Sa Pa market
Local people and tourists gather at the only market of Sapa to purchase everything from daily necessities to tourist souvenirs. The market speads in a wide area, comprised by several small groups that take church’s three-step staircase, street-side or space under shade of century-old tree……. or wherever they feel comfortable to do business.
The typical and most popular item in this mountainous area is brocades. In traditional lifestyle of H’Mong and Dao ethnic group, there is a belief that although they do not have a happy or wealthy life, they must dress in a beautiful way, particularly women’s clothes. Other items such as hats in the melon shape, scarves, shopping bags, wallets, purses, bracelets…..are totally made of indigo clothe with colorful patterns. Which one is ready- made from stores in Hanoi and brought to Sa Pa will be more cheaper than that is hand-made by local people.
Especially in showing area, covers of pillow, drapes seem to be advisable things you should buy because you only find its best qualification here. Your bedroom will be harmonious naturally by being decorated with such a beautiful brocade product.
All women in Sa Pa wear silver jewelry like ring, ear-ring, necklace, button, key chain….in daily activities. They make everything around becoming unique souvenirs. An ear-ring of H’Mong people is as big as a human palm and in the shape of crescent moon. All of its details are carved meticulously like making by a modern machine. Tourists like shopping there because of these unusual items.
Sa Pa has a lot of seasonal fresh fruits for example peaches, pears, plums. In addition, there are many types of specific drinks: wine made of Tao Meo (a kind of apple), Thanh Kim rice alcohol..... . They are displayed on the street-side. Mr Walter Smith – English man- said: “My impression about Sa Pa is vegetable”. Green vegetables attract a good eye-looking from tourists when coming to this market in a hot -sunny day. Mam Da –A type of greens is believed that only appears in ancient Trang Quynh stories – really exists here. Only a stall of Mrs Nguyen Thi Huong sells it. In fact, this vegetable grows from slots between rocks upon mountains. That is the reason why it becomes uncommon nowadays
Once visiting there, travelers will discover many extremely amazed things from life that make curious people excited and want to come back one more time.
Reference
- 2007, Việt Văn, Đi Sa Pa ngày nay [Internet]. Available at: http://www.laodong.com.vn/Home/Di-Sa-Pa-ngay-nay/20074/30908.laodong . Accessed April 09 2010
- Công tay cổ phhần du lich dàu khí Sa Pa, chợ Sa Pa [Sa Pa market]. Available at: http://laocaitourist.com.vn/albumss.php?idalbum=14
- 2008, RaYmOon, Summer holiday 2008 [Sa Pa market]. Available at: http://vn.360plus.yahoo.com/ray-moon?page=13 .Accessed: April 09 2010
