A special feature of Lao Cai province, which makes it different from other provinces in the North-West, is that there are daily markets that still preserve the old characteristics. Specifically, Ban Phiet market (Bao Thang district) is on Monday, Coc Ly  market  (Bac Ha distrcit) is on Tuesday, Cao Son market (Muong Khuong district) is on Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhin market (Muong Khuong district) is on Thursday, Chau market is on Friday; Can Cau (Si Ma Cai), Pha Long, Y Ty (Bat Xat) are on Friday; and Bac Ha, Sa Pa, Muong Khuong, Si Ma Cai, Bat Xat markets are on Sunday. Out of which, Bac Ha market is ranked by the Tourism Magazine Serendib as one of the most 10 famoust markets in Southeast Asia.

Bac Ha Market is also the only market that has a dedicated area for trading horses with hundreds of horses traded each session. There is also a dedicated area for local people to display and sell local speciality called Ban Pho corn wine, which is famous throughout many provinces in Northwest. That kind of wine is distilled from the yeast made of forest leaves and water taken from spring at more than 1,200m in height. Coming to Bac Ha market, tourists also can have the chance to enjoy a special dish “thang co” cooked by local Mong people from horse meat, five organs of  horse, vegetable, cardamon and special spices to create a unique taste that, having tasted once, they will always remember. 

The highland market is not only a place for buying and selling, but also a meeting place to mix, talk and share with each other among soulfriends, as well as a place of dating among village’s couples. Therefore, people often say that they are going out to the market, not just only for shopping, as is the custom in the lowland regions. 

In Bac Ha district there is a famous "barter" market located on the upper reaches of the Chay River, which is recorded in the tourist handbook of foreign tourists visiting Vietnam. The most interesting about visiting Coc Ly market is that tourists have the opportunity to sail upstream Chay river to admire the natural wildlife along the river with the legend of Trung Do Temple. That Temple is dedicated to the village founder and the Hero Vu Van Mat who made his great contribution to building up and establishing the defense line to protect the national border several hundred years ago. 

Can Cau market in Si Ma Cai border district is considered the largest buffalo market in the northern mountainous provinces. Can Cau market is one of the places selling many handmade souvenirs such as brocaded and weaved products, which are often chosen by visitors as a gift and a local souvenir for their friends and loved ones. 

The Lao Cai highland markets are always a unique experience for both domestic and international tourists./.