, with Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Tay, and other ethnic groups selling livestock, handicrafts, and local produce. Enjoy the colorful atmosphere, try traditional dishes like Thang Co (horse stew), and taste the region’s famous corn wine. After the market, visit Ban Pho village, home to the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Nung people, and take a scenic horse cart ride through the countryside.

    • Explore the largest ethnic market in Northwest Vietnam

    • Visit Ban Pho village and experience rural life with the local people

    • Enjoy a horse cart ride through the scenic landscape

  • Start your journey early in the morning at 6.30-7 AM. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in the centre of Sapa, Lao Cai or at our office.

    • Drive to Bac Ha Market (110 km / ~2.5 hours from Sapa, or 72 km / ~1.5 hours from Lao Cai)

    • Explore the market and experience the vibrant culture

    • Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant

    • Visit Ban Pho village and interact with locals

    • Take a horse cart ride to Na Hoi village

    • Return to Sapa or Lao Cai in the afternoon

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking local guide

    • Breakfast and lunch

    • Boat trip on the Chay River

    • Village entrance feesAll transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Breakfast, lunch, snacks and water

    • Village entrance fee

    • Horse cart ride

    • Personal expenses

    • Drinks

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $160 pp

    1 person

  • $80 pp

    2 people

  • $70 pp

    3 people

  • $65 pp

    4 people

  • $55 pp

    5 people +

Muong Hum Market - Sundays

Time: approx. 9 hours, start at 7.30 am

Fitness level: Easy*****

*Please note that this tour includes walking through the market and visiting villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Description: 

Muong Hum Market, nestled in the valleys of Bat Xat District, is a vibrant meeting place for ethnic minorities. Every Sunday, Giay, Flower Dao, Green Hmong, Ha Nhi, and Tay people gather here to trade, socialize, and enjoy local delicacies. This tour offers a cultural experience, breathtaking scenery, and a visit to Y Ty commune, near the border to China, where you will enjoy a local lunch and visit local houses of the Ha Nhi people.

    • Pass through O Quy Ho Pass and Ta Giang Phinh village, with stunning views of rice terraces and mountains

    • Visit Muong Hum Market, where several ethnic groups gather to trade

    • After exploring the market, continue to Y Ty commune, driving through Lu rice fields, Den Sang cardamom forests, and Nhi Cu San Mountain.

    • Explore the unique Ha Nhi mud houses in Y Ty commune and enjoy a local lunch

  • Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Sapa or meet you at our office at 7.30 am.

    • On the drive from Sapa you will pass through O Quy Ho Pass and Ta Giang Phinh village, with stunning views of rice terraces and mountains

    • When you arrive at the Muong Hum Market you will explore it with your guide

    • After exploring the market, continue to Y Ty commune, driving through Lu rice fields, Den Sang cardamom forests, and Nhi Cu San Mountain.

    • Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a traditional Ha Nhi house

    • On the return journey, stop at Lung Po T-Junction, where the Red River enters Vietnam, before returning to Lao Cai or Sapa town, where you will arrive around 5 pm.

    • All transportation

      • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

      • Lunch and 1 bottle of water.

      • Village entrance fees

    • Personal expenses

    • Drinks

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $155 pp

    1 person

  • $80 pp

    2 people

  • $75 pp

    3 people

  • $60 pp

    4 people

  • $50 pp

    5 people +

Phong Hai market - Mondays

Time: Approx.8 hours, start at 6:30 am

Fitness level: Easy*****

Description

Phong Hai Market is a fascinating local market located in Bao Thang District, Lao Cai Province, about 70 km from Sapa and 25 km from Lao Cai City. It is less touristy than other markets like Bac Ha or Can Cau, making it a great place to experience the authentic daily life of ethnic minorities, including the Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, and Dao. This market is well-known for its agricultural products, handicrafts, and livestock trade, as well as its vibrant food stalls.

    • A closest fair market to Sapa town.

    • Discover the culture of Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung and Dao at the market.

    • Visit the border between Vietnam and China.

    • Visit the Mau Temple and Thuong Temple.

    • Explore the culture of Black Hmong and Giay enthic minority groups in Lao Chai and Ta Van villages

  • 🌟 Itinerary: Sapa – Phong Hai Market – Lao Cai

    🚗 Morning: Travel from Sapa to Phong Hai Market

    • 6:30 AM – Depart from Sapa by private car.

    • Route: Sapa → Lao Cai City → Phong Hai Market (Approx. 70 km, ~2 hours).

    • 8:30 AM – Arrive at Phong Hai Market.

    🛍️ Morning: Explore Phong Hai Market

    • Walk around and observe locals trading fresh vegetables, herbs, textiles, livestock, and handmade crafts.

