“Getting Lost” in the Mega Shopping Center of Ha Kou: Indulge in a Shopping Spree of Affordable Domestic Goods

For Vietnamese visitors, completing the exit procedures at the Lao Cai border gate and then walking across the Ho Kieu Bridge is all it takes to easily access this market. This is one of the shortest routes connecting the two economies, facilitating the exchange of goods for traders, local people, and tourists from both sides.

History of Formation and Development: A Hallmark of Openness and Integration

Although there are no official records of its exact year of establishment, researchers and local authorities agree that Ha Khau Central Market began to take shape in the early 1990s, coinciding with China’s economic opening-up and encouragement of border trade.

A significant milestone in the market’s remarkable development was the period from 2008 to 2015, when it underwent expansion and renovation, transforming into a modern three-story complex. This venue is not just a marketplace but also integrates services, cuisine, and entertainment options.

Most recently, the Honghe Fair of 2024, held at the Ha Khau International Exhibition Center, greatly stimulated commercial activities. According to the management’s statistics, the market’s revenue during the fair increased by 93.6% compared to the same period, underscoring its growing importance in the regional trade network.

Trade Structure: A Diverse Range of Goods

The Ha Khau Central Market’s commodity classification model, with its distinct layers, is considered efficient and convenient for shoppers.

First Floor: Fashion and Consumer Electronics

The first floor is a haven for ready-to-wear fashion and electronic goods. Over 200 shops offer a wide range of clothing options, from summer t-shirts to winter down jackets, at competitive prices ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 VND. The down jackets here are especially popular, with prices a third of those in Hanoi.

On this floor, shoppers can also find electronic appliances like hairdryers and steam irons, mostly imported from Guangzhou and bearing the CE mark, ensuring European safety standards.

Second Floor: Cosmetics, Home Appliances, and Yunnan Silk Bedding

Ascending to the second floor, visitors enter a realm of personal care products, cosmetics, and household goods. Notable among these are domestic Chinese brands like Pechoin and Inoherb, favored by Vietnamese customers for their consistent quality and reasonable prices (around 80,000 VND for a 50ml tube of cream).

Additionally, bedding sets made from Yunnan silk are consistent top sellers due to their attractive designs and luxurious feel, all at prices that suit the budgets of most Vietnamese shoppers.

Cross-Border Cuisine: A Must-Try Experience

Ha Khau Central Market is not just a haven for bargain hunters; it’s also a “culinary paradise” steeped in borderland flavors.

Zhejiang baked cakes are a must-try delicacy: a crispy crust baked in a clay oven, filled with shredded beef seasoned in a unique Yunnan-style recipe. Priced between 20,000 and 35,000 VND depending on size, these cakes are available from 6 am to 10 pm.

Ha Khau bamboo-tube rice, a unique twist on a familiar Vietnamese dish, is cooked in bamboo tubes with smoked meat and pickled bamboo shoots. According to market management statistics, this dish attracts an average of 300 customers per day.

Pu’er tea from ancient trees, especially the “Gu Shu Lao Ban Zhang” variety, which sells for up to 15 million VND per kilogram, is a premium product usually sold in select shops on the second floor. It’s a sophisticated gift choice and a favorite among tea-loving traders visiting Ha Khau.

Experiences and Tourism: More Than Just Shopping

Ha Khau Central Market is currently one of the most popular tourist attractions in China’s border regions. According to the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Department, the market receives an average of 5,000 visitors per day, surging to 12,000 on weekends. Notably, Vietnamese tourists account for 65% of the total, mainly from Hanoi, Lao Cai, Hai Phong, and other northern provinces.

A notable convenience is the 24/7 currency exchange service at the market, offering a stable exchange rate (1 CNY = 3,450 VND in June 2025), along with multi-bank ATMs in the basement, allowing visitors to transact without carrying large amounts of cash.

Beyond shopping and dining, many tourists come to capture photos against ancient Chinese-style backdrops, indulge in traditional tea ceremonies, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling border town.

Ha Khau Central Market exemplifies a modern model of border economic development, where trade goes hand in hand with culture and tourism. In the context of deepening integration between Vietnam and China, the market serves not only as a commercial hub but also as a “cultural gateway” between the two nations.

However, rapid development also presents challenges in terms of maintaining product quality and ensuring commercial security. For Vietnamese visitors, it remains an attractive destination, provided they know how to haggle, make discerning choices, and respect border crossing regulations.