The story
A market in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac, that meets once a year on the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month. Young people from ethnic minority communities come in their finest traditional clothes. The market is more than 100 years old, and its customs are recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. A festival now runs around it on days 25–27 of the lunar month, with incense and love-blessing rites at the Ong and Ba temples, folk games and ethnic performances.
A tradition tied to the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month, rooted in a local legend, with its own rituals.
Held since 1919 according to Vietnam+. Recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Local tips
Check the lunar calendar. The market itself happens only on the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month, and the festival program starts two days earlier.
Also catch the opening-night performances at the Meo Vac central square, such as Hmong khen, Lo Lo fire and drum dancing and Giay sword dancing.
Say it in Vietnamese
“Em chụp ảnh được không ạ?”
May I take a photo?Plan your visit
Opening hours
Yearly on the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month
When to go
Only the 27th day of the 3rd lunar month, usually in April. In 2025 the festival ran 22–24 April, with the opening evening at the Meo Vac central square.
Yearly on day 27 of lunar month 3 — confirm the solar date each year
Once a year only, on lunar 27/3.
Getting there
Khau Vai is in Meo Vac, close to 200 km from Ha Giang city. Most people reach Meo Vac by crossing the Ma Pi Leng Pass, then follow signposts to Khau Vai or ask locals.
Open in Google Maps →Good to know
Depends on kids’ ages or terrain
- Be respectful; this is a living tradition, not a show
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Where this comes from
History and details come from named press or official sources. Hours and prices can change — travelers help keep them current.
- Tuoi Tre · Press · 2022 · tuoitre.vn
- Nhan Dan · Press · 2025 · nhandan.vn
- Vietnam+ · Press · 2025 · vietnamplus.vn
- Vietnam Discovery · Operator · vietnamdiscovery.com
- VnExpress · Press