Rural markets in the mountainous areas always bring unique travel experience to visitors. Visiting Si Mi Cai District in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, one should not miss visiting the rural market in Can Cau Commune, where they can explore distinct cultural features of the local ethnic groups.
Colourful brocade on sale at rural market of Can Cau (Photo credit: Tieu Nhi)
It took Hai Lam, a reporter of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper and his friends nearly one day to travel from Hanoi to Can Cau Commune. The team took a bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai’s Bac Ha District and then rented motorbikes to ride to Can Cau Commune.
Although the weather in early spring was still a little bit cold, riding on motorbikes helped Lam and his friends fully enjoy the natural scenery during their trip, during which they encountered sneaky mountain passes glowing with blooming white plum flowers and pink peach blossoms.
The Can Cau rural market is held every Saturday as well as during festivals and holidays, gathering locals of districts Bac Ha, Si Mai Cai and Muong Khuong of Lao Cai Province along with those from Xi Man District of Ha Giang Province.
The market goers come from different ethnic groups, including H’mong, Nung, La Chi, Dao, and Kinh. They head to the market in early in the morning and often enjoy breakfast there when they arrive.
The best-selling dishes at the market are ‘pho’ (noddle) and ‘thang co’ (hot pot using cattle meat and innards along with a range of local herbs), which are often served with local corn wine.
Visitors to the market can shop hand-made brocade, agricultural products, production tools, herbs, and even puppies. Can Cau Market is also a popular trading venue for horses, buffaloes and cows.
