Sin Cheng market – A convergence of cultural identities in Lao Cai

Located in the heart of Sin Cheng Commune, in the Si Ma Cai District of Lao Cai Province, Sin Cheng Market presents as a cultural crossroads that brings together many ethnic groups such as the Mong, Nung, Tay, Thu Lao, and many others. It is an ideal destination for travelers wishing to experience the lively and colorful atmosphere of a mountain market.                                   

What products can be found at the Sin Cheng Market?

To reach Sin Cheng Market from Hanoi, visitors can travel by car or motorbike to Bac Ha town. From there, follow the signs to head to the center of Si Ma Cai district. Then, only 10 km away, you will arrive at Sin Cheng commune, where this authentic market is held. While horses are no longer the main means of transport in many of Lao Cai's mountainous districts as they once were, the Sin Cheng market retains the charm of that era, with horses laden with goods, reflecting the tradition of the highlands.

Sin Cheng Market is located at the center of the commune and only takes place once a week every Wednesday. The most bustling time is usually at midday when locals gather, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

At the entrance, visitors will notice brooms carefully made from local sugarcane. These handcrafted brooms are a unique and characteristic product of Sin Cheng Market, each sold for around 50,000 VND.

As you venture further into the market, you will discover a wide range of agricultural products and livestock, from rice to local ducks—specialties to this region. The rice, known for its soft texture and fragrant aroma, and the ducks, famous for their tender and delicious flesh, make for excellent culinary souvenirs to bring back from your trip.

Locals arrive at the market at dawn, not only to buy and sell but also to enjoy traditional dishes like "cơm trộn mèn mén"—a dish made from cornmeal mixed with warm rice, carrying the authentic flavors of the mountains. This dish is popular among the Mong, originating from a time when life was still rough. Today, despite the improvement in living conditions, this dish remains a must-try specialty on market days.

The market also offers typical dishes like "thắng cố"—a horse meat stew—or delicious bowls of steaming phở. For visitors curious to sample local flavors, these are gastronomic experiences not to be missed.

Among the products sold at the market, the traditional Mong brocade garments stand out for their meticulousness and their representation of the mountain culture of Si Ma Cai. The Mong women's traditional garments, handmade with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, are true works of art that reflect the cultural richness of the region. These traditional garments make for a unique souvenir for travelers to take home from their journey.

What to bring back from the Sin Cheng Market?

Medicinal plants—natural and valuable remedies

Sin Cheng Market is renowned for its many valuable medicinal plants, particularly traditional herbal remedies that are effective in treating various ailments such as joint problems, anemia, or gastric disorders. Harvested by locals from the mountains, these natural remedies are guaranteed to be pure and effective.

Notably, the market offers a rare remedy called "thuốc cầu con" (herbal fertility medicine), sold in pairs as figurines representing a man and a woman. This product is both unique and spiritually significant.  According to the locals, the shape of these figurines came about naturally as soon as the plant grew. However, with prices ranging between 3 and 8 million VND per pair, it is advised to gather enough information before purchasing.

Love amulets—accessories for youngster

Among the most original products that visitors shouldn't miss are love amulets. These can easily be found at medicinal plant stalls in the market. Wrapped in red or blue fabric, these amulets are often accompanied by a small brass pendant in the shape of a key or a plow blade, giving them a mysterious and bewitching touch.

The seller will explain how to use these amulets, and they are quite affordable, priced between 100,000 and 200,000 VND each. In reality, these amulets are more like fashion accessories that can be worn as bracelets or necklaces. They make for a unique souvenir to bring back or a romantic gift to offer your partner.

Black pork—a mountain staple not to miss

Black pork is one of the signature products at Sin Cheng Market. Locals offer two types of pigs: smaller ones sold for breeding, and larger ones for consumption. Naturally raised in the mountains and primarily fed vegetables, black pigs offer tender and flavorful meat, much more aromatic than regular pork. The price is around 1 million VND for a pig weighing 9 to 10 kg. This is an ideal choice to bring back an authentic product to enjoy with family or as a gift.

Nightingales – The melody of the mountains

Sin Cheng Market also has a dedicated space for selling nightingales, those melodious songbirds whose crystal-clear singing evokes the mountains. The price of a nightingale starts at 2 million VND and varies depending on the season, appearance, and quality of its song. If you're a bird enthusiast, buying a nightingale will be a unique experience.

Brocade – Celebrating ethnic craftsmanship

Finally, Sin Cheng market is renowned for its high-quality brocade products, handmade by local artisans. Items such as rugs, bags, or scarves are carefully hand-embroidered, reflecting the craftsmanship and culture of the mountain ethnic groups. Each piece is a true work of art that embodies the cultural richness of the Lào Cai region. It’s the perfect souvenir to remember your trip or a wonderful gift to offer.

What makes the Sin Cheng Market so unique?

Sin Cheng market, also known as Si Ma Cai market, stands out from other markets in Lao Cai due to its opening schedule. While the Bac Ha market takes place every Sunday and the Can Cau market every Saturday, the  Sin Cheng market is held every Wednesday, starting at 6 a.m. To fully experience the vibrant atmosphere of this place, it's recommended to visit at dawn, when the first sounds of life begin to echo in this mountainous region.

One of the most unique aspects of this market is the "Buffalo Market" area, covering about one hectare. It’s not only a place for trade but also a cultural expression at the heart of the mountainous landscapes.

The evening before the market opens, buffalo bells can be heard resonating through the alleys. Upon arrival, you’ll see hundreds of buffaloes from the surrounding areas, with the name of their owner written in white chalk on their backs. Buyers then head to local taverns to call out the seller’s name and begin negotiations. Interestingly, these buffaloes can come from various regions, including the peaks of Quan Than San, and villages like Thao Chu Phin, Lung Sui, Ban Me, and even from Lai Chau and Yen Bai. Buying buffaloes is a meticulous process requiring patience, as some buyers might not find their ideal buffalo throughout the market's duration. It’s an experience not to be missed during your visit to the Sin Cheng market.

Sin Cheng market begins even before the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Mong people’s earthen houses and ends when the inhabitants of the surrounding peaks start returning home. The image of villagers, their hands parting the dew-drenched leaves, feet slipping on rocks, while listening to the jingling of bells in rhythm with the horses’ steps, creates a poetic scene, emblematic of the mountainous culture of the Lào Cai region.

Best time to discover the Sin Cheng Market

The ideal period to visit Sin Cheng market is from September to November when the Si Ma Cai landscape is lit up with blooming buckwheat flower fields and the weather is cool and dry, perfect for exploration.

When attending this mountain market, it is advisable to bring along some snacks and water in case the local dishes don’t suit your taste. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, as temperatures at higher altitudes can be quite chilly during this time of year.

Tips for your visit to Sin Cheng Market

- Bring cash: The local vendors at Sin Cheng Market do not use transfer services or accept bank cards.

- Arrival time: Arrive early to fully enjoy the lively atmosphere and take part in the trading activities.

 Sin Cheng Market is not just a shopping destination, but also a unique cultural experience that will give you insight into the lifestyle of the ethnic minorities of Lao Cai. It will undoubtedly be a memorable part of your exploration of Vietnam's mountainous Northwest region.

TOLUNHA

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