Bac Ha market is the largest and most important gathering in the region. It takes place on Sundays only. Thousands gather from many local villages, there are ten notable ethnic groups in the catchment area for this market. Most are overtly dressed in their ‘Sunday best’ – their most colourful costumes for this occasion, the most important event of the week. There is an almost festive atmosphere and its easy to comprehend the importance of these markets to the spiritual and social lives of local ethnic peoples.

You are able to buy homemade handicrafts, textiles and clothes. When the market has quietened down in the afternoon, you then head out on a short trek to Ban Pho village (H’Muong) where we can have look in their houses and understand little more about their lifestyle and traditional customs. The day climaxes with a corn wine tasting session!

Bac Ha market is two hours from Lao Cai (at the bottom of the valley. The drive from Sapa is three hours, passing through Lao Cai en route.