Fairs in Meo Vac, Dong Van, Quan Ba, Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man,… are a cultural activity of highland people in Ha Giang. This is a place to buy, sell and exchange goods and a place for cultural exchange of ethnic groups. So, follow Origin Vietnam’s article below for more information about “Lui” market and Ha Giang travel experiences!
1. What is “Lui” Market in Ha Giang?
Markets in Ha Giang aren’t held on a fixed date, but based on the method of calculating market days used by ethnic minorities living in the rocky plateau over the years. It is called a delayed market because these market sessions will be held one day later than the previous market session.
2. How to calculate the delayed market date in Ha Giang
The Ha Giang fair market schedule is scheduled every 6 days. However, because there are 7 days in a week, the next market session will be delayed by one day (according to the solar calendar). For example, this week the market takes place on Sunday, then next week it will take place on Saturday. Just like that, the market schedule will continue and be delayed by 1 day in the following weeks.
However, not all ethnic groups have such a backward calculation. H’Mong, Chinese,… their personalities are a bit different. They often calculate according to the 12-zodiac calendar. And will meet on days that they consider to be incompatible. For example, pairs of Tý – Ngọ (Rat – Horse), Dần – Thân (Tiger – Monkey), Tỵ – Hợi (Snake – Pig),…
3. Locations for holding the ”Lui” market
Ha Giang has many markets held fixedly at one location and usually held on a fixed day of the week such as Khau Vai Love Market, Quyet Tien Market Ha Giang, Meo Vac Market,… But “Lui” market in Ha Giang has about 8 market sessions that will be held at different times and locations:
3.1 Pho Bang market
- Location: about 5km from Sung La intersection
- Market schedule: 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th of every month (according to the solar calendar) and days of Tý (Rat) and Ngọ (Horse) (according to the 12-zodiac calendar)
3.2 Pho Cao market
- Location: right on the asphalt road at the transition between Yen Minh and Dong Van towns
- Market schedule: 4th, 10th, 16th, 28th of every month (based on solar calendar) and the days of Rồng (Dragon) and Tuất (Dog) (according to the 12-zodiac calendar)
3.3 Sa Phin market
- Location: at the gate of the Vuong family mansion, in Dong Van district
- Market schedule: 5th, 11th, 17th, 23rd, 29th of every month (according to the solar calendar) and days of Tỵ (Snake) and Hợi (Pig) (according to the 12-zodiac calendar)
3.4 Lung Phin market
- Location: In Dong Van District. To reach Lung Phin Market, follow the route from Yen Minh to Meo Vac.
- Market Schedule: The market is held on the 2nd, 8th, 14th, 20th, and 26th of each month (based on the Gregorian calendar) and on the days of Dần (Tiger) and Thân (Monkey ) according to the 12 Zodiac Animals calendar.
3.5 ”Lui” Market Lung Cu
- Location: in Dong Van district.
- Market schedule: on the day of Mùi (Goat) and Sửu (Buffalo)
3.6 Sung Trai Market
- Location: in Dong Van district.
- Market schedule: on the day of Mùi (Goat) and Sửu (Buffalo)
3.7 Trang Kim market
- Location: in Dong Ha commune, Quan Ba district.
- Market schedule: on the day of Mùi (Goat) and Sửu (Buffalo)
3.8 Ma Le market
- Location: in Dong Van district.
- Market schedule: on the days of Tý (Rat) and Ngọ (Horse)
4. The Unique “Lui” Market in Ha Giang
”Lui” market in Ha Giang is a cultural and ethnic meeting place for the H’Mong, Dao, Lo Lo and Chinese ethnic groups living in villages throughout the highlands of Ha Giang. Coming to the market, you will learn and explore the lives of the people here. Origin Vietnam believes that this will be a memorable experience during your tour in Ha Giang.
4.1 Explore the “Lui” markets
Coming to the “Lui” markets in Ha Giang, you will be immersed in the colorful local culture. “Lui” Market sessions will start at dawn, around 5 a.m. and last until about 3 or 4 p.m. People come here to buy, sell and exchange goods. People living around the villages excitedly invited each other to the market to have fun. This is an opportunity for people to meet each other, chat, interact and get acquainted.
You will see ethnic girls wearing colorful traditional costumes. In addition, people often perform impromptu performances of flute dancing, singing, and dancing to the typical melodies of their people. All create a unique colorful cultural picture only found at “Lui” markets in Ha Giang.
4.2 Enjoy highland cuisine
The back markets are places to buy and sell products, goods and specialty dishes. Therefore, you will encounter attractive specialties of highland people. The products they trade are mainly grown by themselves such as: radish, chayote, cat ears,… to spices such as: chili pepper, pangolin seeds,…
In addition to food and foodstuffs Fresh produce grown by their own hands. People in the highlands also sell clothes and accessories that are all woven and made by themselves. That’s why each product you buy here will have a unique character. And unlike any mass product elsewhere.
You can combine a trip to explore the market’s landscape and enjoy Ha Giang’s specialties. Enjoy cups of corn wine, bowls of thang co horse, men men, buckwheat cakes, and won amaranth – typical dishes of the highlands. All will bring you unforgettable flavors during your Ha Giang trip.
You are planning a trip to Ha Giang, don’t forget to take the time to visit one of these back markets. Let Origin Vietnam plan and design for you a complete adventure tour in Vietnam filled with many wonderful experiences with one of the “Lui” markets in Ha Giang. This will help you experience and understand more about the life and customs of the high mountains in Ha Giang.
