Located in Phong Tho district, Dao San is a typical market in the northern mountain province of Lai Chau and the North-western region as a whole.
The market, held on every Sunday at the height of 1,600m above sea level, is where goods and friendly exchanges are conducted.
It is also a favourite tourist attraction for visitors from near and far to explore the distinctive lifestyle of various ethnic people in the 8 border communes of Phong Tho district.
Nobody knows exactly when the market was formed, but it is very important to Mong, Dao and Ha Nhi ethnic people.
In this less populated area, the market day is compared to a colourful picture which is certainly worth a visit.
Let’s take a look at market activities there.
 |
| Young girls dressed in colourfully embroidered costumes |
 |
 |
| The market offers a variety of choices for customers |
 |
| Despite the scorching sun, the market remains crowded |
 |
| Children have the chance to show off new clothes |
 |
| Young ethnic girls also want to boast new clothes |
 |
| Buying banh duc – a kind of pastry made of rice flour |
 |
| Colourful embroideries are offered at reasonable prices |
 |
 |
 |
| The market sells daily necessities such as tomatoes, garlics and vegetables |
 |
| Baskets are very popular with ethnic people in the highlands |
 |
| Drinking wine |
 |
| Visitors have the chance to eat banh troi (floating cake) – a kind of marble dumplings made of white rice flour with rock sugar fillings |
 |
| Going home |