1. Overview:

For a long time, going to the market is an indispensable activity in the life of the people in the highlands of Mu Cang Chai. In this highland district, there are 3 main markets: Nga Ba Kim market, Mu Cang Chai district market, and Khao Mang market.

2. Location:

Located at an altitude of about 1,400 meters above sea level, the temperature here is always stable, and the sun and the wind of Mu Cang Chai are not as harsh and unpleasant as in the lowland. Many tourists coming here can feel the climate of Mu Cang Chai which is not much different from Sapa in Lao Cai province. Cotton blankets are very expensive because people here use them all year round. Only less than 7 o’clock, the lines of people from the communes have eagerly flocked to Nga Ba Kim market. Following the small paths that have now become roads, blending in the green of corn and mountains, highlighting the brilliant colors of ethnic costumes, Hmong girls in traditional costumes hold umbrellas. , carrying a bag of medlar down to the market. The early morning sun lingered on sweaty faces, but everyone’s faces showed joy and excitement.

3. Products:

The market sells everything, brought from all over the world, all kinds of items displayed and sold at the market include agricultural and forestry products such as Honey, cat apple, rice wine, wheat wine, bamboo shoots and chili peppers. , vegetables, glutinous rice, cardamom, squash, chayote, potatoes, banh day…; Brocade products such as: Costumes of the Mong and Thai ethnic groups, handbags, phone bags…; products of ethnic musical instruments of the Mong and Thai people such as: Khen Mong, the horizontal flute, vertical flute, Thai ethnic pí, zither, pipe, lip lute; forging and casting products; wicker products, traditional products… Brocade products are sold right on the roadside, buyers are spoiled for choice, even if they don’t like it, it’s okay if they don’t buy. The central market of Mu Cang Chai district is divided into several zones, at the front of the main market gate, people sell all kinds of vegetables such as: Gourds, squash, cabbage, tomatoes, and soybeans … are neatly arranged on bamboo stalls. , wood. The big bunches of green vegetables are probably equal to three or four bunches below lying down waiting for buyers.

4. Activities:

Going to the market gate is the place to sell the necessities for daily life, from the needle, thread, liter of oil, salt, fat, and fabrics are gathered here. Items such as: Plastic slippers, flashlights, umbrellas, clothes… are not sophisticated, but they are quite cheap and suitable for highland people. On the side adjacent to the district bus station, people everywhere sell agricultural products such as: Son tra, chili bamboo shoots, vegetables, chickens, and ducks of the family. At the end of the market is a row of food stalls, where large pots of broth evaporate.

After a market, Hmong men sit and invite each other to delicious cups of wine. Hmong men have a good thing about drinking, they invite each other to empty their cups, invite them to go, and invite them back when they’ll be ivory. When the sun stood still, everyone rushed to leave. Somewhere on the roads back to the village, the wives while waiting for their husbands, their hands are still engrossed in embroidery. Sometimes by the side of the road, there is also a drunk guy who is sleeping soundly and soundly.

5. Attraction:

The highland market of Mu Cang Chai has a very lively national cultural identity and is a typical community space of the Mong ethnic group. Perhaps that is why the highland markets here have been attracting a large number of tourists from all over the country and international tourists.