Meet the tribes of people residing around Muong Khuong and delve into the lively Cao Son on a local market visitation experience.
The trip will start at Muong Khuong, a town located at the northern border of Vietnam with a total population of over 50,000 people. The drive takes you through the winding and stunning mountain paths where tall mountains and vast green corn fields will welcome you to Muong Khuong. The town itself has had its share of natural calamity and social conflict, yet today, it is a beautiful home to many hillside tribes living together in harmony. Once you arrive at Muong Khuong, you will then continue your trip to one of the smallest local markets of Lao Cai province - Cao Son market. This market is the perfect time to attract both local and neighbouring residents to come along and take part in the liveliness of the moment. For Cao Son Market, you can join in with the crowd every Wednesday.
Hmong, Black Dao, Phu La and Han are the 4 biggest tribes of Muong Khuong. Cao Son market is where they regularly carry out their trading activities. It is also worth noting that, in this small town, people dress up for this specific event so you will have your fair share of colourful attire as you visit the market. No car is allowed inside the market so you will have to explore around on foot. Along the way, you will also encounter locals dressed up in their colourfully-woven clothes travelling next to their horses, on their bicycles or motorbikes. Take your time and live up the momentous moment inside the bustling weekly market of Cao Son in its fullest glory.
Lying out on a single stretch of road, Cao Son market is roughly divided into different sections including clothing, food, herbs, farming tools and livestock. Here, you can find a whole range of different products ranging from cheap printed shirts to meticulously embroidered headscarves. Occasionally, you will also find mothers carrying their babies around on a sling behind their back going out for a shop, adding a familiar countryside sight to the lively local market. Every now and then you will also catch a waft of mouth-watering delicacy so be sure to try out these delicacies for yourself.
After lunch, stroll along the bare hillside route in the valley. On your way, stop and visit a village inhabited by the Nung. These people tend to their fields and live off the daily lives primarily through farming. When it comes to their cuisine, the seven color sticky rice is one of their signature dishes and if you are lucky you may get the chance to try one. Then, stop by the home of the Flower Hmong. Once you are there, feel free to ask the friendly Hmong various questions to learn more about their culture and customs. Finally, come and visit the White Dao tribe before hopping on a motor boat on Chay river and enjoy the full view of the valley and villages along the gorgeous river. After the river excursion, you will return to the city by car and conclude your tour for the day.
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Refer to the map below to see a list of pick up location(s) that are available for you to choose from. You can select your desired pick up location when you book the tour.
List of Location(s):
Pick up is also available for other location(s) under the vicinity of Sa Pa. For more information, please contact Adventoro's concierge service.
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