Khau Vai Love Market

Chợ tình Khâu Vai

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalMeo Vac
DatesDates TBACheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsThe market's origin legend, of Ba and Ut
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: VND
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Khau Vai Love Market in Meo Vac

Khau Vai Love Market, held annually on the 26th and 27th days of the third lunar month (now extended to three days) in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang, is a century-old gathering rooted in a legend of forbidden love between a Nung man and a Giay woman.

High in the karst mountains of Ha Giang province, roughly 180 kilometers from the provincial capital, Khau Vai commune in Meo Vac district hosts a market unlike any other in Vietnam, one built not around commerce but around a legend of love denied.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The market's origin legend, of Ba and Ut, a Nung man and Giay woman whose love was forbidden by family and custom, who ultimately parted but promised to reunite at Khau Vai each year, gives the event a narrative foundation unlike typical trade markets or ethnic festivals

02

The mystery stays covered

Recognized in 2021 as national intangible cultural heritage for its associated social practices and beliefs, the market has evolved from a once-a-year reunion for separated or unfulfilled lovers into a broader ethnic minority cultural gathering while retaining its original romantic symbolism

03

The city starts moving

Its remote setting, 180 kilometers from Ha Giang city center in the far northern highlands, adds to its distinctiveness as a destination reachable only via mountain roads through karst terrain

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The market's founding legend

Water and renewal

Living ritual

involving lovers Ba and Ut who were forbidden from marrying due to family and customary differences and who ultimately parted while vowing to reunite yearly

The sacred route

Living ritual

established Khau Vai as a place where separated or once-forbidden couples could meet once a year without social consequence

The local code

Living ritual

This legend still frames the market's cultural meaning even as its modern form has broadened into a wider ethnic minority cultural and trade gathering

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA

Getting around

For Khau Vai Love Market, plan transport around the exact Meo Vac venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Warm layers for cool highland evenings even in the third lunar month (roughly April), plus sturdy footwear given the mountainous terrain and unpaved paths typical of Meo Vac district.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Khau Vai Love Market, stay near the part of Meo Vac you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

VND

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map23.16 N, 105.41 EOpen in Google Maps

Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Vietnam

Nearest airportAEB — Baise (Bose) Bama
TransportFor Khau Vai Love Market, plan transport around the exact Meo Vac venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Khau Vai Love Market, stay near the part of Meo Vac you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Meo Vac via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Meo Vac, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layers for cool highland evenings even in the third lunar month (roughly April), plus sturdy footwear given the mountainous terrain and unpaved paths typical of Meo Vac district.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Vietnam and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Khau Vai Love Market?

Khau Vai Love Market is listed for Multiple months. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Khau Vai Love Market take place?

The festival is listed in Meo Vac, Vietnam. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Vietnam

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLvietnam.vn
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Calgary Stampede

Past edition: 3–12 July 2026

Calgary, Canada
Photo pending

Mawazine - Rhythms of the World

Past edition: 19–27 June 2026

Rabat/Sale, Morocco
Photo pending

Seville April Fair

Past edition: 21–26 April 2026

Seville, Spain
Photo pending

Minnesota State Fair

August · Summer

Falcon Heights, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →