Bac
Ha – A Destination
Bac
Ha (Lao Cai) is well-known for its naturally
sub-tropical scenery. Tam Hoa plums are really
a local specialty: sweet and fresh. This seems
to be created by its own land, people and nature.
Average temperature here is
19°C and it's not so cold as in Sa Pa. Bac
Ha is specifically identified by each mount,
each house and naturally-made carpet of white
plum-flowers in spring. There are 14 ethnic
minorities and the Mong ethnics count for 47%
then the Dao, Tay, Nung... Mountaineers take
care of their horses as their properties, means
of transport and close friends.
Besides plums, Bac Ha is reputed
for its alcohol (made of maize). Maize is grown
on high mountains, its low in productivity but
high in nutrition. To make alcohol, it's fermented
with Hong My seed (the local only plant). Bac
Ha alcohol is well-known due to its source of
water. So it's surely believed never to have
faulted one in Bac Ha market. Visitors can see
the locals selling their own alcohol without
feelings to be cheated.
Brocades are for sales in the
market or in shops or by street-vendors. There
are hand-made or manufactured products. It takes
a village-girl even half a month to make a brocade
of 20cm long. Their skirts or costumes cost
them long time to make. Their dresses express
their patience, skills. Visitors can see the
girls making brocades right in the market.
Traditional values and identities
are well-maintained in the market. Such markets
as Bac Ha, Coc Ly have really become rendezvous
for visitors at home and abroad. There is almost
no bargaining or competition here. Sales girls
look quite naive, sincere. They go to the market
mainly to meet people and exchange funs. Especially,
there is a horse market in town-centre, each
market-day there are almost 100 - 200 horses
for sales or exchange.
Mong or Tay or Dao ethnics’
minority girls and boys, with their best dresses
on, go to the market to relax and meet their
friends. At sunset, they leave with a promise
to see again.
Visitors to Bac Ha are opportune
to understand the local traditions and customs,
taste local specialties, meet nice people and
know a land code-named: white plateau.
(Source:
Vietnam Tourism Review)
