The Khau Vai love market was recently recognised as an historical and cultural relic by the Ha Giang People's Committee.
The Khau Vai love market, known locally as the Phong Luu love market, takes place annually on the 26 - 27 days of the third lunar month in Khau Vai village, Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The love market originated as a meeting spot for couples from ethnic minorities such as the Mong, Tay, Nung, Giay, who loved each other, but could not marry. The market offers tourists an opportunity to observe the comedy regarding the market's legend, watch performances, admire the clothing of ethnic minorities as well as take part in traditional games.
According to Nguyen Trung Thuong, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, a project aimed at transforming Ha Giang into a tourist hub, will be soon implemented. "We will soon start restoring the Ong and Ba temples as well as the more than 90 year old Khau Vai market. We also plan to build more tourist hostels. The entire project is expected to reach completion by 2015," he said.