Can Cau Market on Saturday have formed a kind of week end festival of local ethnic peoples in Bac Ha District. It’s 19 km North of Bac Ha and just 9 km south of the Chinese border.
There are peoples from some other tribal groups such as Black Zao, Tay, Zay to attend, but the colourful traditional costume of the Flower H’mong dominates this market, and their colourful dresses makes is a beautiful sight. Combining the market activities with visiting to some tribal villages set amongst beautiful nature for new culture discovery the trip is really memorable and yields good chance for photo hunters. Travel is often made by horseback as a way of carrying the heavy loads to and from market. Can Cau also attract a large number of Chinese traders, evidenced by the booming dog trade here. Not as the Bac Ha Sunday Market and the Coc Ly Tuesday Market, Can Cau market is held every Saturday. Set in the mountains, the market attracts tourists also because of the cool weather in the summer, the surrounding immense terraced fields, and the rolling pine forests.
What to do?
Set in the mountains near the Chinese border, Can Cau Market is the area where different minority groups in colourful dress exchange local items. You will spend the whole morning there then go to Bac Ha for lunch. Light trekking to nearby villages and visit the old castle of the former Hmong king are also highlights of trips.
You can stay at hotel in Bac Ha waiting for Bac Ha Market next day or return to Sapa for overnight.
When to go?
The best option is to take night trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From Lao Cai, we take approximately 2- hour drive to reach Can Cau Market.
CAN CAU MARKET LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS.
