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Ethnic markets are trading markets taking place weekly or monthly on specific days. This type of market is distinguished in a number of rural areas in Asian and African countries, usually among minority ethnic groups.

In Vietnam, Lao Cai is among the provinces where ethnic markets are extremely unique and intriguing. This is also a tourist attraction to the province.

Monday – Bản Phiệt market

Ban Phiet market is held in Ban Phiet commune, in the border district of Bao Thang. The market takes place weekly on Monday and adjacent to Highway 4D. As compared to other ethnic markets in Lao Cai, Ban Phiet market is relatively small and not very crowded, however, it is still distinguished as this is the trading place among ethnic communities within the region. The majority of people in this market are from the White H’Mong minority. The market starts very early in the morning when the cold mist is still lingering in the air. As a norm in this mountainous area, people are usually dressed in their most beautiful and colorful clothes to go shopping.

Tuesday – Cốc Ly market

Coc Ly is an ethnic market in the highland district of Bac Ha, taking place every week on Tuesday. The market is divided into separated zones which trade different items, such as: zone of brocade and weaving products, zone of mountainous commodities, zone of cattle, food court, etc. People going to this market are mostly from H’Mong Hoa ethnic, Black Dao ethnic or Nung ethnic. Coc Ly market is famous not only for its ‘item for item’ practice, but also for its location next to a suspension bridge across Chay River, which becomes one of the most appealing attractions in the area.

Wednesday – Cao Sơn market

Cao Son market locates in Cao Son commune, Muong Khuong district. This is the market of people in H’Mong, Phu La, Dao and the Black Han ethnics who live in the 4 biggest villages of Muong Khuong district. Like Coc Ly, Cao Son market is separated into different zones: zone of fruits and vegetables, zone of cattle and poultry, and especially the zone selling the most famous specialties of these ethnics such as: ‘thang co’, corn wine from Coc Dam, etc. On the ways to the market, you can easily catch sight of groups of people with utterly colorful dresses eagerly walking towards the market, which creates a vivid picture of this beautiful highland.

Thursday – Lùng Khấu Nhin market

Lung Khau Nhin market in Muong Khuong district is held on every Thursday morning. This is one of the most widely-known ethnic markets in Lao Cai and even in the vast territory of the Northwest mountainous area. Like other ethnic markets in this highland, Lung Khau Nhin is also flooded with the most vibrant colors of dresses and blankets, the charming green of cabbages and the brilliant yellow of tangerine. These dazzling colors are really distinguished among ranges of mountains, and visible even from the top of the slope which is rather distant from the market. Buyers and traders here are usually from H’Monh, Nung, Man or Kinh ethnics.

Friday – Chậu market

Since nineteenth century, many ethnic markets have been held in Muong Khuong district to serve the need to exchange goods of the locals. In addition to some famous markets like Muong Khuong, Cao Son, Pha Long or Ban Lau, Chau market locating in Lung Vai commune has long been the trading center in the eastern area of Thuy Vi. This market is comparatively distinguished as it not only serves the trading purposes, but it also a social meeting where people meet and exchange feelings with the others. When the market takes place, boys and girls from the villages take this opportunity for meeting, talking and even dating with each other. Going to Chau market, tourists stand a unique chance to explore the spectacular Muong Khuong with its rich traditions and cultures which are cherished and passed down to the descendants until now.

Saturday – Cán Cấu and Pha Long markets

Can Cau ethnic market (Si Ma Cai district) takes place on the roadside of Street 153, which is the only raddle road connecting the town of Bac Ha and the borderland of Si Ma Cai. Can Cau market is held among H’Mong, Hoa and Giay ethnics, however, it follows the trading rituals of Dao ethnic. This is also considered as the largest market trading buffaloes in the North highlands.

Pha Long market (Muong Khuong district) is the trading center of local people from some communes of the district such as Pha Long, Din Chin, Ta Ngau Cho, Ta Gia Khau, etc. During the market, people of H’Mong, Lo Lo, Tay, Nung, Giay ethnics congregate for trading and shopping, which creates a bustling and crowded scene among the quite mountains. The area of brocade is the most hectic, humming and eye-catching area in the market. Especially when you go to Pha Long market during spring (on Lunar New Year holiday), it is highly likely that you can join the very famous and interesting Gau Tao fair. Also on Saturday, you can conveniently visit Y Ty market which is also an attractive market near the Vietnam-China border.

