Muong Hum market is located in Muong Hum commune, Lao Cai province - the center of the commune cluster of 8 highland communes of Bat Xat district (old).
Formed from the advantages of terrain and the need for natural exchange, Muong Hum market has existed and developed through many generations, becoming a familiar cultural and economic rendezvous for people in the highlands.
The market meets on Sunday mornings every week, from early morning until about 1 pm. This is the warmest time of the week for people of Ha Nhi, H'Mong, Dao, Giay ethnic groups... to put on colorful traditional costumes, laugh and talk excitedly under the morning sun.
Unlike ordinary markets, Muong Hum market is imbued with the cultural identity of the highlands. Packs of agricultural products such as wild vegetables, purple sweet potatoes, local corn, long grain rice, forest honey... are neatly arranged on each brocade fabric.
In another corner, the brocade area with sophisticated patterns attracts the eyes of tourists, while the silver jewelry stall of Dao artisans makes people unable to take their eyes off.
According to descriptions from tourism documents, this fair is also a place for ethnic minority communities to meet, "see and see each other", contributing to preserving traditional customs and habits.
From H'Mong women in colorful dresses to Ha Nhi people introducing forest herbs, all create a vibrant cultural space that is not easy to find elsewhere.
The market not only attracts buyers and sellers but is also a place for young people in the area to exchange, chat and exchange current affairs news of the village.
The sounds of laughter, street vendors, and the sound of khen dances blend with the natural space of thousands of clouds, making Muong Hum market even more bustling.
Coming to Muong Hum market, you cannot miss the culinary area with the rich flavors of the mountains. The steaming pots of Thang Co or hot bowls of pho, local black pig intestines and a cup of warm corn wine all contribute to creating a very unique market rhythm.
People who come to the market not only shop, but also enjoy the culinary quintessence and share everyday stories.
In addition to products, valuable silver jewelry sets used in festivals or weddings are also introduced, not only as goods but also with profound spiritual values for the people.
Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong Hum commune Nguyen Hong Son - said: "Muong Hum market is not something separate from local life, but is the "center of economic and cultural exchange of the whole region".
Previously, the market was just two rows of leaf-roofed houses, small tiled houses, deserted in the middle of the week. Now, along with the expansion of space and infrastructure development, the market has become more spacious, attracting both people and tourists.
Not only contributing to connecting production and markets for people in mountainous areas, Muong Hum market also emerged as an attractive destination in the journey to explore the Northwest, carrying in itself profound cultural values and community vitality.
