Sapa , Vietnam

Bac Ha Sunday Market Tour (Private)

Active

10h - 12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

1. Unique cultural atmosphere: Bac Ha Market is a meeting place and a place for ethnic minorities such as H'Mong Hoa, Dao, Tay, Phu La... Visitors can witness colorful costumes and typical local customs.
2. Experience the traditional highland market: This is not only a place to buy and sell but also a space for cultural exchange. People go to the market very early, bringing agricultural products, brocade, livestock... and the joy of meeting friends after a week of work.
3. Rich local cuisine: Visitors can enjoy unique dishes such as thang co, sour pho, Ban Pho corn wine... with a strong highland flavor.
4. Peaceful scenery and space: Bac Ha has a cool climate, poetic mountain scenery, especially in the season of white plum blossoms blooming (January - March), creating a beautiful picture. Bac Ha Market is not only a tourist destination but also a place to deeply feel the cultural and spiritual life of the people in the Northwest highlands.

Available options

Bac Ha Sunday Market Tour (Private)

Pickup included

What's included

Water

Lunch

Professional Guide

Entrance fee

Hotel pick-up

Private Car

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

06:00 – 06:30: Depart from hotel in Sapa
Driver picks you up at hotel by private car (4, 7 or 16 seats depending on group).
Travel through beautiful mountain road ~110km long, takes about 2.5–3 hours.

08:30 – 11:00: Visit Bac Ha market
Walk around the bustling market with the cultural colors of Mong, Dao, Tay ethnic groups...
Visit the areas selling brocade, livestock, handicrafts, corn wine, and enjoy specialties such as thang co, pho chua, Ban Pho wine...
Take photos with local people in traditional costumes.

11:30 – 12:30: Lunch at a local restaurant
(specializing in clean local dishes, delicious corn wine).

13:00 – 14:30: Visit Hoang A Tuong Palace
An ancient French-Asian style mansion that was once the center of power in the ancient Bac Ha region.
Unique architecture, rich in history and a prominent “check-in” spot.

Stop 5

14:30 – 17:00: Return to Sapa
Return to Sapa hotel in the late afternoon.
End of the private day tour.

What's not included

Gratuities for tour guide, driver

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.