Sunday – Bắc Hà, Sapa and Mường Khương market

Among the ethnic market on Sunday in Lao Cai, the most prominent one is Bac Ha market which is voted one of the 10 most unique ethnic market in the South East Asia. Bac Ha market is also the only place in Vietnam where horses are traded in a specific area. Hundreds of horses are traded every time when the market is held.

Sapa market lies in the heart of Sapa center. Every Sunday, there are various products are traded here such as medicines, rare forestry commodities, traditional products of the ethnic minorities here like handmade brocade, ethnic cuisines and other precious forestry products. This is not only the trading time of local people of the highland, but also the opportunity for boys and girls to meet, sing love songs and find their partners through songs, flutes, a special trumpet of the ethnics here and even lip trumpets.

Muong Khuong market locates about 50 kilometers from Sapa, lies right at the center of Muong Khuong district. Normally, Muong Khuong market is similar to other highland ethnic markets for its colorfulness, bustle and hustle. However, what really distinguishes Muong Khuong market from others is the area trading horses, and especially the area trading forestry birds. This market is the destination of ‘bird hunters’ around the region, making the bird area in the market the most crowded and humming. Birds traded here are usually nightingale caught in the surrounding forests, these birds not only have a strangely wide beauty but their voice is also mind-blowing. On gathering day, tourist can easily see the ethnic men eagerly bring a bird cage heading for the market. They come there to sell, exchange or even fight their birds with the others’ in order to prove their talents to their lovers. What an elegant hobby of the H’Mong ethnic!

Besides, you can also choose to visit Lung Phin market (Bắc Hà) or Mường Hum market (Bát Xát) on every Sunday of the week. If you’re keen to explore ethnic markets of northwest Vietnam, just contact one of our specialists who will plan an ideal trip for you.

 

Vietnam has been bestowed with more than 4,000 splendid islands, which has significantly contributed to the growth of national marine tourism. Below is a recommended list of 10 most beautiful islands in Vietnam voted by Traveltimes.vn.

10. BÀ LỤA ARCHIPELAGO

Belonging to Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province in the south of Vietnam, Ba Lua islands lie in the Gulf of Thailand. There are a total of 3 big islands namely hòn Heo (Heo Island), hòn Ngang (Ngang Island), hòn Nhum Bà (Nhum Ba Island) and various smaller islands around. Visiting these islands, you stand a wonderful chance to collect snails, scallops or oysters on your own and then enjoy the meal right away.

Depending on the tide and the season, sometimes during the year the water level is only halfway up your belly. It turns out to be really interesting that you can actually walk from an island to another without any swimming assistive aid. The feeling comes as half scared half overexcited when you are all the way surrounded by the sea. In addition to that, Ba Lua Islands are rather pristine; thus, it is highly probable that you can discover a nearly untouched island where it feels like you are indeed its owner.
9. BÌNH HƯNG ISLAND
Whereas Bình Ba Island is rather well-known, another island in its vicinity named Bình Hưng Island is rather new and usually only circulated in the world of backpackers. From the dock on main land, it takes only about 5 minutes to get there; thus, you can always find a boat heading to the island. Binh Hung Island is highly recommended for those with adventurous mind as it is still safe from tourism exploitation and not very crowded with travelers.

It is advisable that you visit Bãi Nước Ngọt (Fresh Water Beach) during your trip here. That name derives from a small stream on this beach which is just next to the sea. Other attractions in this island can be Hòn Chút Lighthouse, Đá Trứng Beach and some other similar services as that of Bình Ba Island. Besides, you can also visit Bãi Kinh (Kinh Beach) – a gorgeous beach where the sea has 3 different colors with transparent water that you can actually see the sea bottom or the smooth white sand that can really blow your mind away.

8. NAM DU ISLAND

Yet another island from Kien Giang Province, Nam Du Island locates in Kien Hai District and is widely known as a pristine place waiting for discoverers. Unlike the famous Phú Quốc Island which is not far from that, Nam Du Island has yet to be exploited for tourism; thus, this makes the island even more mysterious. You have various choices on the island such as Bãi Cây Mến (Cay Men Beach), Bãi Ngự (Ngu Beach), Nam Du Lighthouse, or you can even hire a boat to visit the surrounding islands such as hòn Mấu (Mau Island), hòn Ngang (Ngang Island), etc.

It is also interesting to note that the tourism services and hotels on Nam Du Island are relatively cheap. You are highly advisable to contact the locals in advance of departure so that they can be well-prepared for your trip. People on Nam Du Island are very cheerful and hospitable, they are also well aware of the environmental preservation. This can explain the reason why Nam Du can still remain its pristine beauty so far.

