When talking about markets in Vietnam, one cannot overlook the ethnic markets — unique places where history, culture, and the daily lives of local ethnic minorities intertwine.
In this article, we explain why you absolutely must visit at least one during your stay, and we share our selection of the most beautiful and authentic markets in Northern Vietnam.
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What is an ethnic market?
Ethnic markets offer a captivating cultural experience that combines history, encounters, trade, and ancient customs. These markets have a long tradition dating back centuries and have played an essential role in the economy of local communities. They differ from other local markets in that they are held only on specific dates — nowadays mostly weekly, though in the past the schedule often followed the lunar calendar.
Besides being places for selling essential goods, ethnic markets are also lively meeting points where ethnic minorities gather to share stories, knowledge, and traditions. In the northern mountains of Vietnam, villages are often scattered, with homes far apart. These markets are therefore important social hubs — places to reconnect, exchange news, play games, and share meals and drinks. For this reason, you will still see many people proudly wearing their traditional clothes — vibrant, handcrafted garments — and children accompanying their parents, excited to reunite with their playmates.
Ethnic markets are known for their abundance of fresh produce, handicrafts, and colorful textiles, showcasing the unique skills and artistry of different communities. Visitors can admire stalls overflowing with fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and beautifully woven fabrics, while observing lively exchanges between livestock sellers and buyers. These markets are true cultural gems, offering an authentic immersion into the everyday life of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. You can also find imported goods, household items, medicines, bedding, and everything a family might need.
Despite the rise of supermarkets and modern shopping centers, ethnic markets continue to thrive in mountainous areas — cherished and supported by their communities.
Hmong women in Bac Ha. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Why visit ethnic markets during your trip to Vietnam?
Visiting ethnic markets during a trip to Vietnam offers a unique and enriching experience for several reasons:
Cultural discovery
Ethnic markets allow you to explore the cultural richness of Vietnam’s various ethnic groups. Each has its own traditions, crafts, costumes, music, and cuisine. By visiting these markets, you’ll gain insight into their way of life and customs.
Meeting the locals
Ethnic markets are spaces of exchange where you can interact with friendly locals. It’s an opportunity to meet local artisans, chat with vendors, learn a few words and expressions in their language, and share authentic moments with the local communities.
Handicrafts and local products
Ethnic markets are full of handmade local crafts such as colorful textiles, jewelry, wood carvings, and many other unique items. You can buy authentic products directly from the artisans, thereby supporting the local economy. Moreover, the markets are the perfect place to discover and taste local culinary specialties, spices, and fresh products.
Authenticity and festive atmosphere
Ethnic markets offer an authentic, immersive experience. You’ll be surrounded by vibrant colors, traditional music, folk dances, and an energetic atmosphere. It’s a rare opportunity to witness daily life, observe traditional trading practices, and feel the strong connection people have with nature and the land.
In short, visiting ethnic markets in Vietnam is a way to discover cultural diversity, meet local people, buy unique handicrafts, and experience authenticity. It’s an unforgettable journey to the heart of Vietnam’s ethnic heritage.
Here is our selection of the best markets to visit in Northern Vietnam.
The best ethnic markets to visit in northern Vietnam
Bac Ha
The Bac Ha Market, held every Sunday in the mountainous province of Lao Cai, is arguably the most famous of all. You can reach it by taking a bus or train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a scenic one-hour drive. CThis market gathers a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Flower Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung. Visitors can savor local specialties such as Thang Co (a traditional meat dish), colorful sticky rice, and other traditional foods. The stalls are filled with handicrafts, colorful textiles, silver jewelry, and bamboo goods. Bac Ha also hosts a livestock market, where farmers trade animals. With its rich diversity, flavorful cuisine, and lively atmosphere, Bac Ha is the largest ethnic market in Northern Vietnam — a must-see for travelers seeking authenticity.
Hmong women at Bac Ha Market, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Can Cau
Also located in Lao Cai province, Can Cau Market offers a genuine cultural immersion. This colorful market takes place every Saturday and attracts curious visitors looking for authenticity. It’s smaller and less crowded than Bac Ha, preserving its traditional atmosphere and charm. You can reach it from Bac Ha town, about 20 km away, by car or motorbike.
The market is attended mainly by Flower Hmong, Phu La, and Red Dao people, easily recognizable by their intricate outfits and handmade jewelry. You’ll find embroidered fabrics, traditional clothes, silver jewelry, musical instruments, and local farm products. Don’t miss tasting local specialties like grilled chicken skewers (thịt gà xiên) or the famous corn wine (enjoyed in moderation — it’s strong!).
Can Cau Market, Lao Cai
Coc Ly
Located in Lao Cai province, Coc Ly Market is a true gem for lovers of ethnic markets. It’s held every Tuesday, drawing people from ethnic groups such as the Tay, Hmong, Giay, and Dao, all wearing their colorful traditional costumes.
You can reach Coc Ly by bus or taxi from Sapa — the trip takes about 1.5 hours. The market is less touristy than others in the region, offering a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
Stalls sell handmade textiles, silver jewelry, traditional musical instruments, and herbal medicine products. Surrounded by mountains, Coc Ly offers a charming, picturesque setting for an unforgettable visit.
Aerial view of Coc Ly Market, Lao Cai
Cao Son
Also in Lao Cai province, Cao Son Market is about 50 km from Lao Cai city and takes place every Wednesday morning. It gathers members of ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung.
Here you can admire and purchase beautiful hand-embroidered textiles, including colorful traditional clothing and fabrics made from cotton or hemp. Finely crafted silver jewelry is also highly sought after, featuring bracelets, necklaces, and earrings adorned with tribal motifs. Local agricultural products such as corn, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fresh fruits are plentiful. Don’t miss the livestock market, where buffaloes, pigs, and chickens are traded in a lively atmosphere.
Hmong women at Cao Son Market
Dong Van
Nestled in the Ha Giang province, Dong Van Market is a cultural gem held every Sunday. It attracts both locals from surrounding villages and travelers eager to discover authentic highland life. The journey to Dong Van follows winding mountain roads with breathtaking views of Ha Giang’s karst landscapes. The market is a true ethnic melting pot, bringing together the Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo peoples. You’ll find beautifully crafted textiles, silver jewelry, and other handmade items. One highlight of the Dong Van Market is its locally produced honey, known throughout the region. Bees feed on the flowers of the karst mountains, giving this honey its delicate and distinctive flavor. Dong Van Market offers an immersive cultural experience, a chance to discover unique local products, all in an extraordinary natural setting.
Colorful crowd at Dong Van Market, Ha Giang
Ethnic markets on the Map
Although these markets share cultural similarities, each one differs in size, ethnic diversity, products, and atmosphere. Every market offers a unique experience and is well worth a visit to truly appreciate the cultural diversity of Northern Vietnam.
So, choose your destination according to your route and travel schedule!
