Home Lifestyle The Thriving Trade of Live Stream Dog Sales in Northern Vietnam’s Markets

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The Thriving Trade of Live Stream Dog Sales in Northern Vietnam’s Markets

The vibrant and bustling Bac Ha Market, operating on Sundays in the namesake town of Lao Cai province, has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. With a diverse range of items on offer, the market is a vibrant hub of activity, but it is the unique and controversial live-streamed sales of dogs that have captured the most attention. This northern Vietnamese market is an exciting and intriguing destination, offering a glimpse into local culture and traditions, with an unexpected twist.

Administrator

3 July, 2024

Every week, live streamers descend upon Bac Ha Market, a bustling hub of activity in Vietnam’s northern province of Lao Cai, to sell dogs online and rake in millions of Vietnamese dong per session. This unique market, nestled in the peaceful upland region, comes to life every Sunday as locals from various ethnic minority groups converge to offer their agricultural produce and animals for sale.

Bac Ha Market, a vibrant Sunday morning tradition in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.

The journey to Bac Ha Market begins on Saturday nights for many vendors, who travel from nearby ethnic minority villages with their fresh vegetables and fruits in tow. Located about 70 kilometers from the provincial capital of Lao Cai, this market is a melting pot of cultures and a testament to the region’s vibrant agricultural industry.

A diverse array of farm-fresh produce and unique items are on offer at Bac Ha Market.

What truly sets Bac Ha Market apart is its reputation as the largest dog trading session in Vietnam. Hundreds of dogs of all sizes and colors are put up for sale each week, attracting buyers from near and far. The market’s live streamers, like Hoang Trung Hieu, play a crucial role in this unique trade, selling dozens of dogs through their online platforms and earning substantial commissions with each order.

For dog lovers like Thai Thi Giang and her family, who traveled from Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam, Bac Ha Market is a must-visit destination. “I was amazed by the sheer number of dogs at the market,” shared Giang, who was on the lookout for a memorable pet to take home. “It’s a bustling, friendly place, and I would definitely recommend it to others.”

A lively online dog-selling session at Bac Ha Market.

Charlise, a French tourist, also sang the market’s praises, recalling her first trip to Vietnam: “Bac Ha Market was one of the highlights of my journey. The local culture was beautifully showcased, and everyone was so welcoming. I was particularly drawn to the vibrant colors of their traditional costumes.”

Beyond the dog trading, Bac Ha Market offers a seasonal bounty of fresh produce, including pears and plums, as well as a diverse range of rice, noodles, and vegetables. With sections dedicated to brocade items, food, and more, it is a true celebration of the region’s cultural heritage and agricultural abundance.

Hoang Xuan Luyen, a veteran vendor at the market for over 20 years, has witnessed its evolution firsthand. “The market has grown and improved over time,” he noted. “It’s now larger and better equipped, and the influx of tourists each Sunday adds to the vibrant atmosphere.”

Bac Ha Market: A vibrant hub for cultural exchange and local trade.

As the sun sets on another lively market day, the vendors pack up their wares, satisfied with the day’s transactions. Bac Ha Market, with its unique blend of cultural exchange and commercial activity, continues to thrive, attracting locals and tourists alike with its one-of-a-kind offerings and warm hospitality.