KHAU VAI LOVE MARKET IN HA GIANG - A FASCINATING CULTURE
Where is it?
Khau Vai Love Market is located in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang City - the northern province of Vietnam and some 380km by road from Hanoi Capital! You can reach this market by intercity bus, tourist bus, van and even by motorbike
When to visit?
The best time to visit Ha Giang province is from November to May because it is the dry season and not very hot temperature. Anyway, Khau Vai Market is special, it happens ONLY ONCE A YEAR and here is the schedule for coming years as:
The history is long long time, the Khau Vai Love Market is steeped in legend. The most popular story tells of a young couple from different hill tribes who fell in love but were forbidden to be together due to tribal conflict. The two decided to part ways but made a pact to meet once a year at Khau Vai. The market evolved as a venue for such estranged couples to meet and relive their memories. The tradition has continued for centuries and has morphed into an annual event where love, in all its bittersweet forms, is celebrated. Though, the market has become more open to tourism, the locals hold the essence of its purpose dear, respecting it as a space for rekindled connections.
What to do in this market?
The Activities and Highlights of the Khau Vai Love Market Festival
Recently, Khau Vai Love Market has been transformed into the Cultural Tourism Week of the Khau Vai Love Market Festival. It features a variety of cultural activities aimed at attracting tourists. The market usually lasts around three days, with the main market day still taking place on the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month.
The Traditional practices
The festival consists of a ceremonial part and a festive part. The ceremonial part pays tribute to the two ancient shrines dedicated to Ba and Ut, honoring them with incense and offerings. This act commemorates the roots of Khau Vai and its timeless significance as a place for shared love. The festive part is rich with age-old practices like weaving, making sticky rice cakes, and enjoying folk games.
The Folk art performances
The highlight of the market is its traditional music and dance performances. Visitors are captivated by the soulful sounds of the Hmong’s khen flute to the folk songs of the Nung people, which are accompanied by ethnic dances like the Lo Lo drum dance or the Giay scarf dance. These performances provide an insight into the cultural artistry that characterizes Vietnam’s northern highlands (Vietnam Tours). Visitors often find themselves joining in with the local people, bonding through joyful cultural exchanges.
The Unique souvenirs place
Khau Vai Love Market Vietnam offers a range of handmade crafts that make perfect souvenirs. From skillfully woven fabric to intricately crafted jewelry, each item captures the artistry of Ha Giang’s ethnic groups. Visitors can purchase these unique souvenirs to bring a piece of this special place back home.
Enjoy the Local foods
Khau Vai Love Market is also a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to the local cuisine. Signature dishes include thang co (a stew made from horse meat) and corn wine, a favorite among travelers. Colorful sticky rice with herbs is also a must-try here.
Don't miss it - The Inspiration of your trip
A Marketplace of Love and Emotion
Vibrant Cultural Exhibitions
A Mosaic of Ethnic Groups
The Khau Vai Love Market isn’t your everyday shopping venue; it’s a meeting point for estranged lovers, prospective couples, and anyone fascinated by the complexities of love. Couples who were separated by circumstance—be it family opposition, distance, or other reasons—reunite here to spend time and share stories, without judgment from the community. Aside from the romantic atmosphere, the market also bustles with cultural activities. Expect traditional games, local food stalls, and performances of ethnic songs and dances. These cultural elements add color and vibrancy to the market, making it a fascinating place for even those not entangled in romantic pursuits.
The market is a melting pot of different ethnic communities, primarily Hmong, Tay, and Nung. The diverse crowd adds a unique cultural flavor to the market, making it an intriguing destination for anthropological enthusiasts.
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