Located precariously along provincial road 153 connecting Bac Ha commune with Si Ma Cai commune, Can Cau market has long become a familiar rendezvous for people in the highlands of Lao Cai. The market only meets on Saturday morning but always attracts people from many places in the commune and neighboring areas to come, excitedly like going to a festival in the mountains and forests.
In the lowlands, markets are usually only associated with daily trading. But for people in the highlands, market fairs are also a place to meet, chat, connect the community and preserve traditional lifestyles. H'Mong, Dao, Giay, Phu La, Nung people gather here, creating a colorful cultural picture in the mountain space.
From when it was still dimly lit, groups of people followed each other down to the market. Some people went in groups, some young couples invited each other to stroll around the market, and some people quietly crossed the mountain road alone. Previously, when the buffalo market was still operating in Can Cau, many people had to lead buffaloes from midnight to catch up with the session. Now the buffalo market has moved down to Bac Ha, but the bustling atmosphere of the market session is still intact.
The sound of the market creates a characteristic atmosphere for the highland meeting. The sound of conversation, bargaining, the sound of vehicles and the sound of livestock make the early morning space bustling. For many people, the market is not only a place to exchange goods but also an opportunity to meet and interact after daily working days.
The market is divided into many small areas, each area displaying a separate group of goods. The agricultural product area of the highland people always attracts many people with vegetables, chili peppers, mountain ginger, black turmeric and many typical spices. Goods are displayed along the walkways, creating a colorful scene and imbued with the mountainous lifestyle.
Standing out in the middle of the market are the colors of five-colored sticky rice and smoky banh day grills. Dishes are wrapped in wild banana leaves, becoming a simple but unforgettable gift for people visiting the market.
Another corner of the market is the brocade selling area with brilliant colors. Fabrics and hand-embroidered skirts are hung close together, creating a prominent space in the market fair. Women selling goods always have bright smiles, adding a rustic charm to the highland market fair.
The most crowded is still the culinary area with red pho, thang co, men men or corn wine. Some people visit the market just to sit next to a hot bowl, sip a glass of wine and chat with old friends. Amidst the modern pace of life, Can Cau market fair still retains its pristine beauty, like a part of the unfading memory of the Lao Cai highlands.
