If you're like me and love the buzzing atmosphere of local markets then you're going to enjoy this post. Bac Ha Market is located in Northwestern Vietnam (near Sa Pa). It's the biggest market frequented by ethnic minority groups living in that region. The colorful diversity of Bac Ha Market is due to the women of different ethnic groups.
Most of the women are from the Flower H'Mong (also known as Red H'Mong). What distinguishes these women from other H'mong groups is their unmistakable color-drenched and extravagantly embroidered traditional clothing. They're absolutely beautiful! Women from the Black H'Mong group can also be seen with their heads wrapped in fluorescent tartan scarves. What's fascinating is that they still do dress this way. This isn't a tourist trap.
THE COLORFUL DIVERSITY OF BAC HA MARKET
The market is roughly divided into two sections. One section is targeted at tourists. Clean-cut stalls display an array of souvenirs. Some of the items are locally-made and locally-sourced. Prices are reasonable enough but bargaining is expected. The rest of the market is the most interesting. That's where the locals go.
You'll see ruffled chickens crammed into baskets, the sour-smelling raw meat section and a colorful fresh produce section. You can, also, have a bite to eat at one of the many stalls. If you make your way to the end of the market, follow a small dirt path leading up to where livestock is sold.
As you wonder around the livestock auction, you'll notice another type of auction taking place down below: the selling of dogs.
Those selling dogs for consumption at Bac Ha Market are for the most part the Black H'Mong women. They don't eat dog meat themselves but recognize the demand among other Vietnamese. Surprisingly, dog meat is the most expensive meat in Vietnam. It's fair to say that not all Vietnamese eat dog meat; it's mostly popular in Northern Vietnam.
When I asked a few why they ate it, they unanimously replied that it was very flavorful and extremely delectable. More importantly, eating dog meat brings good fortune. I was told by one guy that dog meat is only consumed at the end of the lunar month. It isn't served at any other time during the month fearing bad luck. Another benefit of eating dog meat is that it presumably increases libido in men. Go figure.
As a side note, if you want to avoid eating dog meat in Vietnam, stay away from places serving thit cho.
There's a bird market near the shallow lake. Vietnamese (and other Asian nationals) absolutely love owning tiny, caged birds. They treat them like prized possessions. Actually, some of the birds are quite expensive. Vietnamese are very superstitious and the birds are believed to bring good fortune. I guess it's better than eating dog meat.
I loved spending time at the colorful Bac Ha Market. It's definitely worth a visit. You'll get to see local life on so many different levels: locals busy purchasing all sorts of goods, Flower H'Mong women carrying their babies and groups of young girls giggling at foreigners. It's truly an amazing experience.
If you enjoy perusing local markets, then make sure to add Bac Ha Market on your trip to Vietnam.
Do you love local markets as much as I do? Any faves?
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41 Responses
Anamika Ojha
I liked the intrinsic work on their clothing! One can get a true glimpse of culture from visiting the local markets and interacting with new faces around!
HollyAllie Noah
Neat pictures! I have always wanted to visit a real market and not the recreated ones found at Disney.
Janine Good
I do want to get to Vietnam at some stage! Thanks for the tip on the dog meat! I find that awful. Markets are so colourful and full of culture. I love anything like this.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I hope you go to Vietnam one day – it’s a great country! Glad you enjoyed this post and thanks for your comment! 🙂
Anosa
I used to love local markets as a kid growing up in Zambia but not so much now. I see the same system applies everywhere ‘touristy pieces and home prices’ lol
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Anosa! I’ve also grown weary and try to avoid tourist-oriented markets but I still really enjoy going to authentic local markets – there’s just something so lively about them! 🙂
Anosa
That is true indeed
Julie Maloney
The clothing is very vibrant and I’m glad you gave that your because I don’t know if that’s a place I would ever go to but I would seriously be avoiding dog meat all the time. That horrifies me.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I was always on the look out for ‘thit cho’ so I could avoid it….lol!
Nicole Osburn
That poor doggy. That makes me so sad I would spend all my money on buying dogs just so I could set them free. 🙁 All of the baby carriers are so color full and pretty. Open markets are fun to go to, you definitely get to learn a ton about other cultures. I have only been to a open market in Yugoslavia which is more like a flea market. My dad has gone in Honduras the open market he went to was a little on the sketchy side. Always an adventure at the market.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Yes it broke my heart when I saw the dogs for sale. 🙁
But markets are always so entertaining! 🙂
Lennae's World
Wow, that would have been very confronting seeing and hearing about dog eating. I will keep this in mind if I ever visit Vitenam. I’m not a huge meat eater any way, but I would definitely struggle as I am huge dog and cat lover.
Lennae xxx
http://www.lennaesworld.com
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Lennae! It was very challenging for me and I felt very uncomfortable when visiting Northern Vietnam (although it was beautiful).
Tara
wow, the way different people live amazes me in so many ways, and to see how they make different things is amazing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Yes traveling definitely opens us up to different lifestyles! 🙂
Amber
That market looks fabulous! All the different colors are pretty amazing.
I couldn’t eat dog (or cat) either.
Oyinkan Ogunleye
I love the pink and red attire on the mannequin!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Aren’t they gorgeous!? They don’t make clothes like that anymore! :/