Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Ha Giang’s Unique “Cho Lui” Market: Why Bargaining is a Big No-No for Shoppers

The Lũng Phìn Hà Giang Market is a renowned attraction, luring countless tourists with its unique, 'one-of-a-kind' charm. Nestled in the highland stone plateau, this market is more than just a trading hub; it encapsulates the very essence of the local culture and the soul of the people inhabiting these remote, borderland regions.

Administrator

2 December, 2024

Lung Phin is a commune in Dong Van District, located about 32km from the district center. From Dong Van town, head south and you will reach this beautiful place. Lung Phin is home to 11 villages, mainly inhabited by the Mong ethnic group. Lung Phin Market is one of the most famous backward markets in Ha Giang province.

Lung Phin is one of the four most unique, famous, and attractive backward markets in Ha Giang. The four distinctive markets in the northwestern mountains include Pho Bang Market, Pho Cao Market, Lung Phin Market, and Sa Pin Market. These markets are not only places for trading but also for locals to gather, have fun, and engage in cultural activities. The markets are held on specific days and at particular locations, separate from regular daily markets, and their proceeds contribute to social welfare.

Lung Phin Market’s Schedule and Calendar

As a backward market – a name given by lowlanders to markets that are held one day later each week than the previous week – Lung Phin follows this unique schedule. The market is organized once a week, and the following week’s market day will be one day later than the previous one. For example, if the market is held on Monday this week, it will be held on Tuesday the next week.

The locals have followed this market schedule for generations. When the market day arrives, people eagerly flock to the market to trade a variety of goods. The market starts very early in the morning, around 4-5 am, and lasts until 3-4 pm, giving you ample time to explore and discover the market’s unique features.

Highlight of Lung Phin Market

Lung Phin Market is more than just a highland market; it offers many unique and novel experiences. Your visit will surely leave you with wonderful memories of this rocky highland region.

Enjoy the Vast and Majestic Natural Scenery

Along the way to Lung Phin, you will feast your eyes on lush green valleys and thriving vegetation. The winding mountain roads, meandering along the hillsides, provide a sense of tranquility in the fresh and cool air, surrounded by greenery. In Lung Phin, you can also admire the traditional houses of the Mong people. These houses, though aged, remain sturdy and solid.

Taste and Buy Local Specialties as Souvenirs

As the day breaks, people from the surrounding villages gather with their goods, eager to participate in the market. Walking through the market, you will notice the excitement and enthusiasm on the locals’ faces. Lung Phin Market also showcases the honesty and simplicity of the buyers and sellers, as well as their warm hospitality.

The market offers a diverse range of goods, each bearing the distinctive characteristics of the different ethnic groups.

One of the unique aspects of Lung Phin Market is that the goods brought to the market are often very simple and basic, such as a chicken, a dozen eggs, a few bundles of sugarcane, or some garden produce. This simplicity adds to the charm of the highland market and delights visitors. Lung Phin Market features a variety of dishes and specialties of Ha Giang, such as ‘thang co’ (a traditional Vietnamese dish made from various internal organs of cows or horses), smoked buffalo meat, triangle cake made from buckwheat, ‘thang den’, ‘men men’, and sour pho. The most popular specialties bought by tourists include Ha Giang’s famous silver grass honey, Lung Phin snow tea, hill chicken, and brocade. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste a wide range of dishes with the unique flavors of the mountainous region. You can also buy these specialties as gifts for your loved ones and friends.

Explore the Local Culture

Lung Phin Market vividly displays the distinctive culture of the local people. By visiting the market, you will learn about the culture of the Mong people, as well as that of other nearby ethnic groups such as the Nung and Tay. Each ethnic group contributes its unique identity, language, and customs, making the market a culturally rich experience. During the market, people spontaneously perform khene (a traditional musical instrument) dances and organize cultural exchange programs and folk games.

For the local girls and boys, the market is not just a place for trading but also for finding love. Therefore, they dress up in their finest outfits, no less than if they were attending a festival. The H’Mong girls look charming in their colorful skirts, while the Red Dao girls shine with their silver jewelry. Children also wear new clothes and follow their mothers to the market to enjoy the treats.

The Backward Market is a cultural exchange hub for the different ethnic groups.

For the highland men, the market is also a place to meet and drink rice wine with ‘thang co’. Old friends gather to drink, inquire about each other’s families, and wish each other good health. Young men and women sing and play khene to find their soulmates. Even tourists are curious and brave enough to try a piece of ‘thang co’ to understand its allure.

Notes When Visiting Lung Phin Backward Market

– Lung Phin’s roads are suitable for motorbikes: It is recommended to rent a motorbike to explore the area. Make sure you are a confident rider to navigate the challenging roads.

– Do not haggle: Many people have a habit of bargaining when shopping. However, when buying goods at Lung Phin Market, refrain from negotiating the price. The locals are straightforward and simple, and haggling may offend them, causing them to refuse to sell to you.

– Maintain cleanliness: Although the area is still quite primitive and lacks waste disposal facilities, please do not litter, especially near water sources.

Lung Phin Backward Market offers not just shopping but also a unique cultural experience.

– Understand local signs: Before visiting the market, talk to the locals or ask your homestay host about the local signs. For example, if you see a path marked with a stick or a green leaf, do not enter. It indicates that the locals do not want to receive visitors.

– Observe etiquette when visiting local homes: If you make new friends at the market and are invited to their homes, remember not to enter directly from the stairs, do not go straight to the kitchen, and do not sit on the bed unless invited to do so by the host.

Lung Phin Backward Market is indeed a precious gift unique to this borderland region. Unlike other markets, the backward market embodies the cultural identity of the H’Mong, Dao, Lo Lo, and Hoa ethnic groups living in the highland villages. Wouldn’t you like to immersesection of the experience the vibrant atmosphere of these special backward markets?