Like most markets in Viet Nam’s northwest mountainous region, Pho Cao market takes place every 6 days and not 7.  Held alongside a section of the National Highway 4C in Ha Giang Province’s Dong Van Stone Plateau area, the market opens in the early morning and ends around noon.  It features a wide range of goods and specialities for sale and, in addition, operates as a place for residents from the 17 Vietnamese ethnic minority groups who live near the country’s borders with Laos and China to meet each other and exchange news. 

Here are some photos which reflect the busy trading atmosphere at this market.  The photos were taken by Huynh Anh, a freelance photographer for DA NANG Today.

Hectic trading at the market

Ethnic minority residents selling pigs

An ethnic minority woman in a beautiful traditional costume

Two young ladies chatting together