Experience the Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang! Discover costs, cultural activities, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your romantic adventure now!
The Khau Vai Love Market, held annually on the 25th to 27th of the third lunar month (typically April or May), is a vibrant cultural festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, drawing over 50,000 visitors to the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Located in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac, 180 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City and 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this free-entry event celebrates love and ethnic traditions with Hmong, Giay, and Nung communities. Set in a cool highland climate (dry season: November–April, 10–22°C or 50–71.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), it offers a romantic and cultural escape amid stunning mountain scenery.
Rooted in a century-old love story, the market allows former lovers to reunite and new romances to spark, free from judgment. Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable food stalls, local-guided tours, and eco-friendly homestays, align with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative. From folk songs to traditional dishes like “thắng cố,” it’s a cultural spectacle. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this unique festival, ensuring a green, immersive journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring merged Ha Giang Province into Tuyen Quang Province, reclassifying Ha Giang and Dong Van as wards under Tuyen Quang. Khau Vai Love Market retains its fame under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to this iconic festival.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for cultural and adventure enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking Hmong and Giay guides sharing festival traditions, local ecology, and green practices. Supporting ethnic communities, we align with Tuyen Quang’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and experience Khau Vai responsibly!
Held in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, the Khau Vai Love Market, dating back to 1919, is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating from a poignant love story between a Giay girl and Nung boy, separated by tribal conflicts, the market allows couples to reunite annually on lunar March 27. Today, it draws Tay, Nung, and Giay locals, offering folk games, traditional music, and culinary delights. Sustainable practices, like local staffing and waste recycling, preserve its cultural and environmental integrity, making it a unique festival 300 km from Hanoi.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$5, immerse you in love and culture:
Witness Hmong flute melodies and Giay folk songs, best at 6:00 PM, free, during the festival’s vibrant evenings.
Cost: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: 25th–27th lunar March, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Respect performance spaces; minimize waste.
Tip: Capture the Mông flute; included in Legend Travel Group’s Khau Vai Festival Tour ($80–$120).
Savor “thắng cố” (horse stew) and “rượu ngô” (corn wine), best at 7:00 PM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) at market stalls.
Cost: $1–$2.
Hours: 25th–27th lunar March, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable plates; support local vendors.
Tip: Try with sticky rice; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Participate in traditional games like bamboo dancing, best at 3:00 PM, free, fostering community spirit.
Cost: Free.
Hours: 25th–27th lunar March, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on designated areas; avoid littering.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Khau Vai Festival Tour ($80–$120).
Offer prayers at the Ong and Ba Temples, best at 8:00 AM, free, honoring the market’s legendary lovers.
Cost: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: 25th–27th lunar March, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable offerings; respect sacred sites.
Tip: Learn the love story; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Overnight in a Meo Vac homestay, best booked for 5:00 PM, for $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), enjoying festival tales and meals.
Cost: $12–$20.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Hmong families; uses solar energy.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural activities; included in Khau Vai Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Visit during the Khau Vai Love Market (lunar March 25–27, typically April/May) for vibrant festivities (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), expecting 1,000–2,000 visitors daily, peaking on weekends. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer serene temple visits, while evenings (6:00–10:00 PM) are ideal for performances and feasts. November to April (10–22°C) suits exploring nearby sites like Ma Pi Leng Pass, with fewer crowds (200–500). Avoid Tet (January/February) for quieter travel.
Khau Vai, in Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 300 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 6–7 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 6 hours via Highway 2, costing $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 6–7 hours, $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) one-way; $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 2C, 6–7 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Tuyen Quang City (3 hours, $5 or 125,000 VND), then Ha Giang to Meo Vac (3–4 hours, $7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND), totaling $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 6 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($100–$140 or 2,500,000–3,500,000 VND, 7–8 hours, 320 km); Xanh SM taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hanoi ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($80–$100 or 2,000,000–2,500,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Khau Vai, Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Dong Van (22 km). Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; avoid off-road biking.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/buses.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; scarf for cool evenings.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Cultural Gear: Small backpack, camera for festival shots, notebook for cultural notes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for long festival days; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food ($1–$2), drinks ($0.30–$1), or crafts ($3–$10); secure valuables in crowds.
Entry and Activity Fees
Festival Entry: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Food (e.g., Thắng Cố, Sticky Rice): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Corn Wine): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Hmong Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Festival Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)
Private Car: $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $140–$200 (3,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day.
Public Bus: $24–$30 (600,000–750,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Khau Vai: $100–$140 (2,500,000–3,500,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, food, free entry).
Mid-range: $30–$60 (private car, food, homestay).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, guided tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for food ($1–$2), souvenirs ($3–$10), and transport ($20–$200); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit lunar March 25–27 (April/May) for the festival (6:00 PM–10:00 PM for performances). Weekdays for fewer crowds (1,000 vs. 2,000+ on weekends). November–April for dry weather. Avoid Tet for quieter travel.
Booking: No festival tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or homestays. Book in Meo Vac or Dong Van.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable containers; support Hmong vendors for food ($1–$2) or crafts ($3–$10). Stay on paths to protect the geopark.
Navigation: Save “Khau Vai, Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Dong Van for directions. Avoid night rides on mountain roads.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowds; confirm fares for taxis/buses. Carry a flashlight for evening events.
Weather: April/May needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect rituals; avoid interrupting performances.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Khau Vai Love Market’s magic:
Khau Vai Festival Tour ($80–$120/person, 2 days): Khau Vai market, temple visits, Hmong homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.
Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Khau Vai festival, Dong Van market, and local lunch ($1–$2). Includes guide, transport.
Tuyen Quang & Cao Bang Immersion ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Khau Vai, Ban Gioc Waterfall, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang Region, Tuyen Quang Province, enchants over 50,000 visitors yearly with its free-entry, romantic legacy, held annually on the 26th–27th of the third lunar month (April–May) in Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, 300 km from Hanoi. Rooted in a poignant Hmong love story, this vibrant festival features Hmong flute melodies, thắng cố feasts (horse or beef bone soup), and cultural activities like folk games and traditional performances, all enhanced by sustainable practices such as eco-friendly stalls and local-guided tours. Legend Travel Group’s Tuyen Quang Tours guide you through this love-filled event, ensuring a sustainable Tuyen Quang Travel experience with visits to Ong and Ba Temples and nearby sites like Ma Pi Leng Pass. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to experience Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!‽web:0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,12,13,14,16,17,18,19,20
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Khau Vai Love Market Information: vinpearl.com, jackfruitadventure.com, localhagiang.com, gtrip.vn, asiatouradvisor.com, hagiangamazingtours.com, vietnamdiscovery.com, localvietnam.com, vietnamtour.com, autourasia.com, izitour.com, vietnamtimes.org.vn, vietnamplus.vn, travelauthenticasia.com, vietnam-culture.com
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