Asia
Vietnam
Lao Cai Province
Sapa
Things to do in Sapa
Sapa Market

Sapa Market: Address, Phone Number, Sapa Market Reviews: 3.5/5

See all things to do

Sapa Market

See all things to do
See all things to do
Sapa Market
3.5
152
#18 of 34 things to do in Sapa
Flea & Street Markets
Read more
About
Ethnic handicrafts from local minority women.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Sapa Market
See all
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
190 within 5 kms
Le Gecko Cafe
144
0.9 km€€ - €€€ • French • Cafe • International
1991 French Bistrot
298
1 km€€ - €€€ • French • Bar • Cafe
Nha Hang Do Quyen
6
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Deli
Pho Vung Cao
12
0.4 km€ • Vietnamese
Nabagi
8
0.1 km€ • Asian • Korean
Nha Hang Cau May Sapa
4
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Vietnamese
Quan An 299
3
0.2 kmAsian • Vietnamese
Le Gecko Chalet
1
0.3 kmFrench • Asian • Indigenous
An De Nho
1
0.4 kmVietnamese
Ladybird Sapa Restaurant & Cafe
214
1.1 km€€ - €€€ • French • International • European
See all
Attractions
31 within 10 kms
Ham Rong Mountain
311
0.7 kmMountains
Muong Hoa Valley
1,154
1.4 kmValleys
Sapa Lake
71
0.7 kmBodies of Water
Can Cau Market
70
0.8 kmFlea & Street Markets
The Stone Church
273
1.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
Sun World Fansipan Legend
922
1.9 kmTrams • Scenic Walking Areas
Ho Chi Minh Friendship Monument
73
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Quang Truong Square
327
1.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Y Ty Village
2
0.9 kmNeighbourhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Love Waterfall
838
3.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Waterfalls
See all
3.5
152 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
54
Average
49
Poor
16
Terrible
8
feltroneu
George Town, Malaysia2,337 contributions
Traditional Vietnamese style market
May 2019
It took about 30 minutes to walk from Chapa Dew hotel to Sapa market with the help of GPS. The view around Sapa town is amazing and charming. When approaching Sapa market, we saw there were some tourist buses at the car park however when we got into the market, most of the shops were closed. Maybe we went at wrong timing (around 2pm +). The hall is big and there are 2 floors full with stalls. Since many of the shops were closed we just quickly went through the stalls where they were selling almost same things. It is a local Vietnamese style market.
Written 6 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael P
Sapa, Vietnam4,241 contributions
Sunday is the big market day
Sep 2019
Having spent the better part of the past four rice growing seasons in Sa Pa District, I know this market very well as I often stay in a small family-run hotel directly across the street from it.

This is the “new” market, which replaced the original market on Cầu Mây Street, a few hundred meters from the town center. The old market, was in operation for many decades, was finally demolished last year (2019).

Situated between the “old” and “new” bus stations, the market can be quite busy first thing in the morning when the locals operate a morning market on the opposite side of the street. However, it is generally pretty quiet Monday through Friday. Saturday mornings are somewhat busy, but Sunday morning is the big market day when the Black Hmong people from the furthest reaches of the district come to trade.

Here you will encounter Hmong folks, both men and women, in their finest traditional costume, selling plants, honey, clothing, hemp cloth, and hand-crafted knives. I find these out-of-towners interesting as they often do not speak English and have no interest in us, tourists.

Another easily recognizable ethnic group at the market are the Giáy people. Their modern costume includes black pants, colorful scarves, and handmade shirts that are also popular with their Black Hmong neighbors. In addition to the shirts, many Giáy ladies sell sticky-rice carefully packed in bamboo tubes, a rice cigar of sorts.

The building itself is a rather uninspiring two-story concrete affair that is unlikely to win any awards for architectural achievement. Vendors on the ground floor sell the same souvenirs and knock-off clothing (The North Face) that can be purchased all over northern Vietnam. Shoppers are advised to determine the fair price of items, before making a purchase. I promise you that negotiating (haggling) over prices is perfectly acceptable in this market.

