The famous love market of ethnic couples of the northern Vietnamese mountains was recognized to be provincial cultural and historical relic of Ha Giang province.

Nguyen Trung Thuong, director of the Ha Giang Department of Cultural, Sport and Tourism, told Tuoi Tre that the recognition will lead to the improvement of the  aged relic targeted to be ranked in the list of national cultural and historical relics.  

The plan of restoration is also sketched out in order to turn Khau Vai love market into Ha Giang province’s tourist hot spot.

"We will soon start restoring the Ong and Ba temples as well as the more than 90-year-old Khau Vai Market. Building more tourist hostels is also in the to-do-list. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2015," Thuong said.

The Khau Vai market, taken place in Meo Vac district’s Khau Vai commune on annual lunar March 26 and 27, attracts large number of locals including Giay, Nung and Muong ethnic people and tourists.

It offers ex-lovers, who could not marry, a chance each year to meet each other before returning to their daily routine and families. 

The market also provides entertainment to tourists who can enjoy the humorous side of the market’s legend. Tourists can watch performances, learn about various ethnic groups, get unique ethic items and clothing, as well as take part in traditional games.