Many travelers who have had the chance to explore Asia say that there are so many countries it can be hard to pick just one. From towering waterfalls to pristine beaches, Vietnam is a beautiful and unique place to visit. While there are currently many large resorts in Vietnam that cater to tourists, since the nation has such as rich and interesting culture, it is recommended that visitors take the opportunity so explore some of its more obscure sights. For example, guests who venture to the Bac Ha Market will have an experience they won’t soon forget.
This market, which is located in Sapa, comes alive every Sunday. From the time it opens during the early morning hours, it is a colorful and energetic location filled with bartering and selling. Here, visitors can expect to see many items up for sale, including pigs, buffalo, cows, chickens, ducks and dogs. However, as a warning to vegetarians and the faint of heart, while many of these animals are sold live, in one section of the market they are sold as cuts of meat, which can create a graphic display. While these items are not convenient for tourists to purchase, many vendors sell things that will make unique and interesting souvenirs. For example, many locals sell beautiful hand-embroidered skirts, colorful fabric and small wooden dolls. Still, many tourists decide to take home a bottle of Bac Ha’s famous corn whiskey. This potent drink, which is also called corn hooch, is made by the Flower H’mong people and is only found in this area of Vietnam. Since it is so popular, there is an entire area of the market devoted to it.
The Bac Ha Market is not only an ideal location for buying unique souvenirs. It is also known as a tiny cultural hub. It is a weekly spot for individuals from local tribes as well as people from various ethnic groups, including Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Flower H’mong. Many visitors find the Flower H’mong the most fascinating, as their colorful clothing makes them the most noticeable people at the market. With so many different types of people, the market is a great insight into Vietnam’s culturally rich history. Since it is so colorful and diverse, many visitors say that it is also a photographers dream, so guests are advised to bring a camera.