Traveling to Sapa, in northern Vietnam, we were fortunate to visit the Châu market (in Vietnamese: chợ Chậu). Unlike other well-known ethnic markets, this one is smaller and more authentic, with few tourists. This allowed us to delve deeply into the daily lives of ethnic minorities and their unique local crafts. For this trip, we were accompanied by a driver and a local guide, both recommended and organized by Autour Asia, a very professional Vietnam travel company, making our stay even more memorable. Here is my experience and our fascinating discoveries at Châu market in Sapa, Lao Cai.
That morning, our guide took us to the Châu ethnic market. What makes this market unique is that it only opens on Friday mornings each week. So, if you don’t visit on the right day, you may miss the chance to discover this unique market.
The guide explained that due to the mountainous terrain and significant distances between villages, transporting goods is difficult, which is why the Châu Sapa market is held only once a week. Though modest in size, it remains very lively, attracting mainly members of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Nung, and other ethnic groups.
We were also impressed by the colorful scene at the market, particularly the embroidery stalls and the traditional clothing of the different ethnicities. All these elements create a vibrant, colorful scene, typical of the Châu Friday market in Sapa.
We traveled by car with a private driver, who demonstrated impressive skill and professionalism. Despite navigating steep mountain roads with winding turns, he drove with ease. Along the way, we were fortunate to admire the terraced rice fields stretching along the mountainsides and several small villages nestled at the mountain's base. We frequently encountered groups of people dressed in colorful traditional attire, carrying wicker baskets on their backs and walking along the road.
Our guide also explained that ethnic women, who often walk long distances, bind their legs tightly to maintain slender calves and protect themselves from the cold. He also shared many fascinating stories about the local people, making the journey from Sapa to the Châu market in Muong Khuong feel shorter than expected.
Route to the Châu market from Sapa: Lao Cai City – Sapa – Bac Ha – Roads 154 and 153 – Muong Khuong District – Châu Friday market.
We were excited to visit the Châu ethnic market and eager to meet as many ethnic communities as possible. Upon entering, the market opened up into a vibrant scene on a large plaza. There were numerous stalls: some set up with metal structures, others with goods laid out simply on tarps spread across the ground.
The stalls displayed a wide variety of goods, from agricultural produce, work tools, necessities, handmade crafts, and clothing, to souvenirs. What impressed us most was the section with handmade goods. The embroidered fabrics stall drew quite a crowd, offering traditional clothing, dresses, fabric bags, scarves, and hats adorned with characteristic Hmong motifs.
We then explored the area dedicated to agricultural produce and forest-grown vegetables. Our knowledgeable guide introduced us to many local plants often used in traditional medicine.
Continuing through the aisles of the Châu Friday market, we discovered a section devoted to rattan handicrafts, like baskets and bags. We found lovely souvenirs to take home.
By late morning, we stopped at the dining area to try local specialties, especially the famous “thắng cố” made from horse meat, as well as the region’s renowned pink pho. We also tasted dried buffalo meat, our favorite culinary discovery on this trip to Sapa.
During the meal, we observed the lively atmosphere, with locals sharing drinks and chatting joyfully. We realized they came not only to buy and sell but also to reconnect with friends from nearby villages and even to look for love. After lunch, the Châu ethnic market in Sapa gradually began to empty as vendors packed up their stalls to head home.
The Châu Friday market in Sapa is truly wonderful and deserves a spot on your travel itinerary in northern Vietnam. Here are some tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit to Châu Market:
In summary, our visit to the Châu ethnic market in Sapa was truly memorable, thanks to Autour Asia’s planning, a knowledgeable guide, and a professional driver. The vibrant atmosphere, the rich cultural exchanges, and the stunning local crafts left a lasting impression on us. We will certainly return to Vietnam soon to revisit Sapa and explore many more magnificent ethnic markets, eager to delve deeper into the unique cultures and traditions that this beautiful region has to offer.
FR
ITA