We visited the Sa Phin Market on a photosafari trip last Nov. The market days are fixed according to the H’mong calendar. We were lucky to be able to visit this market on the second last day of our visit to Dong Van.
Sa Phin is situated about 1 kilometre from the Chinese border. On market day, ethnic groups from H;mong, Lo Lo, Dao and Day ethnic tribes dressed in their traditional Sunday best would converge to this market to sell their wares catering for the daily needs of the local folks. The goods sold here were as diverse as those sold in other small town markets. Some of the goods sold here were traditionally weaved fabric, bamboo furniture, machineries, tools, corn wine, rice, cooking oil, toys and live cows, pigs, and chicken.
If one is visiting this region, Sa Phin Market should be placed high on the must visit list.