Sapa Travel: visit traditional markets

Can Cau or as it commonly known the Bac Ha Market though it is similar in many ways, both Can Cau and Bac Ha markets have something for you to discover while vacationing in Vietnam and specially in north-west and to the Sapa region. If you are juggling your Vietnam packages tours to northwest of Vietnam and be in this area on a Saturday (Can Cau) or Sunday (Bac Ha), which should you opt for?

The simple answer is: the markets are remarkably similar in many ways, both are predominately attended by flower H’mong and both sell a similar range of products, so if your timing only enables you to visit one, don’t worry that you are missing out the other – you’ll get a good experience whichever you visit. However some notable differences between the two may sway your decision and on a particular note, Can Cau is further from Lao Cai train station and Sapa, it’s around a 45 minute drive from Bac Ha, or just around three hours from Lao Cai. This is not such a big deal if you’re visiting the area on organized tours, but if you’re on the bus you’ll need to change in Bc Ha, and as the buses only run at 8am or 9am – information is sketchy that likely means an overnight stay.

In theory it’s possible to arrive by train from Hanoi in Lao Cai, catch the 6:30 bus to Bac Ha and still make it, the same bus back to Bac Ha from Can Cau at 2pm.

Practicalities aside, the setting of Can Cau market is truly magnificent. Not only does the drive there afford some breathtaking views along the Sapa valley – if you’re on a motorbike, it’s worth the drive there alone – but the market itself has a backdrop of tree-covered mountains and ethnic villages. Its shame there’s no café or bar there in which to while away a few hours. Although the view across the lake in Bac Ha is impressive, it doesn’t have quite the same effect.

Bac Ha vs Can Cau

Bac Ha market is of course bigger, however, we were surprised at how compact Can Cau market was compared with the sprawling mass of Bac Ha market, which seems to take over the town, So although the basic goods sold are the same – hardware, meat, vegetables, livestock, souvenirs – Bac Ha has a greater variety of produce on offer and can keep any tourist entertained for longer. Bac Ha also has more options for sitting and enjoying a coffee or a cold drink as a break from the market and although both have plenty of food stalls, if you prefer to sit in a chair and choose from a menu, Bac Ha is the place for you.

The livestock section is one of the main attractions of both markets, and although Bac Ha is livelier and more varied, we really liked this section at CAN Cau. We only saw cows and buffalo or sale – no squealing pigs or clacking chicken – but the setting is beautiful and at least five minutes can be spend watching the buffalo enjoy the mud bath. Song birds are also on sale in Can Cau market.

Luxury Travel Vietnam, LTD

Hamid writes articles and blogs in order to introduce travelers the real beauties of Vietnam and Indochina, plan for a Vietnam vacation packages and include beach, holidays, ancient sites, food, culture and more as that’s Vietnam and it has it all.

Vietnam packages tours: experience Halong Bay tours

To fully discover the beautiful and natural attractions of Vietnam, a cruise on the scenic Halong Bay is truly an unforgettable experience. Almost all of the Vietnam packages tours are including a day or two to explore the Halong Bay, this is a natural site that is located within three hours car drive from Hanoi, some part of the Bay is protected by the government and only some certain area of the Bay is open for cruising, there are a large numbers of different cruises sailing through the beautiful Bay, each has different style and services to offer. Halong Bay is not only famous for its unusual rock formation which are dotted around the Bay, there are floating houses and small communities which are living on the sea since long time ago and once you are in there you will have chance to see them, they are mainly living by farming off the Bay and or fishing and selling the fruits to the cruise passengers.

Halong Bay Cruise recommendations

This is something that is related to your tour class and also your traveling style as well as the duration of your trip, make sure to check all the Luxury Halong Bay tours and get to know the programs and services they offer, however, this is also depending on the trip length and the money you pay for your Vietnam packages tours, a lot of travelers think if they travel solo to Halong Bay then it will be more fun and a lot cheaper while this is completely a wrong idea, why, the answer is simple, because if you book beforehand then you will be picked up in Hanoi by either shuttle bus or a private transportation and there will be no hassle to deal with the people who offering a day trip to the Bay, well, in the other hand, if you think of having a cheap trip then you can go on your own by the quality of a boat you get will surely make you disappointed. Make sure to check the luxury Halong Bay tours and choose from the four and five star options that makes your trip to Halong Bay more meaningful.

Itinerary and length of stay in Halong Bay

Each cruise has its own itinerary and will follow it through your stay in the cruise; the most thrilling part of the trip is Bai Tu Long Bay where you will be visiting it if you take a two or three day cruise tour, this is also a less visited part of the Bay, most of the activities are same such as Kayaking, Rock climbing, swimming and so on but some luxury cruises offers unique activities such as dinning in caves, or eye bird view experience by sea plane, this special activities are only offered by luxury cruise companies.

Northern Vietnam packages tours

Some Vietnam packages tours are arranged to discover the northern attractions of the country, these are mainly covering Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa which is including different type of trekking based on your ability and preferences, however, if you have less time and would like to visit some of the most visited places in Vietnam then the suggestion of Hanoi, Sapa and Halong bay tours are the best for you for more information please check: http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/vietnam-tour-holiday-packages