Other than the graceful town of Sapa, in and around Lao Cai, you can find several local markets that are worth exploring for a taste of traditional Vietnamese culture. For every single day of the week, there will be a different market held in Lao Cai. Imagine your typical flea markets, but instead of second-hand goods, it's anything you can think of: from handcrafted products, tribal clothing, household tools to even cattle and poultry. It's not just a place of exchange but also where miracles happen, people gather to meet, have conversations and if they're lucky enough, they meet their soulmates. These markets provide a glimpse into the vibrant traditions and lifestyles of the local ethnic communities in Lao Cai, and they offer excellent opportunities for buying unique souvenirs and experiencing the rich culture of the region.

In this article, let us walk you through the Top 7 Local Weekly Markets in Lao Cai​ held by people from multiple ethnic minorities of the Northwest mountainous region.

Monday - Ban Phiet Market

Ban Phiet Market takes place every Monday, in Ban Phiet district of Bao Thang commune. Compared to other local markets in Lao Cai, Ban Phiet market is smaller and not that crowded but this is the main place of trade for local people, most of them are the White Dzao. The market is quite simple and rustic, there are a few stalls with a roof here and there, but mostly vendors just put down a large sheet of polytarp and lay out all their products. You mostly find colorful dresses, scarves, hats and belts, with unique tribal patterns that represents ethnic cultures.

Tuesday - Coc Ly Market

Every Tuesday, Coc Ly Market is held near the town of Bac Ha, within cloud wrapped lush green hills. Coc Ly Market, whose name signifies "foot of a plum tree", is where people of the Mong Hoa, Black Dzao and Nung buy and sell stuff, sometimes they would even exchange an item for another of the same value. The local market in Lao Cai is divided into multiple sections, you have vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, wine and rice on one side then clothing and jewelry on another. There is even a section where people sell animals like buffalos, cows, pigs, chickens, etc. 

Wednesday - Cao Son Market

Cao Son Market is held in Muong Khuong district every week on Wednesdays, by people of the H'Mong, Phu La, Dzao and Han tribes. Every week, from the crack of dawn, you can already find people of different ethnic groups, dressed in their distinct colorful clothing, rush to this local market in Lao Cai to get all the fruits and vegetables freshly harvested. One of the most special aspects about these markets is that you can find exceptional brocade for such a good price. Vietnamese traditional weaving never ceases to amaze with its intricate processes and unique patterns, typically birds and animals symetrically drawn or sewn on fabric, perfectly capturing the wild and mysterious vibes of the forests and mountains. You can also enjoy local dishes in the market like Thang Co (a stew made with horse meat and organs), corn wine, sour Pho (served with pork and pickles instead of beef), etc.

Thursday - Lung Khau Nhin Market

Lung Khau Nhin Market is also located in Muong Khuong district but on Thursdays. This is one of the most well-known local markets Lao Cai and in the Northwest region, held by the H'Mong, the Nung and the Kinh. Here you can mosty find crops like corn, rice, soy beans, peanuts, vegetables and brocade products. Household items like broom, bowls, plates, cups, and farming tools are also sold here.

Friday - Chau Market

Chau Market, located in Lung Vai commune, Muong Khuong district, is one of the longest standing markets and the most famous local markets in Lao Cai. This is where you get to see men and women of the H'Mong, Lo Lo, Giay,.. meet up and get to know each other for the first time, and find specialties of the Northwest like honey, sour bambou sprouts, traditional herbal medicine, Vietnamese tobacco, etc. 

Saturday - Can Cau Market Or Pha Long Market

Can Cau Market is a typical market of the Giay, the H'Mong and the Hoa, on the side of Route 153, connecting the towns of Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai, in Can Cau commune, Si Ma Cai district. The local market in Lao Cai is held every Saturday and on some holidays, from dawn till noon. This is also the largest buffalo market in the Northwest region of Vietnam, with hundred of buffaloes sold every session.

There is another market held on Saturdays - Pha Long Market - held by the H'Mong, Lo Lo and Nung in Muong Khuong district. You can find most stuffs sold in other markets here, but the thing that stands out the most is probably their brocade products. Pha Long Market is also known for Gau Tao festival every new year, where people pray for good health and happiness and participate in folk games. 

Sunday - Bac Ha Market

Bac Ha Market is one of the most famous markets in Lao Cai, and is voted one of the most unique markets in South-East Asia. What makes Bac Ha Market one of a kind, is that it's the only market in the entire country that has a separate section just for horse trading. The market is divided into different sections of different categories. You have a handmade clothing and jewelry market, a cattle and poultry market, a horse market and food stands where you can enjoy freshly cooked local specialties. Bac Ha also sees a lot of festivals, like the Horse Racing Festival in early June or Ruoc Dat Ruoc Nuoc festival ("to bring in Earth and Water" in Vietnamese) held in January 15, an occasion where people pray to the goddess of Earth and the goddess of Water for a prosperous year and favorable weather. So if you're ever visiting Bac Ha Market during these times, don't miss out on these exciting festivities of the Northwest.

If you are interested in these ethnic markets as well as Northwestern culture, check out some of our other articles:

=> Sapa travel guide A to Z

=> Bac Ha trekking tour and culture market