    • Enjoy the lively atmosphere as ethnic minority vendors sell their goods, dressed in their traditional clothing.

    • Try some local street food, such as sticky rice, rice noodle soup, or grilled pork skewers.

    • If you’re feeling adventurous, taste corn wine (Rượu Ngô), a local specialty.

    • Take photos of the colorful stalls and daily life at the market.

    🍽️ Midday: Visit Lao Cai City

    • Depart for Lao Cai City (25 km, ~40 minutes).

    • Visit the Lao Cai International Border Gate, where you can see Hekou, China across the Red River.

    • Explore Den Mau Temple, a famous spiritual site dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

    • Lunch at a local restaurant in Lao Cai, trying dishes like:

      • Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls)

      • Thắng Cố (horse stew, optional)

    🚗 Afternoon: Return to Sapa

    • Drive back to Sapa.

    • Visit the Black Hmong and Dzay minority groups in Lao Chai and Ta Van villages for about three hours. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the terraced rice fields in Muong Hoa Valley.

    • Return to Sapa town, just in time for dinner.

  • What’s included

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Lunch + bottle of water

    • Village entrance fees

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

      💡 Tips for the Trip

      ✅ Bring cash, as most vendors don’t accept credit cards.
      ✅ Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk through busy market streets.
      ✅ Arrive early to experience the market at its busiest and most vibrant.
      ✅ If taking photos of ethnic minorities, always ask for permission first.

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $175 pp

    1 person

  • $87 pp

    2 people

  • $75 pp

    3 people

  • $60 pp

    4 people

  • $47 pp

    5 people +

Coc Ly Market - Tuesdays

Time: approximately 10 hours, start at 6.30-7 AM

Fitness level: Easy*

*Please note that this tour includes walking through the market and visiting villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Description

Coc Ly Market is a vibrant gathering place where ethnic minority groups from surrounding villages meet every Tuesday to trade goods and socialize. Here, you will see Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Nung, Giay, and Tay people selling everything from fresh produce and livestock to handicrafts and textiles. The market is an opportunity to experience the region’s rich cultural traditions.

After exploring the market, continue your journey with a scenic boat ride down the Chay River, passing picturesque villages, fields, waterfalls, and limestone gorges and have lunch in one of the local villages.

    • Experience the lively atmosphere at the colorful Coc Ly Market

    • Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Chay River, passing waterfalls, villages, and lush countryside.

    • Explore Trung Do, a traditional Tay village to visit the Tay minority community and their farmlands.

    • Eat a delicious local lunch in Bao Nhai village

  • Start your journey early in the morning at 6.30-7 AM. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in the centre of Sapa, Lao Cai or at our office.

    • Drive to Coc Ly Market (95 km / ~1h 45m from Sapa, or 60 km / ~1 hour from Lao Cai).

    • Explore the market, interact with local traders, and soak in the atmosphere.

    • Travel to the Chay River for a scenic boat ride, passing waterfalls, villages, and lush countryside.

    • Stop at Trung Do village to visit the Tay minority community and their farmlands.

    • Continue downriver to Bao Nhai village and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.

    • Return to Sapa or Lao Cai in the afternoon, marking the end of your tour.

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking local guide

    • Breakfast and lunch

    • Boat trip on the Chay River

    • Village entrance fees

    • Personal expenses

    • Drinks

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $172 pp

    1 person

  • $92 pp

    2 people

  • $75 pp

    3 people

  • $65 pp

    4 people

  • $50 pp

    5 people +

Sin Cheng market - Wednesdays

Time: 9 - 10 hours, start at 6:30 am

Fitness level: Easy

Description

Sín Chéng Market is a lesser-known but vibrant ethnic fair market located in Si Ma Cai District, about 135 km (~4 hours) from Sapa. This remote market offers a truly authentic experience, with fewer tourists compared to Bac Ha or Can Cau. It is mainly attended by Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, Dao, and Giay minorities, who gather to trade livestock, textiles, fresh produce, and traditional handmade goods.

    • Stay in a Red Dao homestay, experiencing their culture and cuisine

    • Visit a Blue Hmong house and learn about their traditions

    • See the breathtaking rice terraces of Gia Thau and Kim Ngan and visit a local salmon farm

    • Stop at Cold Waterfall and Mount Fansipan Cable Car station on the way back to Sapa

  • 🚗 Morning: Travel from Sapa to Sín Chéng Market

    • 6:30 AM – Depart from Sapa by private car or motorbike.

    • Route: Sapa → Lao Cai City → Bac Ha → Sín Chéng (~135 km, ~4 hours).

