Coc Ly Market (Cho Coc Ly)
Coc Ly Market, Coc Ly, Bac Ha, Lao Cai
A vibrant Tuesday market in the riverside village of Coc Ly, Coc Ly Market (Cho Coc Ly) draws Tay, Nung, Dzao, and Flower Hmong minorities from the nearby hills—many clad in a blaze of brightly colored traditional fabrics. Wares on offer run from authentic foods, textiles, and clothing to plastic knickknacks from Chinese factories across the border.
The basics
There’s no charge to visit Coc Ly Market, which only runs on Tuesdays. Most travelers visit on a day trip from Sapa, Bac Ha, or Lao Cai, where trains from Hanoi terminate, and often pair a stroll around the market with a boat trip on the Chay River past rice terraces and grazing buffalo. More adventurous options include visiting as part of a multi-day cycle tour or even a multi-day tour of area markets, which can be a great choice for photographers.
Things to know before you go
Coc Ly Market is a popular pick for photographers and folks with an interest in Indigenous cultures.
Ask before taking photos, just as you would at home, and respect the wishes of anyone who asks for money to be photographed.
Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella, even if the weather seems clear when you set out.
Be sure to have plenty of small Vietnamese dong bills, as vendors may struggle to make change.
Coc Ly Market is not a good choice for travelers who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility; spaces are tight and the ground is uneven.
How to get there
Coc Ly Market is in the village of Coc Ly, about a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Sapa, a 1-hour drive west of Bac Ha, or a 1-hour drive north of Lao Cai. Public transit is slow and difficult to navigate unless you speak and look Vietnamese, so most travelers drive or join a tour.
When to get there
The market only runs on Tuesdays and is at its liveliest in the morning—it gets going at the crack of dawn. If you can, set out early to beat the tour groups, which tend to arrive around 10–11am. Things have generally wound down by lunchtime.
Other markets around Sapa
There’s a market around Sapa almost every day of the week. The largest is Bac Ha Market (Cho Bac Ha), a Sunday market in the bustling town of Bac Ha that sells everything from textiles to livestock and corn wine. Can Cau Market, on Saturdays, offers a wide range of traditional goods, including baskets and clothing, with buffalo traded early in the day and a range of hot food and local liquor. Cao Son Market, each Wednesday, is a more intimate market that draws Hmong, Nung, Black Dao, and Han minorities.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!