7. CHÀM ISLe

Cù lao Chàm (Cham Isle) is small islands which is about 15 kilometers from Hội An ancient town and is comprised of 8 adjacent islands. On Hòn Lao (Lao Island), you can choose to visit Bãi Làng (Lang Beach) or Bãi Hương (Huong Beach) which are more pristine than Bãi Chồng (Chong Beach) or Bãi Xếp (Xep Beach). On this island, fresh water flows from many different streams; thus, the locals can even grow rice as food. Tourists to this island are really impressed by this feature and most of them insist on wading the paddy fields without shoes. It is usually a shared feature of every island that rocks are the most common type of soil. However, on Cham Isle, efforts of the locals seem to be efficient in ‘turning soil into food’. Now if visiting Cham Isle, you will definitely be amazed at the green gardens with luxuriant trees and fruits.

On Cham Isle, visitors not only eagerly snorkel to enjoy the colorful ranges of corals, but also fascinatedly observe how the locals plant rice on such dry land. People on Cham Isle are actually never afraid of insufficient food. Fish and shrimps are just abundant out there in the sea. They just take the boat heading outwards, quickly then, they will have a delicious meal ready to be tasted. Also, Cham Isle has been recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve.

6. BÌNH BA ISLAND

Bình Ba Island belongs to Khanh Hoa Province, about 15 kilometers from Cam Ranh Port; accordingly, it is not very difficult to get there in any season during the year. As regards the cost and travelling and eating, I must say it is really reasonable. Binh Ba is an ideal place to recharge your energy as this place is full of spectacular scenery as well as delicious food. A number of highly appreciated beaches are: Bãi Chướng (Chuong Beach), Bãi Nồm (Nom Beach) and Bãi Nhà Cũ (Old House Beach) where you can pleasantly enjoy the sunrise, coral snorkeling or fishing.

The delicacy in Binh Ba must be fresh lobsters which is sold at the original price and properly prepared in the cooking style of fishermen. As Binh Ba Island has only been exploited for tourism in the recent years, the tourism service is quite cheap. However, a number of overexploitation activities have, to a certain extent, done harm to the pristine beauty of the island. Another special feature to note is that this island is exclusively limited to Vietnamese. Due to military reasons, tourism for foreigners is not allowed.

5. PHÚ QUÝ ISLAND (or THU ISLE)

Phú Quý Island, which is alternatively called Thu Isle, also has many different names such as Khoai Xứ Isle or Thuận Tịnh Island… Phu Quy Island is 120 kilometers from Phan Thiet City. Although it is only 16 kilometer square, there are a wide range of special features about this island that will definitely amaze you. It is recommended to rent a motorbike to explore the island. A number of attractions for your choice can be: Mộ Thầy Nại (Master’ Nại’s Grave) – to know more about the establishment history of the island, or Mũi Doi (Doi Cape) – to observe the waves smashing into the land, or Bãi Triều Dương (Trieu Duong Beach) – the most romantic beach on the island.

Besides, you can also visit Cao Cát Mountain where Linh Sơn Pagoda lies highly close to the cliff, or the lighthouse on Cấm Mountain where you can witness one of the most beautiful sunset scenes in Vietnam. Stone crabs (‘cua huỳnh đá’) and red grouper are the indispensible specialties of the island. Additionally, the appealing coastal roads on Phu Quy Island will definitely blow for mind away.
4. CÔ TÔ ISLAND
In order to fully discover Co To Island in Quang Ninh Province, you should spend about 1 or 2 days on this island. Unlike other islands where you can start your adventure with motorbikes or boats, on Co To island, all that you need is simply a bike.

There are a number of musts on the island, such as: Co To lighthouse, Vàn Chải dock, Hồng Vàn dock, Bắc Vàn port, Cầu Mỵ rock yard, and especially Cô Tô Con (the Little Co To) – a small non-residential island near Co To main island. You should get up really early and go to the market to buy the freshly caught seafood such as squids, scallops, clams, etc. Then later in the evening, you can bring them to the coast roasting and enjoying. If skillful and meticulous enough, you can even prepare a unique BBQ tables built from sand on Co To beach.
3. PHÚ QUỐC ISLAND
Having been ranked in the top 3 most beautiful destinations in winter voted by National Geographic, Phu Quoc is a renowned island for tourism. Not surprisingly, Phu Quoc also comes as first in the top 10 ideal destinations for tourists according to Asiaone Journal. On this island, you have the opportunity to enjoy those of the most splendid beaches of the world, such as: Bãi Sao (Star Beach), Bãi Dài (Long Beach) or tens of other pristine beaches around the island. Thanks to geographical features, seafood in Phu Quoc is diversifying and abundant, such as: sea urchin, scallops, snails, cobia, herring, etc. The marine experience is also dazzling: coral snorkeling, squid fishing at night, enjoying sunset at Dinh Cậu (Uncle’s Shrine), or driving through the untouched jungles which absolutely can drive attention of both professional and amateur backpackers.

