When you are doing the Ha Giang Loop there are two weekend markets to consider Dong Van and Meo Vac — both worth getting up early for.
All kinds of goods are for sale and the brightly colored ethnic minority women make for colorful photographs. The Dong Van market is a bit more concentrated and may have more colorfully attired attendees. But what makes the Meo Vac market special is the livestock area. Here you will find all kinds of animals for sale but the largest section is reserved for cattle. I also tend to move on to Cao bang after the Ha Giang Loop so staying in Meo Vac puts you closer to Cao Bang.
There are a number of hotels in walking distance to the market making an very early start much easier. Like most weekend markets, it is best to arrive early. Get there before 07:00 for the best images.
