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When discussing the Ha Giang Loop, it's impossible not to mention its unique ethnic markets, among which Hoang Su Phi market stands out as the oldest and most remarkable, nestled within this majestic landscape. Established long ago by the local residents of Hoang Su Phi district, this ethnic market has preserved its original beauty, rich in color and uniqueness. The article below will serve as an essential guide for those looking to visit Hoang Su Phi market in Ha Giang, northern Vietnam.
Hoang Su Phi market (Vietnamese name: Hoàng Su Phì), also known as Xin Mần market or Vinh Quang market, is one of the most famous ethnic markets in Ha Giang. It is held in the town of Vinh Quang, located in Hoang Su Phi district, Ha Giang province, in northern Vietnam.
No one knows exactly when Hoang Su Phi market was established, but it is estimated to have existed for over 200 years. This makes it an ancient ethnic market that has managed to preserve the cultural traditions characteristic of Ha Giang.
Hoang Su Phi market is not just a place for buying, selling, and exchanging goods and agricultural products. It is also a venue where locals meet and interact with each other. Due to the remoteness of villages in this region, Hoang Su Phi market serves as an opportunity for various ethnic groups to gather, exchange cultures, and create a lively and colorful scene amidst the wild and majestic nature of Ha Giang.
As a community event, Hoang Su Phi market is held only once a week, on Sunday mornings. Therefore, it is essential to plan your visit carefully to be present on market day.
Since it is only organized in the morning, locals wake up very early, around 3 or 4 a.m., to prepare their goods and head to the market. Hoang Su Phi market stretches along the main street in Vinh Quang, extending over 2 to 3 kilometers.
Moreover, the best time of year to visit Hoang Su Phi market is between late August and September. This is when Hoang Su Phi rice terraces are in the ripe rice season. The expansive terraces cover the mountain slopes with a golden hue, offering a picturesque landscape that captures the heart of any traveler.
Hoang Su Phi is a district located about 100 km from downtown Ha Giang. To reach Hoang Su Phi ethnic market, you should expect a bit over 2 hours of driving by motorcycle or car. You can choose between 2 routes to reach Hoang Su Phi market:
As the oldest ethnic market in Ha Giang, Hoang Su Phi market preserves many traditional customs that are hard to find at other markets.
During your visit to Hoang Su Phi market, you'll have the opportunity to meet various ethnic groups, primarily the Tay, Nung, Red Dao, and Hmong, living in the district’s villages. On market days, they wear traditional costumes specific to their ethnic group, making it easy to distinguish them.
What makes Hoang Su Phi market particularly unique is that it is often referred to as the cradle of traditional costumes. Here, you’ll find garments adorned with distinctive patterns from several ethnic groups. These traditional costumes are handcrafted by the locals, offering a vibrant and colorful display through these garments.
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In addition to stalls selling items such as clothing, souvenirs, silver jewelry, agricultural products, and incense, Hoang Su Phi market is also renowned for its culinary space, where you can sample all the famous Ha Giang specialties.
You’ll easily find typical dishes like thắng cố (horse meat stew), thắng dền (floating sticky rice cake), and phở chua (sour pho). The prices are very affordable; for example, a bowl of thắng cố costs around 30,000 VND (about 1 USD).
Ideally, you should wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the rice terraces, then head to the market to enjoy breakfast before starting your shopping and exploration of Hoang Su Phi market.
Hoang Su Phi market in Ha Giang is a particularly unique ethnic market, as locals come not only to buy and sell but also to meet and chat warmly, like old friends reuniting after a long absence. Therefore, Hoang Su Phi market is always lively and bustling with people.
I hope this article provides useful information to better understand this ancient ethnic market of Ha Giang - Hoang Su Phi. Feel free to contact Autour Asia, your Vietnam local tour operators, for quick assistance with a fully organized tour package in Southeast Asia with a personalized itinerary according to your needs.
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