KHAU VAI MARKET
The famous Khai Vai love market, in Ha Giang province, takes place only once a year when the moon completely disappeared for the last time in March. According to legend, the market's early date back to the unrequited love between a young boy and girl. They felt in love deeply, but as they were from different tribes, were forbidden to be together. A bitter quarrel erupted between the two families, and the couple was forced to end the affair. Unable to bear the thought of never seeing each other again, they decided to meet on the same day every year in Khau Vai. Today, the site of the forbidden rendezvous is home to the love market.
The market is not just for a hopeful marriage. It is also the social event of the year, where old friends meet up and new ones are made. No matter their age, everyone looks forward to the chance to chat over sticky rice, grilled cassava or rice dumplings. The celebrations begin the evening before, with a night of song and dance, and performances expressing fervent wishes for eternal love and romantic melodies fill the night air.
Whether they find a partner or not, the happy memories of the day linger in the minds of many of these mountainous people. At this market, good wills are always ripe.
Overnight in a local family, we will enjoy the time with local people until the morning. Short sleep in the noisy market then ride around to discover the most beautiful landscape of Vietnam. Then we come back to Meo Vac town for the night in guesthouse.
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