We are planning a trip to Sapa in January. Besides trekking, we want to schedule our 4-day trip to visit at least 2 markets during our stay. What markets have you visited and can recommend to us? I've read about these markets: Sapa (Sat and weekdays), Bac Ha (Sun), Can Cau (Sat), Coc Ly (Tue), Binh Lu (Sun). Thanks!

We were in Sapa last December. The items offered in the market werent anything special, but the atmosphere and photo opportunities were. The tribespeople do not like to have their photos taken unless you pay them or are buying something; so a telephoto lens is an asset.
For hotels - the Mountain View has spectacular views, the corner room is only $15US and has a fire place.

two aussies, yes, well I'm Australian too and would never resort to using a telephoto lens to photograph locals - I just use mine for birds. I would NEVER photograph anyone without their permission. Give them a few dollars worth of dong if you must take their photos. I live in North Queensland and employ one or two people from PNG - because they look colourful, tourists are always wanting to photograph them - they have told me they find this highly offensive and I stand on my head to protect them from tourist cameras.

Sapa is extremely overated. The local people see so many tourists they have become rude and unfriendly and continually badger the hell out of one to buy shoddy stuff. The markets were not special at all! Two days and we could not wait for the next train out of there. The weather in Dec 2003 was freezing and the fog and rain was worse than anywhere we've been, including London! Not worth the hassle, imho. Luang Prabang and areas like Nong Khai are superior in scenery, walking trails, weather & the locals appear happy, helpful people. Have a great time wherever you go.

While the constant badgering gets old, touring the area and seeing the hilltribe villages is interesting. We were very turned off by the skinned dog for sale in the market. Quite disturbing. The people are the interesting part of the market, not the goods.

I found that photographing people with my digital camera was not a problem. I would show the person the lcd screen and they could view the picture. Guaranteed to get a laugh or smile.

Victoria Sapa hotel was really nice.

my wife likes markets....so i have been to markets from the channon to annapolis royal...from vina del mar to the portobello road...

I thought i had seen it all till we went to the sunday morning market at Bac Ha. The market at Sapa is so so...but we did enjoy our time there.
Climb Fansipan if you are trekkers.

But the colour and flair of the flower hmong people at Bac Ha was extraordinary. Get yourself a driver and a russian jeep and get over there.