Can Cau Market is a vibrant and culturally rich market that you can visit from Sapa. Held every Saturday, it’s possible to tour Can Cau Market before heading to Bac Ha for the Sunday market, making for an enriching weekend of exploration.
What to expect on Can Cau Market
A Kaleidoscope of Cultures
At Can Cau Market, you will encounter a colorful mosaic of ethnic diversity. The market is frequented by various ethnic minorities, including the H’Mong Hoa, Giay, and Dao groups. These communities live in the surrounding mountainous regions, often in remote villages. The women from these groups wear their finest and most vibrant traditional dresses, creating a spectacular display of colors and patterns that is a feast for the eyes.
More than just a market
Beyond its commercial purpose, Can Cau Market serves as a social gathering spot where friends, families, and acquaintances come together to socialize, gossip, and drink. The market atmosphere is bustling and vibrant, offering a unique experience distinct from other markets.
Local & Imported Products
Wandering through the stalls, you’ll discover an array of products that reflect the daily lives of the highland ethnic groups. You’ll see brocades with intricate designs, locally grown vegetables, and traditional handicrafts. The vibrant stalls showcasing hand-woven brocade fabrics are particularly eye-catching, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans.
In addition to local products, Can Cau Market offers a variety of imported goods from China. These include household items such as flashlights, brushes, pots, pans, cups, and bowls—essential supplies for those living in remote areas with limited access to stores.
Food Court
One of the highlights of Can Cau Market is its food court, where fresh, delicious food is cooked on the spot. A favorite among visitors is pho, a flavorful noodle soup with a sweet broth and tender noodles, perfect for the chilly weather. Besides pho, you can sample ethnic specialties like Thang Co, smoked buffalo meat, and Men Men, often paired with a glass of corn wine. The food stalls are also popular gathering spots for local men to chat and enjoy local rice wine together.
Buffalo Market
Can Cau Market is also known as the Buffalo Market due to the significant trade of buffaloes that occurs here. Every Saturday, dozens to hundreds of buffaloes are brought to the market from regions like Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, Ha Giang, and Muong Khuong. Farmers come to trade and sell their buffaloes, showcasing the animals’ strength and health through competitive buffalo fighting festivals. This part of the market exudes a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, much like a festive celebration.
Sapa’s hilltribe markets
Can Cau Market is one of several hill tribe markets around Sapa, each offering unique experiences. These markets are wonderful for both tourists and photographers, showcasing different ethnic groups depending on the location.
- Bac Ha Market (Sunday): The largest and most famous market, known for its size and variety.
- Muong Hum Market (Sunday): Noted for its scenic setting and traditional goods.
- Sin Cheng Market (Wednesday): Offers a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Visiting Can Cau Market
When is the Can Cau Market?
Can Cau Market is held every Saturday, starting very early in the morning. By noon, the hustle and bustle begin to quiet down, so it’s best to arrive early to experience the market at its liveliest.
Location
Can Cau Market is located in the Si Ma Cai District of Lao Cai Province, approximately 87 km from Sapa. The market is set in a picturesque mountainous area, surrounded by tree-covered hills and traditional villages. The drive to Can Cau offers breathtaking views of the valleys and is an experience in itself.
How to Get There
Most visitors reach Can Cau Market as a day trip from Sapa due to the limited accommodation options nearby. The market is about a 3-hour drive from Sapa, considering the winding mountain roads. To catch the market at its peak, you’ll need to leave Sapa early in the morning.
Can Cau Market is not as popular among tourists as Bac Ha Market, which means fewer group tours are available. This offers a more authentic experience but also limits the travel options. Here are the best ways to get there:
Private Car or Private Tour
This is the most convenient option. You can arrange for a private car to drive you to the market or book a tour with an English-speaking guide who can also show you other sights in the region.
Tip: We at Local Vietnam can arrange this for you. Just contact us here or check our Sapa market tours here.
Driving Motorbike
While it’s possible to reach Can Cau by motorbike, this option is not highly recommended unless you are an experienced rider with a valid motorbike license. You must be comfortable starting your journey early in the morning and navigating the challenging mountain roads. Alternatively, you could stay in a homestay closer to the market the night before, reducing the travel distance on market day.
Combing Can Cau Market with Bac Ha Market
At Local Vietnam, we offer a unique tour from Sapa that allows you to visit Can Cau Market on Saturday and then move on to Bac Ha Market on Sunday. This combo trip is an excellent way to experience two of the region’s most vibrant markets without the long 1 day round-trip travel from Sapa if you were to visit Can Cau alone.
By choosing this tour, you get the chance to explore two distinct local hill tribe markets, embark on an afternoon trek, and delve into the less touristy regions further away from Sapa. It’s a perfect blend of cultural immersion and adventure.
Exploring Ba Ha District
Beyond the bustling Can Cau Market, the Bac Ha district has much to offer. Here are some highlights:
- Ban Pho Village: Known for its corn wine, Ban Pho offers a glimpse into the traditional lives of the local people.
- Hoang A Tuong Palace: A historic palace built in 1921, blending French and Oriental architecture.
- Bac Ha Temple: A spiritual site with significant cultural importance to the local people.
- Trekking and Nature Walks: The district offers numerous trails for trekking, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes and visit remote villages.
Tips for visiting Can Cau Market
Respect the Local Cultures: The ethnic minorities at Can Cau Market have traditional ways of life. They might handle things differently than you’re used to. Dress politely and be mindful of their customs.
Ask Permission for Photos: Can Cau Market is a photographer’s paradise with its uniquely dressed people. However, always ask for permission before taking photos.
Other Markets: If you can’t visit Can Cau Market due to scheduling, there are other markets around Sapa held on different days. Check our list of markets in Sapa to find one that fits your itinerary.
Arrange in Advance: While spontaneous travel is exciting, visiting Can Cau Market requires some planning. It’s held only once a week, so arrange your transportation and guide in advance to avoid missing out. The market is quite remote and not frequently visited by tourists, so not everyone can bring you there.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The market can be large with uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Souvenir Shopping: Can Cau Market primarily serves the local ethnic communities, so you won’t find typical tourist souvenirs. However, you can buy brocades and other traditional items as unique keepsakes.
Bring Cash: There are no ATMs at the market, so ensure you bring enough cash for purchases and any food or drinks you might want to buy.
