Bac Ha
The highlands around Bac Ha are about 900 m above sea level, making it noticeably warmer than Sapa. There are 10 Montagnard groups that live around Bac Ha: the colourful Flower Hmong are the most visible, but other groups include Dzao, Giay (Nhang), Han (Hoa), Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Pbula, Thai and Thu Lao.
One of Bac Ha’s main industries is the manufacture of alcoholic brews (rice wine, cassave wine and corn liquor). Bac Ha is the only place in Vietnam where you’ll find this particular ferment; there is an entire area devoted to it at the Sunday market – Bac Ha market.
Bac Ha Market is lively and crowded concrete bazaar is the main market in Bac Ha proper. You will see plenty of Flower Hmong – so named because the women embroider elaborate floral motifs on their skirts. The market operates on Sunday. Get here early to experience it without the razzamatazz of day – trippers from Sapa.
Can Cau Market is one of the most fascinating open air markets in the region, specialising in live stock. It is 20 km north of Bac Ha and just 9 km south of the Chinese border. Can Cau market attracts a large number of Chinese traders, evidenced by the booming dog trade here. The market is only open on Saturday.
Coc Ly Market is about 35 km from Bac Ha. You can get here via a fairly good road or by road and river, frequented by the Flower Hmong. The market is only open on Tuesday (open 7am – 2pm, best visited at 9:30am)
Related posts
- Elephant Waterfall – the imposing beauty with a blend of stable and gentle
- Da Bia Mountain - Exploring a mountain whose names link with legend
- Monuments of the Cham culture still stand
- My Son Sanctuary
- Tuyen Lam Lake
- Admiring the scenery on Thoai Son Mountain
- Ha Long Bay among 28 finalists in New 7 Wonders pole
- Enjoying sweet palmyra fruit in Bay Nui
- Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Ninh Binh
