Northern mountainous Lao Cai city, in the province of the same name, has begun construction of the Pho Moi tourism market, the first such market in Vietnam. It aims to contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional market model and creating more shopping, sightseeing, and entertainment options for tourists.

The market is on an area of more than 11,500 sq m with total investment of nearly VND400 billion ($17.6 million). Upon completion, expected in the fourth quarter of 2019, it will have 557 stalls from 31 sectors.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, Deputy Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee, with its good location, the Pho Moi tourism market is an important part of the city’s sustainable development on the Con Minh - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh route, which is a major tourism area of the country and of ASEAN. 

He also emphasized that the project has an important role in creating a healthy and modern business environment in tourism and other economic sectors and will provide employment for local people.

Located 300 km from Hanoi, Lao Cai city can be reached by car or train. The province has preserved many special cultural and historical sites, including stone engravings from thousands of years ago in Sapa’s Muong Hoa Valley and the Pho Rang vestige site. 

It also boasts many beautiful caves, such as Thuy Tien (Bat Xat district), Ta Phoi (Lao Cai city), Tien-Trung Do (Bac Ha district), and Xuan Quang (Bao Thang district).

Lao Cai is particularly proud of Sapa, a unique natural tourist site with good weather and beautiful scenery. Visitors in summer can perhaps experience the four seasons in one day. 

Places of interest include Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest, Ta Phin Cave, and the Sapa ancient rock field. 

Held every Saturday night, Sapa Market is an attractive option for visitors keen on exploring traditional cultures.

Bac Ha Market, meanwhile, is the largest in the area, attracting H’Mong and other ethnic minority groups living in the locality. 

H’Mong residents in Cat village are skilled at producing gold and silver jewelry.

VN Economic Times