Bac Ha Market Tour: Cultural Discovery & Scenic Views

Sapa , Vietnam

Bac Ha Market Tour: Cultural Discovery & Scenic Views

Active

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The market serves as more than just a place for buying and selling goods; it is a hub of culture and spirituality where individuals come together to connect, share, and confide in one another. Embarking on a thrilling motorbike tour to Bac Ha, travelers are treated to a scenic journey through high mountain roads, passing through quaint villages along the way. Upon arrival at the renowned Bac Ha market, visitors are greeted with a plethora of highland products, including Shan tea, fruits, honey, wine, brocade clothing, silver jewelry, orchids, and seedlings. The bustling market is also filled with vendors guiding horses, cows, and pigs, as well as laborers carrying heavy bags of corn and potatoes. It is truly a vibrant and dynamic experience that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the region.

Available options

Motorbike Trip from Sapa to Bac Ha (Local Market)

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

Surrounded by pristine mountains and forests, Y Linh Ho Village is blessed by nature with remarkable scenery and cultural richness, making it a fascinating destination for every adventurer.

Lao Chai Village, nestled in the breathtaking Sapa region, offers a serene escape with its rustic beauty and captivating scenery. Follow our guide for the ultimate trip to this peaceful haven!

Ta Van Village is a popular destination for visitors wondering “What to do in Sapa?” One of the highlights of this village is its diverse ethnic makeup, with the Giay, Hmong, and Red Dao ethnic groups living harmoniously in the area. The village is also surrounded by terraced rice fields that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Practically, the terraced fields maximize the use of limited arable land in the mountainous region, allowing for the cultivation of rice

Explore the charm of Su Pan Village, Sapa, a must-visit destination for Vietnam travel enthusiasts. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Sapa, Su Pan offers an authentic experience with its unique cultural richness and captivating natural beauty, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the wonders of the region.

Hau Thao Village is about 30 minutes from Sapa. This tranquil village is accessible via a route that meanders through mountains and terraced rice fields. The journey to this tranquil village offers a picturesque glimpse into the heart of rural Vietnam that many travelers seek.

Stop 6

When coming to Ban Den, visitors will be surprised by the lush green color of upland rice on terraced fields, surrounded by hills and mixed in with the houses of ethnic people. scattered along both stream banks.

Hoang A Tuong Palace harmoniously blends ancient French and Oriental architectural styles, creating a unique beauty. Now serving as an essential tourist attraction near the picturesque highlands of Sapa in Vietnam, the palace stands as a well-preserved testament to history and culture from a bygone era.

Located about 100km from Sa Pa, Bac Ha cultural market is held every Sunday in the center of Bac Ha Town. This is the biggest and most famous fair market of the border highland people. On the journey to Bac Ha you will admire the majestic mountains, chasms, meanders and terraced fields,etc. If you fancy photography and adventure, then perhaps this road is suitable to those majestic natural sceneries, etc. On the way, you will occasionally see people guiding horses and coming toward Bac Ha market, people have to go very early, even go from the previous day to reach the market by noon of the following day.

What's not included

Insurance

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

So the remaining time is for on the way by motorcycle and refresh a bit on the way. From Sa Pa (pick up point) to Bac Ha Market is 100km, the road is not easy.

About Sapa

Sapa is a picturesque town in northern Vietnam, renowned for its stunning rice terraces, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Top Attractions

Fansipan Mountain

Known as the 'Roof of Indochina,' Fansipan is the highest peak in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It offers stunning views and a spiritual significance to the local ethnic groups.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive (cable car ticket required)

Muong Hoa Valley

A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. It's a popular trekking destination with stunning landscapes.

Nature Half day to full day Free to Budget (guided tours available)

Cat Cat Village

A traditional H'mong ethnic village known for its handicrafts, cultural performances, and unique architecture. It's a great place to learn about local traditions.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to Budget (donations appreciated)

Silver Waterfall

A beautiful waterfall located in a lush forest. The waterfall is especially impressive during the rainy season when the water flow is strong.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Ta Van Village

A Giay ethnic village known for its traditional stilt houses and beautiful surroundings. It's a great place to experience the local way of life.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to Budget (homestays available)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thang Co

A traditional H'mong stew made with horse meat, organs, and various herbs and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful dish.

Main Course Contains meat and organs, not suitable for vegetarians.

Sticky Rice

Glutinous rice cooked with various ingredients like mushrooms, peanuts, or sesame seeds. It's a staple food in Sapa.

Side Dish Vegetarian options available.

Salad of Young Corn

A refreshing salad made with young corn, herbs, and sometimes pork or shrimp. It's a popular dish in the region.

Salad Can be made vegetarian or with meat.

Sapa Hot Pot

A communal hot pot with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It's a great way to try a bit of everything.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or with meat.

Popular Activities

Trekking Mountain climbing Motorbike tours Horseback riding Homestays Herbal baths Scenic walks Cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May

These months offer the best weather with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and lush landscapes. It's ideal for trekking and exploring the rice terraces.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sapa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to take precautions, especially in crowded areas and when trekking. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and motorbike taxis.
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 300 km (186 miles) from Sapa

By train

Sapa Station

By bus

Hanoi - Sapa Express, Good Morning Sapa

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable but can be crowded. They are a good option for short distances within the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sapa Town Tau Chuu Village Lao Chai Village

Day trips

Bac Ha Sunday Market

50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day

A vibrant market held every Sunday, featuring a variety of stalls selling local products, street food, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and interact with the ethnic minorities.

Bac Ha Terraces

50 km (31 miles) from Sapa • Full day

A scenic area known for its stunning rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local way of life.

Trung Do Valley

30 km (19 miles) from Sapa • Full day

A picturesque valley surrounded by rice terraces and traditional villages. It's a great place for trekking and experiencing the local culture.

Festivals

Sapa Love Market • Weekends (year-round) Bac Ha Sunday Market • Every Sunday (year-round) Gong Culture Festival • Every two years (even-numbered years)

Pro tips

Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if trekking.
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the region.
Try local specialties and street food, but be cautious with raw or undercooked foods if you have a sensitive stomach.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
Carry small denominations for markets and street vendors. Bargaining is expected, but be respectful and polite.