In Phu Quoc, the most convenient means of transport for your exploration is motorbikes which you can easily rent from your hotel. The transport infrastructure is yet incomplete, however, this turns out to be a great experience for drivers. Of course, you should also take notice of the traffic law as the traffic police here are really strict.

2. LÝ SƠN ISLAND (or RÉ ISLAND)

Ly Son has recently emerged as an ideal destination for backpackers. However, as for Quang Ngai people in particular, and people in the central region of Vietnam in general, Ly Son has long played a meaningful historical role. There are not many hotels on Ly Son Island; thus, you can choose either to homestay at the locals’ houses, or set up a tent to stay overnight on Bé Island (Small Island). For the latter option, it is still free of charge and there is no need to pay extra cost.

Follows are a number of attractions for your trip to Ly Son: Tò Vò Gate, Guan Yin (a bodhisattva)’s shrine (‘Quan m Đài’), Hang Pagoda, Câu Cave (‘Hang Câu’), the national flagpole on the top of Thới Lới Mountain, and some other pagodas and temples. The specialties in Ly Son vary, but the most distinguished one is Ly Son garlic. Besides, you can also try fresh seafood such as ‘ốc tượng’ (a type of snail), king crabs, cá tà ma (a type of fish), etc. The most beautiful beaches are mainly on Bé Island (Small Island); thus, if you visit Ly Son, this is really a must.

1. CÔN SƠN ISLAND (CÔN ĐẢO)
Being once the destination of the ‘Brangelina’ family in their trip to Vietnam, the global fame of Côn Đảo is indisputable. For travelling lovers, Côn Đảo is really a must that they have to visit once in the lifetime. Perhaps because this place is considerably far from main land and is under excellent preservation, Côn Đảo can still remain its original beauty despite the development of various resorts near the beaches.
Côn Đảo is not simply a tourist attraction, it is actually very rich in its own historical story. Thus, visiting Côn Đảo, you should come to Hàng Dương Cemetery at 12 a.m. (midnight) for the remembrance of the dead soldiers who have laid down for the peace of Vietnam. Don’t be worried, the warm golden lights and comfortable scent of burnt incense will quickly fade your fear away. Instead, you can gradually sense the resurgence of our national pride. A little time to investigate the heroic history of Côn Đảo is also an unforgettable experience on this island.
In addition, for tourism purposes, you can go to Đầm Trầu Beach – the most beautiful beach on Côn Đảo, or Bảy Cạnh Isle – an ideal place to explore.

According to Traveltimes.vn

Water puppetry is one of the most indigenous cultural traits of Vietnam. Being closely associated with the community village culture, there’s hardly any other form of art that all Vietnamese can relate to. Let’s join us for a quest to this prevalent yet mysterious tradition.

 

It all began in the rice field

The wet rice civilization of Northern Vietnam was believed to be the cradle of nurturing this traditional art form. Being born as a communal performance during harvest time for farmers, water puppet shows gradually progressed as an entertaining activity for the royals. That’s an intriguing adventure from the rice field to the citadel stages.

 

The water pavilion 

This special stage requires a chest-deep pool of water. This water pavilion called “thủy đình” (“thủy” means nước, “đình” is a communal house) is where the journey of the puppets carried out. A puppet is carved out of fig wood, then polished and decorated with meticulous details. Most of the puppets look cheerful and symbolic with vivid colors to emphasize their own characters. For example, “Chu Teu” is the most so-called character in the water puppet world. He is very talkative and cheerful  just like any typical northern farmer. Therefore, he sometimes acts as a narrator, sometimes as a commentator to warm up the audience.

 

Behind “Y Môn”

“Y Môn” means a screen which separates 2 different worlds. One is our daily life, the other one only exists inside the water pavilion to worship the spirit of water puppets. The puppeteers bear an important mission to breathe a new life into every action of the puppets not only by using bamboo rods and string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface, but also by their excellent storytelling skills.

