Exploring the Largest Lai Chau Fair: A Journey Worthy of Hundreds of Kilometres

The most striking feature of the San Thang market is the vibrant display of traditional costumes. Under the autumn sun, the intricate patterns and bright colors of the Dao and Lu women’s outfits shine, while the Thai white girls charm with their silver-buttoned blouses, and the Mong girls shyly smile, creating a lively and culturally rich scene.

San Thang market offers a diverse range of products, from agricultural produce to local handicrafts and souvenirs. Notably, on Sundays, the market buzzes with activity from the early morning till noon. Here, one can find a variety of goods, from vegetables, tubers, and rice to threads and needles, as well as specialty products from the mountains, such as honey, wild chicken, and various types of game birds…

Another distinctive feature of the San Thang market is the abundance of traditional dishes from the Northwest region of Vietnam. Various types of cakes, such as fried cakes, bò cakes, cut cakes, silver coin cakes, and thick cakes, are sold at very reasonable prices, around 2,000 VND each. The alluring aroma of these delicacies permeates the market, tempting visitors to stop and indulge in a tasty treat.

In addition to the two main markets, the San Thang night market, introduced in late 2019, provides another fascinating destination for visitors on Saturday nights. Equally vibrant as the daytime market, the night market focuses on culinary delights, featuring numerous characteristic dishes, with the highlight being “thắng cố” (a traditional Vietnamese stew made with horse meat or other game meat).

For the Mong people of Lai Chau, “thắng cố” and corn wine are inseparable companions in their daily lives. This delicacy is not only a favorite among the ethnic community but also attracts visitors from near and far. During the winter, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a steaming pot of “thắng cố” and sipping on a warm cup of corn wine to warm the soul. Even in the summer, when the days can be uncomfortably hot, the cooler nights in Lai Chau make for a perfect “thắng cố” dining experience.

Apart from “thắng cố,” another dish that has captured the hearts of many visitors is “phở chua” (sour pho). This unique dish combines soft and chewy pho noodles with thinly sliced pork, resulting in a delightful sweet and sour flavor. According to the vendors, the pho noodles are made from the finest upland rice, while the sour broth is crafted from wild bamboo shoots or “cải mèo” (a type of vegetable grown in the mountains) cultivated by the local people. Many visitors who have tasted this dish express their desire to return to San Thang just to savor it again.

Additionally, a dish with a rather intriguing name, “phở nhắng,” is also worth trying. The pho noodles are handmade by the locals and served with pork. In the crisp mountain air, the soft and chewy noodles, paired with a sweet and fatty broth, a hint of chili, the fragrance of basil, and the distinct flavor of “ngót” (a type of herb), create an irresistible culinary experience.

Beyond the culinary delights, the San Thang night market also offers a vibrant cultural space with weekly entertainment programs. Performing arts troupes from Lai Chau city and neighboring districts present captivating performances. Young men and women from the Mong, Dao, and Giay ethnic groups, adorned in their vibrant traditional attire, enthusiastically sing and dance. At the end of the show, visitors are invited to join the unity circle dance with the locals, immersing themselves in the lively atmosphere of the market.

Today, the city of Lai Chau has invested in upgrading the San Thang market, transforming it into a modern and aesthetically pleasing space with well-organized stalls. Ensuring food safety and hygiene has been a key focus. A spacious parking lot and well-designed walkways help alleviate congestion during peak visitor times.

Furthermore, the Lai Chau tourism industry has conducted training programs for local traders, empowering them to become tourism ambassadors and effectively promote the region’s culture and attractions to visitors.

With its unique and captivating cultural offerings, the San Thang market continues to solidify its appeal. Anyone who steps into this vibrant marketplace is sure to leave with memorable experiences and a deeper connection to the diverse ethnic communities of Lai Chau.