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Meet The Ethnic Groups At Châu Market In Sapa With Mr. Gary Warren

Tuesday, November 05, 2024 Experiences of customers Noah

The Châu Ethnic Market near Sapa, in northern Vietnam

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.

I. Overview of the Châu Friday market in Sapa
II. How to get to the Châu market in Sapa
III. Cultural beauty at the Châu Friday market
IV. Travel tips for visiting the Châu ethnic market in Sapa

I. Overview of the Châu Friday market in Sapa

Location: Cho Châu Hamlet, Lung Vai Commune, Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam.
Date: Every Friday morning, from 5 am to 2 pm.

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.

Ethnic Groups at the Châu market in Sapa

II. How to get to the Châu 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.

III. Cultural beauty at the 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.

Embroidered fabrics stall at Châu Market in Sapa

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.

IV. Travel tips for visiting the Châu ethnic market in Sapa

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:

Since the Châu market is only open on Friday mornings, it’s essential to plan your schedule accordingly to be there on the right day. It’s best to arrive early, between 9 am and 10 am, when the atmosphere is at its most lively and vibrant.
Avoid bargaining at the market, as prices are very reasonable compared to city markets.
Consider traveling with a local guide, which will allow you to learn more about the people, culture, and traditions of the Northern region in Vietnam.
If you’d like to photograph members of the local ethnic groups, make sure to ask for their permission. Our guides were very attentive and helped us start conversations with the locals, allowing us to capture beautiful portraits.

Travel tips for the Châu Friday market in Sapa

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.

You can refer to:

> Sapa 5 days itinerary

> Sapa travel guide

> Vietnam North tour

> Sapa tour from Hanoi

5/5 - (1001 Vote)

Nayan

5.0 Excellent

How to get from Hanoi to Sapa?

There are several options for traveling from Hanoi to Sapa. The quickest way is to take a bus or minivan, which takes 6-7 hours along the expressway. Alternatively, an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (around 8 hours) offers a more scenic route, after which a short bus or taxi ride connects you to Sapa. Private cars are also available for a direct, flexible journey, ideal for small groups.

Valentina

5.0 Excellent

What ethnic groups can I encounter at the Chau market?

The Chau market in Sapa is primarily attended by members of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Nung, and other ethnic minorities, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities. It’s a vibrant setting where visitors can observe traditional clothing, hear various local dialects, and experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic groups in northern Vietnam, making it an exceptional place for meaningful cultural exchanges and learning.

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