Among all the ethnic markets in Cao Bang, Phong Luu Bao Lac love market stands out as the event that brings together the most ethnic minorities, as well as both local and international visitors. Despite being called a “market,” the main purpose for these ethnic groups is not shopping but rather meeting, getting to know each other, and forming couples. Bao Lac love market symbolizes the cultural beauty of these ethnic minorities in Cao Bang, preserved and passed down through generations. Let’s explore what makes this Bao Lac love market so attractive, drawing visitors to experience it at least once when traveling to Cao Bang, in northern Vietnam.
Bao Lac love market (Vietnamese name: Chợ tình Phong Lưu Bảo Lạc) is located in the center of Bao Lac town, in Bao Lac district, Cao Bang province, northern Vietnam. Nestled in a mountainous area, Bao Lac district shares a border with China to the north. This region is renowned for its significant historical and cultural sites, such as the Trong Nhia Hau historical site (Hong An commune), Van An Pagoda, and Quan De Temple (Bao Lac town). Additionally, Bao Lac is famous for its breathtaking natural wonders, including Phja Ga Mountain, dubbed “the roof of Cao Bang,” Thom Lom Lake, and Khau Coc Cha Pass, also known as the Pass of 15 Slopes, the most challenging in Vietnam.
Among these attractions, Bao Lac love market stands out as a cultural and community tourism destination. This unique market, held only twice a year, offers a rare opportunity for visitors to experience Cao Bang’s exceptional ethnic event.
Bao Lac love market takes place twice a year in Cao Bang, on the 30th day of the third lunar month and the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which approximately corresponds to March, April, and September in the Gregorian calendar. As a result, not all visitors have the chance to experience Bao Lac love market on the right date.
This is also the perfect time to visit Cao Bang, as it coincides with the rice harvest season (late September), when golden rice fields blanket the natural landscapes of mountains and forests, creating a picturesque scene. The weather also becomes cooler, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Bao Lac love market is located in the heart of Bao Lac town, bordered by the Gam River on one side and a row of small houses nestled against the mountain on the other, creating a poetic and romantic landscape. This enchanting atmosphere is one of the reasons why ethnic groups traditionally come here to form couples.
Bao Lac town is situated about 130 km from Cao Bang city center. Thus, reaching Bao Lac love market from Cao Bang requires at least a half-day journey. The route, primarily consisting of mountain passes, is filled with sharp turns, steep slopes, and cliffs. For this reason, tourists visiting Cao Bang are strongly advised to opt for a tour with an experienced driver and local guide to ensure a safe and unforgettable trip.
On your way to Bao Lac love market, you’ll have the chance to admire the breathtaking natural landscapes, from towering green mountains and golden terraced rice fields covering the hills, to small ethnic villages nestled at the foot of the mountains, backed by cliffs.
Bao Lac love market is a meeting place for ethnic minorities in Cao Bang, such as the Lo Lo, Hmong, San Chi, Tay, Nung, Dao, and many others. This market offers a unique opportunity to connect with various communities from northern Vietnam, discover their languages, and admire their vibrant traditional costumes.
Bao Lac love market is not just a place to exchange and sell local handicrafts. It’s also the perfect spot for young people to meet and form bonds. At dawn, you’ll see young men and women dressed in their finest traditional outfits, gathering by ethnicity to chat, dance, and sing to the sound of traditional instruments, creating a festive and lively atmosphere in Cao Bang.
At Bao Lac love market, you can also witness reenactments of ancient customs, such as the Sluong Chau dance to invoke luck and prosperity, the Hmong wedding ceremony, or the love songs of the Nung.
One of the most remarkable traditions is when Tay girls offer handmade cloth shoes to the boys they love. During their first meeting at the market in the 3rd lunar month, if a Tay girl feels a connection, she will take the boy’s foot measurement to make him a pair of shoes, which she will present to him at the next market in the 8th lunar month. These shoes then become a symbol of their love.
Bao Lac love market is also an opportunity for locals to reconnect with friends, share news, drink, sing, and talk late into the night.
It can be said that Bao Lac love market is the most authentic of Cao Bang’s ethnic markets and a must-visit if you have the chance. For a customized tour, don’t hesitate to contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam local tour operators. Our travel consultants will respond to you as soon as possible.
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