A Mong Hoa woman sells cloth and traditional costumes at the Coc Ly market in Lao Cai Province

In the tradition of many ethnic minority groups in Vietnam, the Coc Ly Commune in the northwestern province of Lao Cai has a market that facilitates more than commerce, making it a popular tourist attraction.

There is no dancing or singing, but the Coc Ly market turns colorful and festive every Tuesday, when ethnic minority people gather there to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander around to enjoy the ambience.

As in other border areas in the country, the Coc Ly market has local products brought in from the plains and from China. The market has different areas for selling buffaloes, horses, fruit, house ware and cooking as well as modern products like photos, dental supplies and services.

Many ethnic traders from Bac Ha District and other parts of Lao Cai dress up in colorful costumes and bring handicrafts, horses, chickens, buffaloes, vegetables or whatever they can sell at the market in the wee hours, and don’t return home until 1p.m.

Members of the Mong Hoa people, wearing brilliantly colored costumes in red, magenta and with additional stitching and embroidery in all shades and colors, crowd the market during the opening hours at Coc Ly. Scarves, clothes, decorations and other items made of tho cam (ethnic fabric) on sale add more color to the bazaar.

These days, the items are for sale not just for locals but also for tourists, particularly foreigners. One can always bargain, and you should keep in mind that items at the booths located at the start of the path always have higher prices.

Tourists can also make a short trek to the nearby village of Sa Koun Ho inhabited by the H’mong and Dao Den minority, as well as visit Trung Do Village, inhabited by the Tay minority. An exciting boat trip down the Chay River where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and admire the breathtaking landscape including beautiful caves, is a marvelous bonus.

Reported by Thuy Nhien