Pho Cao market is situated in the center of the commune of the same name (formerly in Dong Van District), nestled in a long and narrow valley. This is one of the few periodic markets of the Tuyen Quang land (formerly Ha Giang Province).

Although held in the former Pho Cao Commune, the market also draws large numbers of ethnic people from neighboring former communes such as Van Chai, Lung Thau, and Sung La to trade, shop and socialize.

Pho Cao Market is held once every six days, with each market day shifting back by one day from the previous week so that local residents can arrange their work and everyone has a chance to attend. The market is also known as Pho Cao's "Cho Lui" (reversing market session).

For example, if the market meets on the Day of the Ox this week, the next session will start on the Day of the Goat. The market opens from early morning until late noon, roughly from 3am to 1pm.

Having a chance to visit Pho Cao market during a recent session, Hoang Hiep, a tour guide from HCMC, could not hide his delight at the vibrant trading scenes.

This was his second time setting foot in this appealing destination.

At the market, large crowds of H'Mong, Dao, and Pu Peo villagers bring homegrown agricultural products and handmade crafts to barter and trade.

Standing out most prominently in the market are stalls displaying the traditional attire of local ethnic groups.

Surrounding these are several areas serving rustic dishes, ranging from pork pho, men men (steamed cornmeal), sticky rice cakes, and molded rice cakes to thang co (horse meat stew), five-color sticky rice, and sour pho.

Visiting Pho Cao market, locals can also find other traditional services, such as mending cloth shoes and canvas bags.

"Pho Cao market sells many items made by the locals themselves, such as poultry and agricultural produce. Additionally, there are consumer goods and food stalls rich in highlander flavors.

“The market is always bustling and cheerful, creating a lively atmosphere that clearly reflects the distinct local culture," Hiep remarked.

According to the visitor from the South, compared to many markets that have heavily developed commercial tourism, Pho Cao still retains the strong colors of an authentic local daily life market.

Yet, the market also has its own charm: it serves not only as a trading post but also as a cultural gathering space for highlander ethnic communities, especially the H'Mong people.

This offers tourists a special feeling from very ordinary moments: bustling chatter, colorful traditional dresses, livestock trading areas, steaming food stalls, and scenes of villagers sitting together enjoying a bowl of pho, thang co, or sipping corn wine.

The market is also a meeting point for social connection. People come to the market not just to buy and sell, but to meet acquaintances, chat, and share stories about their families and villages.

"If you want to experience the life of the rocky plateau in an intimate way, you should not miss this Pho Cao market. It is not merely a sightseeing spot but is also considered a unique, colorful cultural picture.

“Another impressive feature is that the market is nestled in idyllic nature amid karst mountain ranges, valleys, and rammed-earth houses. On misty mornings, the entire market creates a scene very characteristic of the highlands," Hiep said.

According to the tour guide's recommendation, travelers who wish to experience Pho Cao market should pay attention to the specific market calendar before visiting.

If visiting, tourists should go early in the morning to fully feel the market's atmosphere. This is also the time when large crowds of ethnic people from all villages pour in, bringing agricultural produce, various goods and livestock.

Tourists visiting the market for leisure need to respect the local culture, especially when taking close-up photos of locals, children, or the elderly, by asking for permission beforehand. At the same time, you should not arbitrarily set up poses, drag locals into positions, or turn their daily activities into photography props.

"At Pho Cao market, you can enjoy thang co, pho, local cakes, corn wine, but you should ask for prices in advance and limit alcohol consumption if you still have to travel according to your itinerary,” he advised.

Thao Trinh