From Sa Pa: Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s picturesque northern region, the Sunday Bac Ha Market offers a captivating cultural experience for adventurous travelers. This group tour from Sa Pa promises an immersive journey through the vibrant marketplace, where diverse ethnic groups come together to showcase their unique wares and traditions. Embark on this day-long exploration, and uncover the rich tapestry of local life that unfolds amidst the bustling stalls and vibrant atmosphere.

Good To Know

• A guided group tour from Sa Pa to Bac Ha Market, operating every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Tour includes transportation, English-speaking guide, mineral water, sightseeing fees, and travel insurance, priced from $32.00 per person.
• Visitors can explore the diverse ethnic groups, such as Mong flower, Tay, Nung, and Dao people, and experience the lively market activities.
• The tour also includes a visit to Pho Village, a Mong flower village, and Lao Cai City, including the Ha Khau border gate to China and Mau Temple.
• The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, and pets and smoking are prohibited, with a surcharge of $30 per person for Lunar New Year trips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour is priced from $32.00 per person and lasts for 1 day.

The Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour is priced from $32.00 per person and lasts for 1 day.

Travelers can choose pickup from their Sa Pa hotel or a meeting point in town at 7:15 AM. The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, mineral water, sightseeing fees, and travel insurance.

There’s a surcharge for Lunar New Year trips. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, and smoking and pets aren’t allowed. Visitors should bring cash and respect local customs during the market visit.

Market Experience

Bac Ha Market is located in North Vietnam and operates every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The market is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including Mong flower, Tay, Nung, and Dao people. Visitors can witness the lively exchange of goods, from vegetables and sugarcane to textiles and livestock.

It’s not just a commercial hub; the market also serves as a social gathering place where young people can mingle.

The diverse range of activities and interactions makes Bac Ha Market a unique and immersive cultural experience for travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

After the 110-kilometer journey from Sa Pa, the tour group arrives at Bac Ha around 10:45 AM.

They first explore Pho Village, a Mong flower village 2 kilometers from Bac Ha, for about 20 minutes.

Next, they visit Lao Cai City, including the Ha Khau border gate to China and Mau Temple, before returning to Sa Pa by 5:00 PM.

The tour group visits Lao Cai City, including the Ha Khau border gate to China and Mau Temple, before returning to Sa Pa by 5:00 PM.

Throughout the day, travelers have the opportunity to witness the diverse ethnic groups, such as Mong flower, Tay, Nung, and Dao people, and observe their lively market activities, social interactions, and opportunities for young people to meet.

Inclusions

The tour package includes transportation by bus, an English-speaking guide, mineral water, sightseeing fees, and travel insurance.

The tour also includes:

• VAT (Value Added Tax)

• Cover for personal expenses and tips

• A surcharge of $30 per person for Lunar New Year (from 26 Jan to 2 Feb 2025)

However, the tour doesn’t include meals, personal expenses, or tips.

Travelers should bring cash for any purchases they wish to make at the market.

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Important Notes

While the Bac Ha Market tour is generally accessible, there are a few important notes to consider.

The market is closed during Lunar New Year, from January 29th to February 8th, 2025, so no tours are available during this period.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

Visitors are advised to bring cash for purchases and to respect local customs, avoiding shorts or revealing clothing, especially when visiting the Mau Temple.

Photography is permitted at the market, but guests should be mindful of local sensibilities.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mostly positive feedback on the Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour. Based on 35 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

The Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 35 positive customer reviews.

Highlights include:

• Knowledgeable guide who provided insightful explanations

• Fascinating experience exploring the vibrant and diverse Bac Ha Market

• Enjoyable visit to the Mong flower village near Bac Ha

• Convenient transportation and smooth logistics

• Good value for money at $32 per person

A few areas for improvement were noted, such as the guide rating of 4/5 and transportation rating of 4.3/5.

Getting to Bac Ha Market

The tour offers convenient transportation, picking up guests at 7:30 AM from their hotels in Sapa or a central meeting point at 13 Tue Tinh Street at 7:15 AM. The journey from Sapa to Bac Ha Market covers 110 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours, arriving around 10:45 AM. Along the way, the group will visit Pho Village, a Mong flower village located 2 kilometers from Bac Ha, for about 20 minutes. After exploring the bustling Bac Ha Market, the tour will visit Lao Cai City, including the Ha Khau border gate to China and Mau Temple, before returning to Sapa by 5:00 PM.

| Departure Point | Departure Time | Travel Duration |

|—————–|—————-|—————–|

| Sapa Hotel | 7:30 AM | 3 hours |

| 13 Tue Tinh St. | 7:15 AM | 3 hours |

| Bac Ha Market | ~10:45 AM | – |

| Lao Cai City | – | 20 minutes |

| Sapa | 5:00 PM | – |

Exploring the Vibrant Bac Ha Market

As the group arrives at the bustling Bac Ha Market around 10:45 AM, they’re greeted by a vibrant display of colors, sounds, and smells.

The market is bustling with activity as various ethnic groups, including Mong flower, Tay, Nung, and Dao people, exchange goods such as:

• Vibrant textiles and handcrafted items

• Fresh produce like vegetables and sugarcane

• Lively livestock exchanges

• Energetic social interactions

• Opportunities for young people to mingle

The group eagerly explores the market, taking in the dynamic atmosphere and seeing the local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food Available at the Market for Purchase?

Yes, the market offers a wide variety of local food items for purchase, including fresh produce, meats, and specialty regional dishes. Visitors can sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine and purchase ingredients to take home.

Can We Take the Tour Individually or Is It Only a Group Tour?

The tour is offered as a group experience only. Individual bookings are not available. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later to join the scheduled Sunday market tour departing from Sa Pa.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

There are no age restrictions for the tour participants. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be recommended for pregnant women. Visitors should respect local customs and avoid revealing clothing at the temple.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Temple?

The tour advises avoiding shorts or revealing clothing when visiting the Mau Temple. Respectful attire is recommended to follow local customs. Participants should dress modestly for the temple portion of the tour.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements That Can Be Accommodated?

The tour doesn’t mention any special dietary requirements. Travelers should bring their own food and snacks, as there aren’t any meals included. Vegetarian or gluten-free options may not be readily available at the market.

The Sum Up

The From Sa Pa: Sunday Bac Ha Market Group Tour offers an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Vietnam. Explore the vibrant Bac Ha Market, visit Pho Village and Lao Cai City, and enjoy transportation, an English-speaking guide, and sightseeing fees. With a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, this tour promises an engaging and memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: