Local Products in Sapa

Sapa, situated in northwest region of Vietnam, is the place you may want to visit not only to gain memorable trekking experiences but also to discovering the rich culture of ethnic minorities groups. If you are love-unique-gifts kind of tourists, the wet markets and souvenir shops of Sapa are meant for you.
Brocade

Coming to Sapa market is much like getting in a maze of brocade clothing. A one-span piece of brocade can cost an local artisan two weeks to sew. That indicates the extreme patience and skills of local girls, who may spend months just completing one dress. Nowadays, in an effort to satisfy the complicated requirements of customers, there are two kinds of brocades available in the market: mass-produced and handmade ones. Mass-produced brocade is brighter with more designs, while the handmade one is darker with more harmonious patterns, containing the high traditional value. Brocade can be made into clothes, dresses, bags, backpacks, purses, scarfs, and even bed coverings.
Another place to get your brocade is to get one when you trek to ethnic villages such as Cat Cat and Ta Phin. Many women offer in-house shopping and you will know for sure you are supporting the less advantaged.
Vietnamese medicinal herbs
Sapa markets offer various kinds of Vietnamese medicinal herbs, both fresh and dried. However, as a foreigner, you are advised to have a local friend or guide in order to choose the right herbs compatible to you health condition at reasonable price.

Herbs are sold in kilo or packed together for different treating purposes. You can put some kind of those herbs into ur bathtub or use them along in your massage session. That is a real treat to you body which need some rest and relaxation after hours spent in daylight traveling around in town. Did I mention raw honey? Because this authentic product is also among one of the most sell-like-hot-cake products in Sapa. Light weight makes these products all perfect to carry home.

Local fruits

Docynia, a specialty fruit in Sapa

Being a highland town endows Sapa with much cooler climate than most of other areas in northern Vietnam. That offers tourists chances to try the special local fruits that can only be found in temperate zones such as peach and juicy plum. Fruits are grown organically in gardens scattering along mountain sides. Sapa’s peach and plum are not larger than a tea cup, covered by a thin layer of white powder, with a sour, sweet and a little bit acrid taste. Fruit are not kept in plastic bags but in bamboo baskets that help avoiding bruised. In addition, tourists can buy local vegetables like chayote, dried mushrooms and docynia.
Note that many countries impose a law against carrying foreign fresh fruits and plants home so double check before you pack. These fruits also do not contain preservatives so it is best to be consumed while inland