Can Cau Market – A Unique Saturday Buffalo Market in the Si Ma Cai Region

Can Cau Market – a highland market held on Saturday mornings in Can Cau Commune, Si Ma Cai area, Lao Cai Province. The market is famous as one of the largest livestock markets in the Northwest, preserving its rustic charm and being less crowded than Bac Ha Market.

History and characteristics

• Perched halfway up a mountainside, the market has long been famous throughout the Northwest.
• Hundreds of cattle are brought in for trading at each session, alongside horses, goats, and chickens.
• Participants are primarily highland ethnic minorities dressed in traditional attire.
• Market sessions toward the end of the lunar year are usually busier and last longer than usual.

What to buy at Can Cau Market

• Brocade dresses, scarves, and handbags handmade by highland ethnic women.
• Seasonal agricultural produce and local specialties.
• Compact brocade decorative items and accessories for gifts.

What to eat at Can Cau Market

• Thang co, a classic specialty of highland market fairs.
• Mixed pho and pho noodle soup served right in the market's dining area.
• Men men (steamed cornmeal) and colorful sticky rice made by local ethnic communities.

How to get there

• The market is situated on the road from Bac Ha to Si Ma Cai, about 30 km from Bac Ha.
• You can rent a vehicle or join a tour from Lao Cai or Sa Pa, often combined with an overnight stay in Bac Ha.
• The mountain pass roads are steep, so it is recommended to travel with a driver familiar with mountain terrain.

Tips for visitors

• The market is only open in the morning, so arrive before 9:00 AM to experience the livestock market at its liveliest.
• Wear shoes with good grip as the market ground can be muddy and sloped.
• Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of local people.
• The following morning, you can continue on to Bac Ha Market, which takes place on Sundays.

Reference prices

• Thang co, pho: around 30,000–50,000 VND/bowl, standard for Lao Cai market fairs.
• Men men: around 10,000 VND/bowl.
• Five-color sticky rice: around 10,000–25,000 VND/pack.
• Brocade scarves and bags: around 50,000–300,000 VND/item depending on size and intricate detailing.
• Buffalo: around 5–30 million VND/head depending on age and size, mainly interesting for observing the trading atmosphere.

Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual stalls.

Best time to visit

• The market gathers on Saturday mornings, from early morning until past noon.
• You should arrive before 9:00 AM to see the cattle trading area at its most bustling.
• From September to November, the weather is dry and cool, making travel easier and offering the chance to combine the trip with viewing buckwheat flower hills in Si Ma Cai.
• Market sessions toward the end of the year approaching Tet are more crowded with a greater variety of goods than usual.

Useful information for visitors

• Payment: Almost exclusively cash; it is recommended to withdraw money in advance in Bac Ha or Si Ma Cai and bring plenty of small-denomination bills.
• Restrooms: The market has virtually no comfortable public restrooms, so prepare ahead in town or ask to use the facilities at eateries around the market.
• Language: Sellers primarily speak Hmong and Vietnamese, with almost no English spoken, so use a translation app or travel with a tour guide.
• Attire: Wear shoes with good grip, as the buffalo market area is steep and becomes muddy when it rains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Can Cau Market open?

The market takes place every Saturday morning and is busiest from early morning until around noon.

What makes Can Cau Market special?

Its most distinctive highlight is the large-scale buffalo and cattle trading area, a rare sight compared to other markets.

How far is it from Bac Ha to Can Cau Market?

The market is about 30 km from Bac Ha, taking approximately one hour by car along mountain pass roads.

See More

• Sa Pa Market
• Sa Pa Night Market
• Bac Ha Market
• Sin Cheng Periodic Market