In today's modern pace of life, supermarkets and convenience stores are gradually replacing traditional markets. However, Pa Co market in Mai Chau not only preserves its vitality but also becomes a cultural space, attracting a large number of locals and visitors.

Pa Co market is located about 40 km north of Mai Chau town, situated in the center of three communes: Hang Kia, Pa Co in Mai Châu district (Hoa Binh province), and Loong Luong commune (Moc Chau district, Son La province). According to tradition, Pa Co market only opens on Sundays, and from early morning, the market is bustling with sellers and buyers. Some families from distant places have to start their journey as early as 4 - 5 in the morning, before the sun rises, overcoming rocky terrain with the excitement in their hearts.

Pa Co Market – A longstanding traditional market in Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province (Photo: Collected)

At the market, one can find everything from various homegrown vegetables, tubers, and fruits to livestock, poultry, and agricultural tools such as plows, hoes, shovels, knives, serving the essential needs of life. The commodities may be simple, but at Pa Co Market, visitors will enjoy a unique atmosphere, bustling with noise, bargaining, and laughter, creating a vibrant space amidst the peaceful mountains and forests.

Handcrafted products made by local people and sold at the market.

(Photo: Collected)

The most typical items at the market include Mong traditional fabric and accessories used to create traditional Mong outfits. Perhaps few tourists are aware that, to create a complete traditional dress, if a Mong woman does all the steps herself, it can take up to a year to complete. Therefore, to simplify the process, nowadays, Mong women often choose to buy ready-made accessories and then sew them into garments. In addition, the market also sells complete Mong dresses that are often more affordable due to the materials and patterns being produced in bulk through industrial processes. These dresses are mainly used by Mong women in daily life, while for special occasions such as festivals and holidays, women often choose traditional outfits that they make themselves, adorned with intricate patterns, showcasing the skilled hands and creative minds of Mong women.

Brocade is the most widely sold item at the market. (Photo: Collected)

Being an ancient market, Pa Co market not only attracts locals from the region but also many people from the provinces of Son La, Lai Chau, and Lao Cai who come here to exchange goods, trade, and engage in cultural interactions. Each market session is like a cultural festival with vibrant patterns and colors. In addition to handicrafts, Pa Co market also offers ethnic cuisine. Gathered around the pots of Thang Co (A traditional dish), Mong men enjoy the rich flavor of corn wine, while Mong women enthusiastically share their feelings after busy days of family chores.

Along the route, travelers can visit interesting nearby tourist spots such as the community tourism destinations in Lac village, Poom Cong village, Hang Kia, Pa Co, and upscale resorts like Mai Chau Ecolodge, Mai Chau Hideaway, Mai Chau Retreat. These are ideal destinations that must be experienced when visiting Mai Chau.