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Bac Ha Markets
We woke up in Sapa this morning to finally see the mountains for a short period. The fog moves in and out of there so much that catching a glimpse of the mountains is a treat.
Our mission today was to travel 2 hours by car through a windy mountain pass to Bac Ha which is a remote town that holds the largest markets of the North. It is a magnet for all the Hill Tribe people to come and trade and buy. There were many different peoples, but the dazzling colorfully dressed people were the H’mong Flower people. The main industry of Bac Ha is producing/exporting Corn Wine – of course we had to try it! It is very strong – 60% and didn’t taste too good. In the photos, that is what the old women are selling in the big plastic containers. You can buy something as small as tiger balm for $1 (which I needed after the previous 2 days of hiking) to a water buffalo for $700, and everything in between. A great place to people watch and take in all the cultures and colors.
…more photos in the Gallery Page
…check out this video clip (15s) of Elias the Giant walking through the market. I never lost him – he was always towering over everyone by a couple of feet. (You need to click on the link which opens another page and then click on the link there) … Bac Ha Market
We returned to Lao Cai which borders China. Tonight we are catching the night train again to Hanoi and then flying to Da Nang.
Interesting !
I love some hill tribes markets like Bac Ha and Pha Long. I visited these markets and stayed in Cao Son Ecolodge. This is a very good experience