Meo Vac Market – One of the top attraction for the Ha Giang loop

Discover the offerings of Meo Vac Sunday Market. This article provides a brief insight into the local Ha Giang area.
Meo Vac Market - Chợ Phiên Mèo Vạc

Located in the central area of Meo Vac district, this is the biggest local market in the Ha Giang region. At around 4 am, people from the surrounding villages travel to the Meo Vac market with their goods inside bamboo baskets, with some even walking from their homes. If you visit the market at this time, you will see people preparing their shops for the upcoming golden hours, which are from 7-9 am.

Local people walking to the market
people walking to the market

What makes Meo Vac Market the largest market in Ha Giang?

This is one of the important market sessions of the people on the Dong Van rocky plateau, Ha Giang. Every Sunday morning, people from 17 surrounding villages come to Meo Vac district center to exchange and trade. Of which, more than 14 ethnic groups such as H’Mong, Dao, Giay… participate in social activities. Therefore, the Meo Vac market has become the largest market in the Ha Giang region.

A local man at the Meo Vac Market
A local man visting the Meo Vac market
dao-ethnic-madam-at-meo-vac-market

The market carries the beauty and uniqueness of the local Viet Nam culture, where many special features of the indigenous people are preserved.

Locally, ethnic dresses are commonly seen here. The photo above depicts a Dao minority woman wearing her traditional clothing.

Local people trading Hemp products at Meo Vac Market
The Dao minority people exchange locally-made hemp textiles.

The market is not just a place for trading goods, but also a place to meet, have fun, and participate in cultural activities of the local people. At the same time, it is also a repository of a treasure trove of unique culinary and clothing cultures.

Dao lady selling incense
Dao madam selling incense

At the Meo Vac Sunday Market, you can find a beautiful array of local Vietnamese goods, including highland specialties, handicrafts, livestock, agricultural products, and many other items that residents bring out to sell. Additionally, essential items from downstream and across the border also participate in exchange here.”

A woman prepares trays of noodles (pho).
A woman prepares trays of noodles (pho).
wine-seller-at-meo-vac-market
A Hmong woman is selling local alcohol made from corn. A section specializes in selling corn liquor, the most popular type of liquor in the Ha Giang region, because corn is the main staple of the area.
Local people socializing at the market.
Local people socializing at the market.

If you stay in Dong Van town on Saturday, you can visit both markets the next morning. The same applies if you stay in Meo Vac.

>> Read more about the Dong Van Market

The Indoor market

The market is divided into indoor and outdoor sections. The outdoor section sells livestock, and the indoor section sells food and souvenirs. You could find local merchandise, such as Hmoob linen jackets and bamboo baskets.

Restaurant section inside the indoor marrket
Restaurant section of the market.
A noodle restaurant in the market
A noodle restaurant in the indoor market
foreign currency exchange
Foreign currency exchange
Hmong madam smoking tube-tobaco

The cattle market

Livestock is the primary asset for the local people in the highland area. As you approach the market, you will be greeted by the sounds of mooing cows and the sight of locals herding their animals. The market is a vibrant and chaotic scene, with cows, pigs, and chickens being bought and sold left and right.

The cow market in meo vac
The sign “cho bo huyen Meo Vac” means the Meo Vac cow market. It highlights the importance of cows to the local economy.
People at the Meo Vac Cattle market
Local people at the cattle market

Overall

Meo Vac Market offers a remarkable experience in the Ha Giang region, where you can witness local people trading, socializing, and going about their daily lives. The best way to experience the market is to walk around and observe the locals in their element.

The exact location via Google Map

The Cattle Market section is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in rural Ha Giang. From the sounds of mooing cows to the sight of locals bargaining over livestock, this market is a true feast for the senses. So why not add it to your itinerary and immerse yourself in the local culture?

Accomodations near the market

Nhà nghỉ Chúng Pủa - Auberge de Meo Vac

Our hotel: Chung Pua – Auberge de Meo Vac – Mountain Lodge located just 670m from the Meo Vac Sunday Market. Reserved now!

Frequently asked questions about the market.

What time does Meo Vac market start?

Meo Vac Market starts at 6 AM and closes around 12 AM.

The best time to visit the Meo Vac market

The best time to visit the market is between 7 and 9 AM when it’s busiest. You can take a look around or maybe have breakfast here.

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