Market fairs - places that preserve the cultural beauty of the Northwest highlands.

From the atmosphere of a traditional market nestled amidst the mountains to rich and unique cultural experiences, Lai Chau offers visitors a truly memorable journey of discovery.

Amidst the majestic mountains of Northwest Vietnam, on the borderland of Lai Chau where 20 ethnic groups live together, the highland markets have long become a familiar meeting place for the people of these ethnic groups.

In the context of the rugged mountainous terrain and difficult transportation, the market fair is not simply a place for exchanging goods but has become a unique cultural space for the ethnic minorities in the highlands of Lai Chau.

At the market, the vibrant colors of brocade fabrics, the lively sounds of the mountains and forests, and the simple, everyday stories blend together to create a vivid picture of life in the highlands, where journeys over mountains and steep slopes become meaningful opportunities for meeting and interacting among ethnic minorities.

The markets in Lai Chau usually meet on a fixed schedule each week: San Thang market takes place on Thursday and Sunday mornings; Dao San market is held on Sundays; Vang Ma Chai market opens on Fridays in Si Choang village, Si Lo Lau commune; Si Lo Lau market, also known as the "Horn Market," is held on the day of the two horned animals in the 12 zodiac signs: the goat (the day of the Goat) and the buffalo (the day of the Ox)...

Each market day is always bustling with buyers and sellers, filled with laughter, the exchange of goods, and everyday stories. From wild vegetables, fresh bamboo shoots, sticky corn to smoked meat and vibrant brocade fabrics... everything blends together to create a lively, rustic yet deeply cultural picture of the highlands.

Each market day is also a meaningful opportunity for people of different ethnic groups to meet and interact. (Photo: Viet Dung/VNA)

More than just a place for buying and selling, the market is also a space for preserving and passing on traditional cultural values ​​through generations. It is also an opportunity for people from remote villages to meet, update information, share production experiences, and strengthen community bonds, creating a unique beauty of the Lai Chau highlands.

At the Vang Ma Chai market, besides essential goods, visitors can also find traditional costumes of the Ha Nhi and Dao people, hand-embroidered and sold right at the market. In addition, a wide variety of characteristic local agricultural products are also available. The simplicity and authenticity of the buying and selling process give this market a unique character – unhurried, without haggling, and imbued with the warmth and hospitality of the highland people.

Ms. Ly Lo May, a resident of Group 2 (Si Lo Lau commune), said that although her house is quite far from the market, she always goes there on market day. Sometimes she sells vegetables and fruits she grows herself, and sometimes she buys fabric and thread for embroidery. More importantly, she gets to meet friends, catch up, and share farming techniques, so she feels very happy going to the market.

Every Saturday morning, the Sin Suoi Ho market in the Sin Suoi Ho community tourism village comes alive with activity. Having been established and developed over the past 10 years, from primarily serving the daily needs of the villagers, the Sin Suoi Ho market has gradually become a familiar destination for tourists from near and far.

At the local market, visitors can not only experience renting traditional costumes and immersing themselves in the highland culture, but also choose agricultural products produced and raised by the local people.

Sin Suoi Ho market is also a cultural exchange meeting point and a community tourism destination, situated amidst the majestic natural landscape of the mountains and forests. Next to it are wooden houses and homestays built in traditional architecture, preserving cultural identity while providing a warm, friendly atmosphere and creating a sense of closeness for visitors.

Ms. Sung Thi Chi from Sin Suoi Ho village shared that she often goes to the market to sell agricultural products grown by her family. Each market day brings her income and allows her to meet people, so she is very happy.

Highland cuisine is also an indispensable part of the market scene. Dishes with the distinctive flavors of the Northwest mountains, such as thang co (a traditional stew), grilled meat, sticky rice, etc., not only attract tourists with their unique taste but also reflect the long-standing cultural life of the local people. The market thus becomes a space where culture and tourism, tradition and modernity, intersect.

Ms. Giang Thi Se, also from Sin Suoi Ho village, said that going to the market is very enjoyable, as it allows her to shop and meet people. The large number of tourists makes it easier to sell goods. For tourists, the Lai Chau market offers a unique experience, completely different from markets in urban areas.

Amidst the majestic mountains and forests, the lively sounds of laughter and conversation, the exchange of goods, the distinctive flavors of local cuisine , and the vibrant colors of traditional costumes, each step slows down to better appreciate the simple, authentic, and deeply rooted life of the highlands. From these rustic markets, the beauty of the highlands continues to spread and endure through time.

The San Thang market (Tan Phong ward, Lai Chau province) takes place on Thursday and Sunday mornings, offering a wide variety of typical agricultural products from the highlands. (Photo: Viet Dung/TTXVN)

Beyond just buying and selling, many tours also take visitors to local markets, combining it with exploring villages and participating in cultural experiences such as embroidery, baking, and learning about the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities.

It is these intimate, emotionally rich experiences that create a unique appeal, contributing to spreading the image of Lai Chau to tourists both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Son (a tourist from Lao Cai) shared: "When we visited San Thang market, our group was impressed by the wide variety of agricultural products and medicinal herbs on display. In addition, there were many stalls selling ethnic food, with a distinct mountain flavor. This is a destination everyone should choose to experience the unique culture of the highlands during their tourism exploration in Lai Chau."

From the tranquil mountain markets to rich cultural experiences, Lai Chau offers visitors an impressive journey of discovery. More than just a place for buying and selling, the markets are also meeting points for interaction, connection, and the preservation of traditional values ​​among ethnic minority communities. These authentic experiences create a unique appeal, helping to bring the image of Lai Chau closer to domestic and international tourists.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cho-phien-noi-luu-giu-net-dep-van-hoa-vung-cao-tay-bac-post1111071.vnp