Hmong Handicraft
Hmong people living in Sapa are very famous for their embroidery work. They can make various products in many distinctive designs such as bags, clothing, and blankets. These items have unique cultural significance, the traditions of the place, and the ethnic minority people here.
Hmong Handicraft
In Sapa, you can always see these handcrafted goods sold by children aged five and older. They often trek a significant distance from their villages to town centers to sell their products to tourists. Therefore, you can buy these items to support their effort in bringing them to town for sale.
Handicrafts are always the things to buy in Sapa so you can buy them from peddlers or in shops. These are our recommended shops:
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Muong Hoa shop: 025, Muong Hoa Street, Sapa Town.
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Pho Nui Shop: 013, Cau May Street, Sapa Town.
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Sapa minorities handicraft: Cau May Street, Sapa Town.
Handmade Jewelry And Accessories
Among things to buy in Sapa, jewelry and accessories might be the best choice, especially for women. Beaded necklaces hold significant popularity, showcasing vibrant hues and intricate designs mirroring the rich traditions of hill tribes.
Crafted from various materials including seeds, wood, and semi-precious stones such as agate or turquoise, these necklaces embody diverse cultural influences.
Handmade Jewelry And Accessories
One thing you should keep in mind when purchasing this jewelry is that the silver used to make these pieces has low purity, which reduces their value. Therefore, if you want to buy silver jewelry in Sapa, remember to bargain at least 50% before buying it as a souvenir.
Some places that you can buy these items:
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Sapa Love Market
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Cat Cat village
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Sin Chai village
Fruits
If you’re seeking some gifts from nature, try the natural flavors from peach and pear, which are the two most well-known fruits in this region. Sapa has a favorable climate and fertile soil so that’s the reason why the taste of these fruits is more delicious than in other regions. Therefore, once coming to Sapa, you should not miss a chance to enjoy its savor.
The pear season thrives in Sapa
Some suggest places to buy these fruits with a price range from 2.75 to 3.15 USD per kilogram:
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Sapa market
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Ms. Thai: Cau May street, Sapa town
Smoked Buffalo – a Favorite Hill tribe Specialty
Among things to buy in Sapa, smoked buffalo is a must-try cuisine for foodies. This food is made from the buffalo's tenderloin, shoulder shank, and back. The firmness and slightly sweet buffalo meat are mixed with the mildly spicy flavor of marinated spices. The aromatic scent and smoky taste will surely captivate you from the very first bite.
Smoked Buffalo
Moreover, this dish is a specialty of the Black Thai ethnic group, typically served during their holidays or significant events. Therefore, it could make for a thoughtful gift for your family or friends. The average price ranges from 31 - 40 USD per kilogram. Here are some places where you can buy smoked buffalo:
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Sapa Night Market
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Ly Dao Store: 107 Thach Son Street
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Xuan Truong mini supermarket: 46 Ngu Chi Son
Tao Meo Wine – A special whiskey of H’mong people
Tao meo is a unique fruit that grows naturally in mountainous regions, particularly on the Hoang Lien Son Mountain. You can’t find any other places growing this tree. Residents often harvest and ferment the fruit to create a distinctive wine, boasting a flavor akin to juice with a special aroma.
Tao Meo Wine
Considering its uniqueness, gifting some of this wine to your friends could be a delightful idea. You can refer to Sapa markets to buy this wine because they are recommended as the best place selling it. Besides, the average price of Tao Meo wine is about 4 USD / liter.
For a broader perspective, consult our post on travel guide to Vietnam!
I believe that with 5 things to buy in Sapa suggested above, you will have more ideas for an item to bring home from this journey. If you have further questions about Sapa in particular or about traveling in Vietnam in general, don’t hesitate to contact our New Asia Tours website.
