Sapa’s main formal market, known as ‘Cho Sapa’ which means Sapa Market, is located very close to Sapa Bus Station.
Entrance to Sapa MarketSapa Market is housed within a modern purpose built market building with outdoor stalls selling fresh food stuffs to the rear of the market.
About Sapa Market
Sapa Market is a market of three parts. Downstairs there are stalls selling factory made items.
Inside Sapa MarketThe majority of what is sold downstairs in Sapa Market is clothes. You can buy a variety of different clothing items here from souvenir t-shirts, to children’s clothing to fake branded trekking wear.
Clothes at Sapa MarketDried fruit, grains and spices are also sold on the ground floor inside the main market building in Sapa Market.
Dried fruit at Sapa MarketThe more interesting part of Sapa Market is the second floor of the market which is where local hill tribe people have been given space to make and sell traditional local handicrafts.
Traditional instruments at Sapa MarketThe second floor of Sapa Market has lots of mostly elder Hmong tribes women fashioning souvenir items of clothing out of traditional fabrics. It’s interesting to see them on sewing machines making things. Be aware that the initial asking price for these items will normally be very high. For example, its not uncommon for foreign visitors to be asked to pay 100,000 VND for an item which with patient bargaining can eventually be bought for 15,000 VND.
Vegetable stall at Sapa MarketThe third part of Sapa Market is outside. Here all kinds of vegetables, fish and meat are on sale. This is the part of the market where local people come to shop. This is also the part of the market where local people come to eat. Dishes like pho and Vietnamese spring rolls are sold at small stalls here at very low prices. This is a good place to come to eat local style food at local prices.
Location of Sapa Market
Sapa Market is located 400 metres walking distance from Mau Son Temple.