    • 10:30 AM – Arrive at Sín Chéng Market.

    🛍️ Late Morning: Explore Sín Chéng Market

    • Walk through the colorful stalls and observe locals trading fresh produce, livestock, traditional herbal medicine, and handmade crafts.

    • See buffalo, pigs, and chickens being sold, as this is a key livestock trading hub.

    • Engage with the ethnic minority people, who wear stunning traditional outfits.

    • Taste local specialties, such as corn wine, sticky rice, or grilled pork skewers.

    🍽️ Midday: Travel to Bac Ha for Lunch

    • 12:00 PM – Depart for Bac Ha Town (~40 km, ~1 hour).

    • 1:00 PM – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying:

      • Thắng Cố (a traditional horse meat stew).

      • Bac Ha’s famous corn wine.

    🌿 Afternoon: Explore Bac Ha or Nearby Villages

    • Visit the Hmong King’s Palace (Hoàng A Tưởng Palace) to learn about local history.

    • Take a short trek in Bản Phố Village, home to the Flower Hmong and Tay people.

    • Observe the corn wine-making process in local homes.

    🚗 Late Afternoon: Return to Sapa

    • 3:00 PM – Depart for Sapa.

    • 6:30 PM – Arrive in Sapa, just in time for dinner.

  • What’s included

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Lunch + 1 bottle of water

    • Entrance fees

    • Snack

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $160 pp

    1 person

  • $85 pp

    2 people

  • $70 pp

    3 people

  • $60 pp

    4 people

  • $50 pp

    5 people +

San Thang market - Thursdays

Time: Approx. 8 ~9 hours, start at 7 am.

Fitness level: Easy

*Please note that this tour includes walking through the market and visiting villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Description

San Thàng Market, held every Thursday in Lai Châu province, is one of the most vibrant traditional markets in Northwest Vietnam. More than just a place to trade goods, it’s a lively hub for cultural exchange among ethnic groups like the Hmong, Dao, Thai, and Giay. With its rich traditions and colorful atmosphere, the market plays an important role in local life and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic highland culture.

    • Explore one of the most vibrant and traditional markets of Lai Châu, with participation from Hmong, Dao, Thai, Giay, and Lu ethnic groups.

    • Witness colorful clothing, local handicrafts, and livestock trading.

    • Taste local specialties and experience authentic cultural interactions.

    • Visit nearby villages and enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes along the way.

  • 🔹 7:00 AM — Depart from Sapa

    • Pick up from your hotel in Sapa town.

    • Enjoy a scenic drive passing through mountains, valleys, and small villages along National Highway 4D toward Lai Châu.

    🔹 9:30 AM — Arrive at San Thàng Market

    • Start exploring the bustling market.

    • Visit various sections: livestock trading (buffalo, pigs, chickens), fresh produce, traditional herbal medicines, and colorful brocade textiles.

    • Observe ethnic minority people wearing their best traditional costumes.

    • Interact with friendly locals, observe cultural exchanges, and maybe try bargaining for small souvenirs.

    🔹 11:30 AM — Taste Local Food at the Market

    • Try typical highland dishes such as:

      • Thắng cố (horse stew)

      • Bamboo-tube sticky rice

      • Smoked buffalo meat

      • Sip some local corn wine with the locals (optional!)

    🔹 12:30 PM — Short Visit to Surrounding Villages

    • Depart the market and take a short drive to nearby villages in San Thàng commune.

    • Walk through small ethnic hamlets, visit local homes, and learn about daily life and traditional customs.

    🔹 2:00 PM — Start the journey back to Sapa

    • Stop along the way for photo opportunities of terraced rice fields, water - wheel and stunning mountainscapes.

    • Visit O Quy Ho Pass to marvel at the breathtaking mountain scenery and panoramic views of the valleys within Hoàng Liên National Park.

    🔹 4:30 PM — Arrive back in Sapa

    • Drop-off at your hotel. End of tour.

  • What’s included

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Lunch + bottle water

    • Entrance fee

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $160 pp

    1 person

  • $85 pp

    2 people

  • $70 pp

    3 people

  • $60 pp

    4 people

  • $50 pp

    5 people +

Lung Phinh market (Fridays)

Time: approx.9 hours, start at 6:30 am

Fitness level: Easy*****

*Please note that this tour includes walking through the market and visiting villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Description

Lùng Phình Market, located in Bắc Hà District, Lao Cai Province and held on Friday every week. This market is known for its authenticity, as it’s less touristy than Bắc Hà Market and offers a great cultural experience with ethnic minorities like the H’Mong, Phù Lá, and Dao.