The stories they told

These Vietnamese folktales capture the essence of agricultural society: ritual to pray for rain, harvesting, fishing, silk weaving, dragon dance, buffalo fight, wrestling, boat racing… A typical performance always comes with old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments like drums, wooden bells, bamboo flutes… In short, this is a time travelling voyage to the old days of the rich Tonkin culture. Through time the farmers-artisans community grew vastly and formed many guilds in all over Vietnam.

Where to enjoy this precious intangible asset of Vietnam

There is a variety of choices who crave for this artistic aspect. The most professional shows operate mostly in tourist centers like Hanoi, Saigon, Hoi An, Hue.

Here comes the important parts- suggestions from our experts:

 

Hanoi 

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Situated at the heart of Hanoi and facing the iconic Hoan Kiem lake, this world-famous theater makes it convenient for all wanderers to get a taste the art.

Add: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem

Vietnam National Puppet Theater

Tucked at a quiet area of Hanoi, the largest water puppet theater in Vietnam offer shows on both outdoor and indoor water stages.

Showtime: everyday at 17.00- 18.30

Add: 361 Truong Chinh, Nga Tu So, Thanh Xuan

 

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

After learning about 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, still in the mood for educating yourself a bit more?

Showtime: everyday at 10.00, 11.30, 14.30, and 16.00 (except Monday)

Add: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay

 

Bong sen water puppet theater

This is an elegant blend of  French and Vietnam architecture for indulging yourself in this peculiar show.

Showtime: everyday at 14:45; 16:00; 17:15 and 18:30

Add: 16 Le Thai To (79 Hang Trong), Hoan Kiem

 

Water Puppet and Traditional Art Theater, Hue (upcoming in the end of 2019)

This imperial city creates a favorable surrounding for art to thrive. Being settled by Nhu Y river, the future theater will definitely be adding some poetic rhythm to the conventional performances.

 

Hoi An Theater

Like other things in this charming little town, Hoi An Theater is a cozy setup which happens to amplify every details of the show. After a leisure day, what could possibly be a better ending than getting a taste of cultural heritage in the most cheerful way?

Showtime: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 18.30

Add: 548 Hai Ba Trung, Tan An

 

Saigon

A nostalgic break should be strongly recommended after a day in the hustling vibe of this city, or at anytime during the day.

Museum of Vietnamese History

Showtime: Everyday at 9.00- 10.00- 11.00- 14.00- 15.00- 16.00

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, in Ho Chi Minh City

 

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Don’t miss a chance to treat yourself a cultural feast to the eyes and the ears in the busiest area of this youthful city

Showtime: Every night at 17h00 – 18h30 – 19h45

Add: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Shorter performance: 15 minutes

  

For avid traveler who has all the time in the world 

Got a day spare to discover more about this authentic art form?  Take a trip back to where it all started. Like we’ve said earlier, the water puppet guilds are not that hard to find.

 

Dao Thuc Village, Dong Anh, Hanoi

Just a 20-km ride from Hanoi

Dong Ngu village, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh

25 km away from Hanoi

Hong Phong Water Puppetry, Hai Duong

80km away from Hanoi

Yen Duc Village, Dong Trieu, Quang Ninh

80km away from Hanoi

Private shows on a mini stage at Puppeteer Phan Thanh Liem’s house

Kham Thien street, Hanoi

 

What they offer here is the transform of daytime farmers becoming water puppeteers when the night falls. At the end of the day, you will not only leave with the folktales on stage but also the stories of how these unique guilds have preserved this unique art inherited from their ancestors. Each of them possess their own unique styles and secret techniques which draw a colorful picture of the water puppetry in Vietnam.  Needless to say, it takes more efforts to arrange a show in these villages. Therefore, it’s better to contact our experts for further assistance.

 

Attention, cultural foodies 

Holding the passion of spreading this art form to the world, some restaurant owners in Saigon set up indoor mini stages to offer free shows during the dining time. Although these shows are often short and irregular, this unique combination of Vietnamese cuisine and arts is highly appreciated.

 

Ngon Restaurant

Add: 195 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien village, District 2, Saigon

Showtime:  Every Saturday from 19.30–20.00

 

Đậu (Tofu) Homemade

Add:  6 Hong Ha, Ward 2, Tan Binh District

Nguyen Van Trang, District 1

45A Hoa Lan , Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District

 

Notices:

– Performances on request are also available if visitors would like private space.

– Most of the shows come without English subtitles, however the puppet gestures are obvious enough to keep the audience enthralled

– The ticket price varies from 2-8USD.

– The cheerfulness puppets’ characters bring can guarantee to get children excited. Don’t hesitate to take kids with you.

– To get the event calendar of all these performances, please feel free to leave us a message.