Ha Giang is a mountainous province of Viet Nam, famous for its majestic natural scenery, as well as the beautiful cultural colors of the local people.
Meo Vac is a charming town located in Ha Giang province. It is known for hosting the largest ethnic market in the Karst Plateau region. In this article, Auberge Meo Vac guesthouse takes you on a journey to explore the Meo Vac Sunday market and discover why it is one of the most distinctive destinations in Ha Giang.
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Located in the central area of Meo Vac town and is the biggest local market in the region. At around 4 am, people from the surrounding villages travel to the market with their goods inside bamboo baskets, with some even walking from their homes. If you visit the market at this time, you will see people preparing their shops for the upcoming golden hours, which are from 7-9 am.
What makes Meo Vac Market the largest market in Ha Giang?
This is one of the important market sessions of the people on the Dong Van rocky plateau, Ha Giang. Every Sunday morning, people from 17 surrounding villages come to Meo Vac center to exchange and trade. Of which, more than 14 brother ethnic groups such as H’Mong, Dao, Giay… participate in social activities. Therefore, the Meo Vac market has become the largest market in the Ha Giang region.
Frequently asked questions about the market.
What time does Meo Vac market start?
Meo Vac Market starts at 6 AM and closes around 12 AM.
The best time to vist the Meo Vac market
The best time to visit the market is between 7 and 9 AM when it’s busiest. You can take a look around or maybe have breakfast here.
The market carries the beauty and uniqueness of the local Viet Nam culture, where many special features of the indigenous people are preserved.
The market is not just a place for trading goods, but also a place to meet, have fun, and participate in cultural activities of the local people. At the same time, it is also a repository of a treasure trove of unique culinary and clothing cultures.
At the Meo Vac Sunday Market, you can find a beautiful array of local Vietnamese goods, including highland specialties, handicrafts, livestock, agricultural products, and many other items that residents bring out to sell. Additionally, essential items from downstream and across the border also participate in exchange here.” Photo: Dao lady selling incense
“A section specializes in selling corn liquor, the most popular type of liquor in the Ha Giang region, because corn is the main staple of the area.”
If you stay in Dong Van town on Saturday, you can visit both markets the next morning. The same applies if you stay in Meo Vac.
The Indoor market
The market is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. The outdoor section sells livestock, and the indoor section sells food and souvenirs. You could find local merchandise, such as Hmoob linen jackets and bamboo baskets.
The cattle market
Livestock is the primary asset for the local people in the highland area. As you approach the market, you will be greeted by the sounds of mooing cows and the sight of locals herding their animals. The market is a vibrant and chaotic scene, with cows, pigs, and chickens being bought and sold left and right.
How to get there
Meo Vac town is situated 400km away from Hanoi. The most convenient way to reach it is to purchase a bus ticket to Ha Giang Province. After arriving there, you can take another bus to Meo Vac town. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi, rent a motorbike, or book a Ha Giang Loop tour. We have an article about the latter option titled 2023 Meo Vac Travel Guide – A Great Destination for the Ha Giang Loop.
Overall
Meo Vac Market offers a remarkable experience in the Ha Giang region, where you can witness local people trading, socializing, and going about their daily lives. The best way to experience the market is to walk around and observe the locals in their element.
The exact location via Google Map
The Cattle Market section is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in rural Ha Giang. From the sounds of mooing cows to the sight of locals bargaining over livestock, this market is a true feast for the senses. So why not add it to your itinerary and immerse yourself in the local culture?
Chúng Pủa – Auberge de Meo Vac – Mountain Lodge
Popular site near the market
- Khau Vai Love Market 23km
- Nho Que River 14km
- Dong Van Market 22km
Accomodations near the market
Our hotel: Chung Pua – Auberge de Meo Vac – Mountain Lodge located just 670m from the Meo Vac Sunday Market. Reserved now!