At the east end of the ground floor, there is a “food court”, of sorts, that caters primarily to local minority people. Few Westerners dare to eat here which is a shame as it offers a truly authentic and unique dining experience.

On the street, adjacent to the food court, is a traditional wet-market that on busy days often expands to include the entire backside of the building.

The market’s second story is mostly occupied by clothing vendors who sell the same sorts of things that be found on the ground floor. This part of the market could easily be skipped if it weren’t for the Black Hmong and Red Dao gals who have set up workshops in the building’s east end, above the food court.

The women work on simple Chinese made sewing machines that are surrounded by mountains of handicrafts, new and second-hand traditional clothing, silver jewelry and accessories. Dig through the piles of trinkets and you will surely find some hidden gems, but do not settle on the first price, as everything is highly negotiable.

Another reason I find this market interesting is that it is an important trading hub not only for the residents of Sa Pa District but also for minority people from neighboring Lai Chau and Yen Bai Provinces. Many Flower Hmong from Yen Bai regularly come here to sell their beautiful hand-made clothing and I have been very fortunate to meet Black Dao, Tai Lu and Hmong people from Lai Chau.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2014NG
Melbourne, Australia15 contributions
Something to tick off the SaPa list
Dec 2019 • Couples
This place was set up by the French so they could procure local produce from the locals (our guide said so). Lots of weird and wonderful produce, herbs and local wares. Fair share of cheap junk too. Animal lovers should avoid the meat & poultry section. Stay on the outside of the produce market to appreciate the different types of vegetables, mushrooms and fruits.
Written 23 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
r0landbrunner
Zurich, Switzerland1,716 contributions
nothing special
Dec 2019
an inhouse market on two floors in a big building, with cloths (ethnic fabrics and cheap casual) and other stuff. the green market is outside around the building and a bit more interesting. all together nothing special, but ok, it's a market.
Written 1 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nisimbarda
Kfar Saba, Israel655 contributions
Authentic, loved it
Oct 2019
many small shop with authentic products, handcrafts , fruits and vegetables, worth a visit for market lovers
Written 8 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HanieSyakirah
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia88 contributions
Sapa market in the morning
Jul 2019
We decided to go to Sapa market in town by motorcycle. It was located nearly 3km from our hotel. There were a lot of souvenirs and herb shops on the ground floor and on the second floor there were shops selling clothes/shoes and Hmong ethnic section. On another part, Sapa Market was still a hive of colorful activity outside, with fresh produce, a butcher's section not for the squeamish and hill-tribe people from surrounding villages heading here most days to sell handicrafts.
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tiphani Readett
6 contributions
Abnormal journey in the mountains
Jul 2019 • Couples
We traveled time outside of Hanoi to see the community, and that is loaded with individuals from around the globe. Its a favorite location for hikers plus wine enthusiasts. People who exist there appear needy but content. There
are a great deal of small locations and also hotels for massages, lots of religious tours.
Be cautious who you are making eye contact with since they are going to want to market you something
Written 4 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Clair
Singapore, Singapore1 contribution
Sapa Great Trip
Jul 2019 • Friends
Absolutely fantastic
Great guide (perfect English). Amazing scenery. Cute villages. Fantastic comfortable home stay. All three meals very good food. Couldn’t have been better!
Written 24 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Role
United States221 contributions
They have whatever you need
Jan 2019 • Couples
I’m gonna keep it shorty. Not fancy, but anything you need they have it good prices you can bargain a little if you see fit.
Written 6 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joe
Sarawak, Malaysia369 contributions
Best local market
Nov 2018 • Solo
i have to mentioned again that i love this place so much. i was lucky to see the tribe from around this area to gather at the market selling their produce.

their native costume is amazing. i know it is not easy to see those little kids that travel with their family and selling their produce at the market. but who is the one to judge them based on our standard. they look happy with their life. i do envy that they are not tied to the material world like me.

choose your date and hopefully you can enjoy others culture here.
Written 1 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 84
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Sapa Market
We recommend booking Sapa Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 48 Sapa Market tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Sapa Market: View all restaurants near Sapa Market on Tripadvisor