    • Authentic local market, less touristy

    • Visit Nung, Phu La, Dao, Hmong groups

    • See the breathtaking rice terraces of mountains and valleys.

    • Stop in Bac Ha town and Pho village of Flower Hmong.

  • 📅 Best day to visit: Fridays (Lung Phình Market operates only on Fridays)
    🕗 Recommended departure time: 6:30 AM

    🚗 Morning: Travel from Sapa to Lùng Phình Market

    • 6:30 AM – Depart from Sapa by private car.

    • Route: Sapa → Lao Cai City → Bắc Hà → Lùng Phình (Approx. 110 km, ~3.5-4 hours)

    • 7:30 AM – Quick breakfast stop in Lao Cai City (optional) – Enjoy a bowl of Phở or Bánh cuốn.

    • 10:00 AM – Arrive at Lùng Phình Market.

    🛍️ Morning & Midday: Explore Lùng Phình Market

    • Wander through the market and observe the vibrant trade of goods like livestock, textiles, traditional herbal medicine, and local foods.

    • Interact with the local H’Mong and Phù Lá people, known for their colorful clothes and handicrafts.

    • Try some local dishes like Thắng Cố (horse meat stew) or Bánh Đúc Ngô (corn rice cake).

    • Take photos of the bustling market scene with ethnic vendors and livestock trading.

    🍽️ Lunch: Bắc Hà Town

    • 12:00 PM – Depart Lùng Phình for Bắc Hà Town (15 km, ~20 minutes).

    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying specialties like grilled pork, corn wine (Rượu Ngô), or Bắc Hà’s famous noodle soup.

    🌿 Afternoon: Optional Activities in Bắc Hà

    • 1:00 PM – Visit the H’Mong King’s Palace (Hoàng A Tưởng Palace) to learn about local history.

    • 1:30 PM – Short trek to Bản Phố Village, known for its traditional distilleries and beautiful landscape.

    🚗 Late Afternoon: Return to Sapa

    • 2:30 PM – Start the journey back to Sapa.

    • 5:30 PM – Arrive in Sapa, just in time for dinner.

  • What’s included

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Lunch + bottle of water

    • Village entrance fees

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

    • 💡 Tips for the Trip

      ✅ Bring cash (no ATMs in Lùng Phình).
      ✅ Dress appropriately for the weather (it can be cold in the morning).
      ✅ If renting a motorbike, ensure it’s in good condition, as roads can be rough.
      ✅ Arrive early (by 10 AM) to experience the market at its busiest.
      ✅ Be respectful when taking photos of ethnic minorities—always ask first.

  • $165 pp

    1 person

  • $80 pp

    2 people

  • $65 pp

    3 people

  • $55 pp

    4 people

  • $45 pp

    5 people +

Can Cau market - Saturdays

Time: approx.10 hours, start at 6:30 am.

Fitness level: Easy*****

Description

Can Cau is a bustling market held every Saturday. Located just below the Chinese border, it is a colorful and lively market where you will encounter various ethnic minority groups, including the Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Nung, Phu La, and even Chinese traders from across the border. A wide range of goods is exchanged here, from fabrics and handicrafts to livestock and the region’s famous local corn wine.

As expected, the market starts early (around 7:00 AM) and winds down by early afternoon. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to get an early start

    • Meet some different ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Nung, Phu La.

    • Enjoy local food: Thắng Cố, Phở Bắc Hà

    • Enjoy beautiful scenic on the way to the border between Vietnam and China

  • Typical Itinerary for a Day at Can Cau Market

    ✅ Morning:

    • Drive to Can Cau (125 km / ~3 hours from Sapa, or 87 km / ~2 hours from Lao Cai).

    • Explore the market: Mingle with the locals, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps try your hand at haggling for a bargain!

    ✅ Midday:

    • Travel to Bac Ha town for lunch at a local restaurant.

    • Try the traditional Thang Co (horse stew) paired with corn wine—alternative dishes are available!

    ✅ Afternoon:

    • Visit Ban Pho village, home to the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups.

    • See how locals distill corn wine in their homes, preparing for the Bac Ha Sunday Market.

    ✅ Evening:

    • Return to Sapa or Lao Cai, ending the day with unforgettable cultural experiences.

  • What’s included

    • All transportation

    • Knowledgeable English-speaking, local guide

    • Lunch + bottle of water

    • Village entrance fees

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Drinks and personal expenses

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Insect repellent, sunscreen

    • Seasonal clothing

  • $165 pp

    1 person

  • $85 pp

    2 people

  • $70 pp

    3 people

  • $60 pp

    4 people

  • $50 pp

    5 people +