Khau Vai Love Market recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recognized Phong Luu Khau Vai Market’s social customs and beliefs in Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province as the National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Sunset over buckwheat flower field of Meo Vac Town, Ha Giang

Existing for more than 100 years, Khau Vai is the most unique love market in Ha Giang. Around 200km from Ha Giang City, although Khau Vai Market is held only once a year on 27th March of Lunar Calendar, it still attracts a lot of locals and tourists. Unlike usual trading markets, Khau Vai Market is the occasion for boys and girls to dress up and meet each other, talk and share about their life.

Khau Vai Market is maintained until today in order to preserve the culture as well as promote the tourism industry and economy of the province. Ha Giang province also promotes the market into the Khau Vai Love Market Cultural and Tourism Week which takes place in 3 days from 26th to 28th March of Lunar Calendar. The event is an opportunity for travelers not only to join a lot of unique traditional cultural activities like drum dancing, flute playing, horse riding, and folk games but also to savor local specialties such as corn wine, smoked pork, hotpot, and so on.