Phong Hai Market - Mon

The Phong Hai Market is held every Monday and here you can meet with Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Giay, Black Dao and Kinh people. The market traders sell clothes, handicrafts, vegetables and livestock. 

The market opens at 6.30am so an early start is advised (it also closes early at 11am). This market is a little closer to Sapa and Lao Cai than others, so there is less travel time involved.  If you are on a short visit to the Northwest then you may wish to come straight from the train at Lao Cai and stop at the market en route to Sapa?

A typical itinerary for a trip to Phong Hai Market would be:

• Drive to Phong Hai ( 65 km / 1h 30m from Sapa, or 30 km / 45m from Lao Cai).
• Wander around Phong Hai Market and experience the sights and sounds.  Why not engage in the experience by buying some fresh vegetables or barter for some handicrafts?
• After the market visit the Chinese border gate then have lunch.
• If you have come straight off the sleeper-train from Hanoi you will want to check in your hotel in Sapa and then perhaps choose to spend a half day at the Pumu House, Grande Vista or hill top locations (ask for details)?