Sapa Market Tours
Experience the colour, culture, and traditions of northern Vietnam on a Sapa market tour. Join local guides as you explore vibrant hill tribe markets, meet ethnic minority communities, and discover traditional crafts, food, and daily life.
Route: Sapa or Lao Cai - Bac Ha - Ban Pho - Sapa or Lao Cai
Grade: Easy
Experience one of northern Vietnam’s most vibrant cultural events with a visit to the famous Bac Ha Market. Held every Sunday and recommended by Lonely Planet, this lively market brings together ethnic minority groups from across the region, including the Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Tay, Nung, La Chi and Phu La. Wander through a colourful maze of traditional clothing, local produce and livestock trading, and witness a centuries-old social gathering where people come not only to trade, but to exchange news and renew friendships. With an early start, you’ll have time to fully explore the atmosphere and traditions of this unforgettable highland market before returning later in the day.
Bac Ha Market is only open on Sundays
Want to live like a local?
Route: Sapa or Lao Cai - Coc Ly - Chay River - Trung Do - Bao Nhai - Sapa or Lao Cai
Grade: Easy
Coc Ly a is a medium sized minority peoples market where every Tuesday the tribes from the surrounding villages come to buy and sell goods and meet friends. You will find Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Black Dao, Nung, Giay and Tay peoples in attendance and the goods on offer range from local fruit and vegetables to livestock, handicrafts and clothes. The market starts around 7am and closes in the early afternoon.