Along the roads flanking a local river amid Bac Ha Town in Lao Cai Province, the largest cattle market in Vietnam’s northwest showcases buffaloes on one side and cows on the other so that locals can easily purchase their preferred animals.

Originally held every Sunday approximately one kilometer from the Bac Ha Town center, the market now convenes every Friday.

For many years, the Bac Ha cattle market has stood as the largest cattle trading hub in Vietnam’s northwest, fostering community interactions and commerce among locals and traders alike.

On market day, villagers either lead their buffaloes on foot or hire trucks for transportation.

They aim to secure the best possible price for their own livestock while buyers seek to purchase a quality animal at a fair rate.

Cattle, of all types, sizes, and ages, are tethered to tree trunks or the edges of the bridge, while everyone seizes the chance to sell and engage in lively chatter, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Early in the morning, Giang Seo Mang and his wife, residents of San Chai Commune in Lao Cai’s Si Ma Cai District, rented a vehicle to transport three buffaloes for 40 kilometers to the Bac Ha cattle market for sale.

These three were the entire fortune of Mang’s family. 

Holding one of the buffaloes by its lead rope and gently rubbing its head, Mang recounted how he had purchased these animals as calves.

“I’ve already sold two buffaloes, but unfortunately, they fetched low prices -- one for VND25 million [US$982] and the other for VND35 million [$1,375],” Mang said. 

“As for this one, I’m hoping to sell it for around VND32-33 million [1,257-1,296] so I can reinvest in new calves to raise.”

The selection criteria for a buffalo banks on its intended use for meat, breeding, or production. 

Buyers meticulously inspect details like the legs, horns, facial hair whorls, and overall appearance before swiftly concluding transactions in cash. 

Prices for adult buffaloes typically range from VND18 million ($707) to VND40 million ($1,571) each, while calves are priced around VND6.5-8 million ($255-314) per head.

The prices for calves have dropped significantly compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Vang A Phuong, a dealer familiar with the routines of the Bac Ha cattle market, who specializes in sourcing calves from various regions for resale.

“Customers vary; some buy pairs, others just one,” said Phuong. 

“Buffalo and calf prices have dropped in recent years. 

“A calf now costs around VND6.5-8 million, nearly half the price before COVID-19.”

Not only does the Bac Ha cattle market attract buyers and sellers, but it also draws numerous tourists who come to witness and experience its unique atmosphere. 

Many YouTubers and TikTokers also visit to live-stream for their audiences.

Bao Nguyen, on a weekend business trip from Hanoi to Bac Ha Town, took advantage of his Friday morning free time to explore the market.

“While sitting at a roadside café in the morning, I noticed many people passing by with buffaloes,” said Nguyen. 

“Upon inquiry, I learned that it was the Bac Ha cattle market day. 

“On arriving at the market, I was amazed to see such a large gathering of buffaloes. 

“There were impressive animals with robust bodies and large, sturdy horns.

“Even though I had no intention of purchasing the cattle, visiting this market provided a valuable cultural insight into the northwest region.”

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