Beyond the thrilling mountain roads and picturesque terraced fields in Sapa, Lao Cai, visitors should definitely experience its bustling highland markets, especially Bac Ha Market, providing a fascinating window into the local culture.

Overview of Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha is the largest and most renowned market in Lao Cai, a highlight of the Bac Ha District highlands. Despite its 135 kilometers distance from Sapa Town, it remains a highly sought-after destination for visitors on multi-day tours in Sapa and Lao Cai.

Bac Ha Market has been recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s top 10 most unique and attractive markets for preserving the authentic cultural essence of Vietnam’s Northwest region.

History of Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market has a long history, forming and growing from the fundamental needs of local people.

Firstly, the Bac Ha residents grow their own crops and raise livestock for food. Therefore, the market serves as a vital place for local exchange and selling. Visitors here can also find unique gifts for their loved ones.

A group of vendors in Bac Ha Market. — Vendors in Bac Ha Market.

Additionally, given the long distances between each household, Bac Ha locals rarely have the chance to meet up. The market is now a social meeting point where people can connect and chat. Arrive early at the market, and you might even witness unique Bac Ha singing and dancing.

Smiling vendors in Bac Ha Market. — Smiling locals in the market.

What makes Bac Ha Market special?

Visitors to Bac Ha Market are instantly captivated by its expansive, vibrant space, rich with the culture of ethnic groups like the Mong, Tay, Nung, and Dao. You’ll find an incredible range of goods here: from popular Lao Cai specialties, traditional brocade and handicrafts, to household essentials, livestock, poultry, and wild vegetables.

Rows of stalls in Bac Ha Market. — Product stalls in Bac Ha Market.

This “one-day market” opens exclusively on Sundays, usually from early morning. On market day, people from surrounding villages gather, transforming the area into an animated scene of buyers and sellers, with the lively sounds of bargaining filling the air.

Location & How to get to Bac Ha Market

Getting to Bac Ha Market requires a bit of a journey – over 70 kilometers from Lao Cai City and double that from Sapa Center – but it’s accessible by motorbike or car. The route isn’t complicated: simply follow Highway 70, turn left at Bac Ngam Village, and continue for about 30 kilometers. Do note that the road to Bac Ha has some sharp, winding passes, so you should be very careful when driving.

With Fola Travel’s Sapa tours, however, you can leave all worries about transportation, food, and accommodation behind. Our Hanoi-Sapa shuttle service features experienced drivers and tour guides, ensuring your discovery journey is safe, comfortable, and truly enjoyable.

See more: Best Sapa tours for 2025.

Best time to visit Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market is held every Sunday, from early morning until 2-3 PM, making it a viable visit at any time of year.

For those looking to combine Bac Ha Market with other Lao Cai highlights like Sapa Town, Fansipan Summit, or ethnic villages such as Nam Cang and Lao Chai – Ta Van, Fola Travel recommends two periods:

Spring (late January – March): During these months, Lao Cai’s hillsides burst into bloom with beautiful peach and plum blossoms, creating a stunning landscape for you to admire. At the same time, Bac Ha Market’s spring atmosphere is exceptionally vibrant and bustling with people shopping for the Tet Holiday.
Harvest Season (September – October): The ripe rice season marks Sapa’s peak tourist period, renowned for its breathtaking golden terraced fields stretching across the hills. Imagine admiring Sapa’s poetic mountain scenery while also immersing yourself in the lively ambiance of Bac Ha Marketplace – it’s an unparalleled experience!

Golden terraced fields in Giang Ta Chai Village. — Golden terraced fields.

Infomation

Buy handmade brocade products

The brocade stalls at Bac Ha Marketplace are a vibrant spectacle, adorned with layers of colorful textiles. Each brocade piece is a product of months, even a year, of dedicated embroidery and weaving by local women.

Here, you can choose from a stunning array of brocades, dresses, bags, scarves, and dolls, all featuring distinctive patterns and a unique beauty that ensures no two items are the same.

Foreign guest buying brocade in Bac Ha Market. — A foreign guest buying brocade items.

Beyond textiles, the market also has lots of sophisticated metalwork, with beautifully patterned bracelets and rings cast in silver or bronze, perfect to buy as gifts or souvenirs.

Bac Ha Market products: handmade brocades and silver jewelry. — Products in Bac Ha Market.

Try Lao Cai specialties

The Northwest’s largest market is a culinary paradise where visitors can’t miss the stalls brimming with irresistible local specialties. Every famous flavor of Lao Cai, from thang co (meat soup), banh duc ngo (steamed corn cake), and men men (corn rice), to pho chua (sour Pho) and corn wine, is available here, ensuring an exciting and delicious experience for all.

Foreign guests trying Sapa specialties in Bac Ha Market. — Guests trying Sapa specialties.

Stroll around the livestock area

One of Bac Ha Market’s most distinctive features is its lively livestock section. Here, you’ll find buffaloes and horses – animals closely associated with the lives of Northwest farmers – alongside locally bred cats and dogs, famous for their intelligence and adorable fluffy looks.

Enjoy Bac Ha art performances

On Saturday nights, before the market, Bac Ha hosts a lively performance featuring cheerful folk music, stick dances, and the beautiful sounds of the khen or mouth harp. This experience is a true highlight, drawing excitement from locals and travelers from all corners.

Bac Ha Flower Valley

The Bac Ha Flower Valley is a stunning valley filled with hundreds of blooming flowers. It’s an ideal spot to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the vibrant highland flora.

Bac Ha Temple

Bac Ha Temple is a grand memorial dedicated to national heroes. Spanning an impressive 5 hectares, its sophisticated architecture stands out majestically amidst the vast mountains of Bac Ha.

Bac Ha Pagoda festival. — Bac Ha Temple during a festival.

Tien Cave

Tien Cave is a natural wonder shaped by the picturesque Chay River, flanked by towering cliffs, reminiscent of a miniature Ha Long Bay or “Nho Que River in Lao Cai”. Inside, visitors are greeted by a glorious stalactite system and a soothing stream, becoming a refreshing escape on hot summer days.

Sapa Town

Sapa Town is the most popular destination in Lao Cai, perfect for accommodation and further exploring the unique ethnic villages and stunning mountain landscapes.

Hoang Lien National Park

Hoang Lien National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Visitors here can trek through dense forests, observe ancient trees and vibrant wildflowers, and enjoy the rich sounds of various bird species.

Fansipan Summit

Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain, is a legendary challenge for climbers. Conquering its peak rewards you with an incredible, expansive view of Sapa’s magnificent mountains, lush forests, and the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley stretching out below.