The Luc Yen Gemstone Market is located about 10km east of National Highway 70. If you’re coming from Yen Bai City, simply head north for about 90km. It’s about a 2-hour journey by motorbike, and while it may be a bit lengthy, the route is quite convenient as it follows the national highway.
The market is situated next to a lake in the center of Yen The town, with a large sign that makes it easily recognizable to visitors.
While the 2-hour drive may seem long, the sight that greets you at the market will make it all worth it. You’ll be welcomed by stalls filled with sparkling gemstones of various colors and designs, creating a bustling atmosphere with buyers and sellers.
Considered the largest gemstone market in Vietnam, this unique market operates regularly from Monday to Friday, but only in the mornings, typically lasting for about 3-4 hours until 11 am. So, if you plan to visit, be sure to keep the timing in mind!
Here’s a little tip: try to arrive at the market as early as 7 to 8 am, as this is when it’s at its busiest and most vibrant. You’ll see people displaying their dazzling gemstones, sparkling in the morning sun. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before heading out, as unfavorable conditions may cause an early wrap-up of the market.
The Luc Yen Gemstone Market has its roots in the early 1990s when locals discovered the value of the Ruby gemstone hidden within the earth. Initially, people would simply set up stalls to trade gemstones for money and other goods. Over time, word spread about this unique market, and it gradually evolved from a small, informal gathering to the large, established market it is today. With the permission of the local authorities, the market was officially allowed to operate daily.
Even after 30 years, the market has retained its rustic and simple charm, reflecting the nature of the people of Luc Yen. Visitors who come to buy gemstones often develop a fondness for the stall owners, who are known for their gentle, friendly, and enthusiastic nature, embodying the characteristics of the people of the Northwest region.
Today, the Luc Yen Gemstone Market has been planned and constructed by the People’s Committee of Yen The town into a spacious and well-organized area right in the heart of the town. This makes it convenient for locals and visitors alike to engage in gemstone trading and exchanges when they visit Luc Yen.
What may surprise you about this market is the way gemstones are displayed and sold, almost like a vegetable market. And you’ll be even more astonished to learn that the owners of these stalls are mostly women, who have been associated with this market for many years. The reason behind this is that the men are usually busy either mining for gemstones themselves or purchasing them from mines located 10-30km away. Once they have the gemstones, they hand them over to the women in their families to handle the business at the market while they continue their search.
The ages of these female entrepreneurs vary, ranging from young girls to middle-aged women. However, they all share a common trait of being pleasant, amiable, and welcoming to customers who visit their stalls.
The gemstone prices at the market vary greatly.
You can find small, unrefined stones for as little as 50,000 VND. But don’t be fooled, as there are also gemstones here worth hundreds of millions to billions of VND! Of course, the larger, more exquisite, and intricately crafted stones command higher prices. In addition to rough stones, you can also purchase gemstones that have been polished and transformed into stunning works of art.
Despite its humble appearance, the market’s reputation for product authenticity is unquestionable. The Luc Yen Gemstone Association was established, and its members manage this market. So, you can rest assured about the quality and authenticity of the gemstones you purchase here.
If you’re intrigued by the unique Luc Yen Gemstone Market, don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Yen Bai to explore this fascinating aspect of the local culture. The shop owners are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and even if you’re just browsing, they’ll greet you with a smile. This warm hospitality will surely leave a lasting impression of the gentle people of the Northwest region.
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