Despite the cold air, the weekly market is lively and festive, attracting Black Ha Nhi, Hmong and Dao people from surrounding villages, who bring fresh produce, forest vegetables and handmade goods.
From early morning, locals arrive with freshly foraged greens from nearby forests while mist still lingers over the valley.
Though modest in size, the market offers a wide range of affordable goods grown or gathered by the community. Trading is calm and unhurried, with vendors rarely calling out yet selling quickly in an atmosphere of familiarity.
Stalls selling rice, food and farming tools such as hoes and spades are busy, reflecting daily life in the highlands.
Jewellery stalls featuring silver and imitation pieces inspired by traditional designs are also popular.
A distinctive feature is the livestock section, where pigs, chickens and ducks are traded, with bargaining blending with animal calls to create a lively scene.
Buyers carefully select black pigs and poultry, drawing on experience to support their households, while even small ducklings are chosen with care.
Free from the noise and dust of urban markets, the weekly gathering is marked by fresh mountain air and the scent of cardamom, attracting visitors seeking a quieter escape.
