Make your way around Muong Khuong market and enjoy its simplistic beauty as you trek to the wonderful villages of the Nung, Tay and Flower Hmong tribes nearby.
You will be taken through the magnificent scenery of Lao Cai: mountains standing tall and proud on one side and unending corn fields on the other. The bent roads and misty paths will eventually lead you to the northern border town of Muong Khuong. Villages resided by a variety of hillside tribes can be found here, including the Nung, Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Giay and Phu La. Getting off the car, you will walk towards a marketplace situated on a single stretch of road. This weekly market takes place every Sunday and if you are lucky enough to take part in it, you will see just how crowded the marketplace can get.
The market itself is not meant as a tourist exclusive destination. It is simply part of the local lifestyle and the local practice to set up a market stall and deliver an array of items for trading purposes of the local residents. During you marketplace visit, you will have the chance to encounter a large number of hillside tribes donned in their colorful and beautifully embroidered traditional costumes. Women will be walking around with their “shopping bags” or with their lovely children hanging on the sling behind their backs. Truly nothing spells family better than the closeness of the community.
The products in the market themselves are rich in their variety: handicraft items, herbs, vegetables, cattle, incense and clothes - they are all available for you to choose from. Make sure to also check out the animal section where you will find a whole range of healthy animals being put on display. Nearby, you will also notice cages being placed to keep the birds up for sale. Do not be alarmed if you see birdowners and stallowners putting up their pet birds for show - it is simply a sign of pride. Also, do not miss out on the chance to try out Thang Co, a cuisine exclusive to the region and originally concocted by the locals. Once you are satisfied with Muong Khuong market, you will have lunch at a local restaurant and take a break before continuing your journey.
Then, proceed your way toward the valley and take your time to appreciate the stunning mountainous panorama of Lao Cai before you. Your tour will bring you to the settlements of the Nung, Tay and Flower Hmong tribes respectively. Get the chance to strike a friendly conversation with the locals and learn more about their different cultural richness - the Nung’s seven colour sticky rice, the Tay’s rich literature and the Flower Hmong’s vibrant costumes. At the end of the trip, walk back to the main roads and board the waiting vehicle that will take you back to your accommodation.
Please refer to our refunds policy under Terms of Use section
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.
Make use of Adventoro's complimentary concierge service by emailing info@adventoro.com to effortlessly plan your next adventure!