Two hours from Sapa via a hair raising mountain drive is Bac Ha, with its extraordinarily colourful Sunday market.
Bac Ha, not too far from the China border in northern Vietnam, is a key area for the Flower Hmong people. Their fabrics, on sale at the markets, are in dazzling colours.
The fabrics were so intense in colour it was somehow hard to work out where to look.
The same went for other products, such as soft toys.
I wasn't sure if these were local product or imported, perhaps from China, but the colours were consistent with other products.
A large proportion of the people there were dressed in traditional costume. (I tried hard not to poke my camera in people's faces too much though it was harder in open market shots).
More women in traditional costume.
Outside there was a cattle market. The animals are apparently quite expensive.
I don't think they were having the best of times.
It seemed even the produce was especially vibrant and colourful.
Especially the chilies.
At first I thought these were fungus, but now not so sure, perhaps a root vegetable or kind of ginger? Does anyone know?
Quality of produce was excellent.
Loved this, I think the arrangement was random and not staged.
Love these!