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In general, market is a place for buying or selling something. However, this meaning is not correct for Bac Ha market. Bac Ha is one of the most interesting ethnic markets in Vietnam and possibly in Asia. Bac Ha market opens only on Sunday. This is the occasion for the various minority groups to gather in huge crowds to exchange the last news, chat and eat a copious lunch. Many of them come to the market not for buying or selling anything, but meet their friends.

The market was very crowded, local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback. In the Bac Ha market, almost everything is sold as pigs, cows, buffaloes, cats, dogs, chickens, ducks and varieties of tobacco, household items, dresses and so much more. One of the most interesting sights is the horse parking area where most of men seem to stay, wait outside of the bustling market to talk, smoke and drink rice wine.

Although there are several groups at the market, the Flower Hmong women stand apart with their vibrant dress. They wear a number of skirts and underskirts all made with very colorful fabric and some batiks. Their tops are embroided, often with flower motifs, and their heads are covered with elaborately shaped and balanced scarf.

It is visibly a festive event for boys and girls to meet, talk and love. The reason is that they live very far from each other. Here you see a sea of color, and have the feeling to be on a movie set. Everyone is excited. At the end of the market day, if you see some drunk men lying on the ground with their wives sitting besides, this is very normal.