Near Ba Be, Bac Kan Province, there is a market with a strong cultural identity of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups: Xuan Duong Love Market. This love market is a unique cultural feature of ethnic minorities in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam. Let's explore this traditional event of the Ba Be ethnic people with the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia.
Xuan Duong Love Market is held on a large plot of land in the center of Xuan Duong Commune, Na Ri District, Bac Kan Province. It is a love market for the Tay and Nung people living in the mountainous districts of 3 provinces: Bac Kan, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen. You can get there by coach, passing through the roads to the poetic landscape. Xuan Duong remains untouched by mass tourism, making it ideal for those who love wild nature.
Xuan Duong Love Market is peculiar in that it isn't held every week. It's held annually on the 15th of the third lunar month, which generally corresponds to April. This time marks a festive period for local minorities.
On this day, young men and women from the surrounding villages dress in their finest traditional clothing. It's an opportunity for them to meet, chat, sing together, and sometimes promise to meet again. This is why this market is called the "love market".
The central element of this market, and what gives it its poetic name, are the alternating love songs. These songs are performed by young men and women from the Tay, Nung, and H'Mong ethnic groups. Divided into small groups, they sing in duets or in response. Each pair of singers often improvises their verses, depending on the exchange and the atmosphere.
These songs serve as a subtle means of seduction, and for some, it is even the beginning of a love story. As a visitor, listening to these voices echoing through the mountains is a magical experience, immersing us in a living and vibrant past.
During the Xuan Duong Love Market, locals dress up in their finest attire. The women wear colorful, hand-embroidered outfits, often adorned with beads and symbolic motifs. Young men also don their traditional clothing, often more understated but equally elegant. The market becomes a veritable parade of colors and textures, where every detail has cultural significance. Visitors can not only admire these costumes, but also purchase them from local artisans. This makes for an excellent souvenir while supporting the skills of local communities.
Xuan Duong Love Market is also where locals introduce tourists to their traditional dishes! Several stalls offer typical homemade dishes, often made with mountain produce. Sharing a meal or drinking corn liquor with locals is a simple but heartfelt way to connect.
Don't hesitate to enjoy the culinary culture of the Tay and Nung people with unique dishes bursting with the flavors of the Xuan Duong mountains and forests, such as:
The Ba Be Bac Kan Love Market atmosphere is also punctuated by popular traditional games, organized to entertain young and old. These include tug-of-war competitions, ball throwing events (nem con), and group dances, including the famous bamboo dance (mua sap). These simple but joyful activities allow participants to relax, laugh together, and recreate moments of complicity within the community.
In addition to clothing, the market is full of small handcrafted items made by locals: embroidered linen bags, silver jewelry, rattan baskets, and colorful weavings. Each item tells a story, that of a people, a territory, and a heritage passed down from generation to generation.
If you're considering visiting Xuan Duong Love Market, here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your experience:
The market only takes place once a year and generally follows the lunar calendar. Therefore, it's important to know exactly when the market is held so you don't miss it. Please contact Around Asia for help planning your visit in advance.
Xuan Duong Love Market is located in a fairly remote location; most people aren't used to transferring money, and the internet isn't very good. Therefore, carrying cash is a perfect choice. You can easily use it to buy souvenirs, pay for groceries, meals, and transportation.
It's traditional for most Vietnamese people to dress modestly. So, to respect local traditions, choose appropriate clothing and avoid anything too short or revealing. Also, prepare suitable footwear for walking on mountainous terrain.
When attending songs or participating in activities, observe the locals' behavior to avoid awkwardness. If you want to take photos, always ask permission, especially for portraits.
Since Xuan Duong Love Market is held near Ba Be Bac Kan, you should consider visiting Ba Be National Park to experience the unique culture and explore nature in the beautiful land in northern Vietnam.
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