Explore the Xuan Duong Love Market – A Cultural Gem in Northern Vietnam
Love markets in Vietnam are one of the most fascinating cultural experiences in the country, especially in the northern mountainous regions. While the Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang is widely known, few travelers are aware that Bac Kan province also has its own vibrant love market tradition—the Xuan Duong Love Market, deeply rooted in local history and the rich cultural fabric of the Tay and Nung ethnic communities.
What Is a Love Market?
In Vietnam, a “love market” isn’t just a place to buy and sell goods. It’s a special social and cultural event, often linked to romantic encounters, emotional reunions, and community bonding. Each love market across northern Vietnam has its own origin and significance. For example:
- Khau Vai (Ha Giang): A reunion for past lovers
- Sapa (Lao Cai): A gathering space for young singles from ethnic minorities
- Bao Lac (Cao Bang) and Moc Chau (Son La) also host their own unique variations
The Xuan Duong Love Market in Bac Kan stands out for its deep connection to local legend, music, and ethnic identity, making it a must-visit destination for culture-focused travelers.
The Legend Behind Xuan Duong Love Market
According to local legend, the love market began with the tragic story of a couple deeply in love but separated by fate. The villagers, moved by their story, created an opportunity for them to reunite once a year on the 25th day of the 3rd lunar month in a place called Na Ri—now the Na Ri district. Over time, this heartfelt gesture evolved into a cherished annual tradition: the Xuan Duong Love Market.
A Gathering of Hearts and Heritage
Today, the Xuan Duong Love Market is much more than a romantic rendezvous:
- Former lovers meet again, with the support and understanding of their current spouses.
- Singles attend to find new connections.
- Families, friends, and neighbors reunite in joy and celebration.
What makes this love market even more special is the cultural acceptance of past relationships, viewed as part of personal history rather than a threat to current bonds. It’s a unique reflection of Bac Kan’s open-minded and harmonious social values.
Sli Singing – The Soul of the Nung People
At the heart of the Xuan Duong Love Market is Sli singing, a traditional call-and-response performance by the Nung ethnic group. This poetic musical form expresses love, joy, life stories, and even philosophical reflections. There are two types:
- Free-form Sli: Performed spontaneously at markets, weddings, or community events
- Organized Sli: Intimate performances often lasting all night, attracting crowds of all ages
Sli singing is more than entertainment—it’s a medium of cultural expression, emotional connection, and national unity. In 2021, it was proudly added to Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
A Cultural Tourism Highlight in Bac Kan
Over time, the Xuan Duong Love Market has transformed from a local tradition into a vibrant cultural and tourism festival. Organized annually, it now features:
- Sli singing performances
- Traditional music like Then, Luon, and Tinh
- Folk games and local delicacies
- Craft stalls and cultural exhibitions
The event draws both Vietnamese and international visitors, making it a key highlight in Bac Kan’s cultural tourism calendar. It’s a living, breathing celebration of ethnic heritage, community connection, and the timeless beauty of love.
Why Visit the Xuan Duong Love Market?
If you’re looking for a truly authentic cultural experience in Northern Vietnam, the Xuan Duong Love Market offers:
✅ A deep dive into Tay and Nung traditions
✅ A unique legend-based cultural festival
✅ The soul-stirring beauty of Sli singing
✅ An intimate and heartwarming community atmosphere
✅ A blend of romance, reunion, and rich heritage
This annual event reminds us that culture is not just preserved in museums—it lives on in the hearts, voices, and shared moments of communities like those in Bac Kan.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: Xuan Duong Commune, Na Ri District, Bac Kan Province
📅 Date: 25th Day of the 3rd Lunar Month (usually falls in April or May)
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📞 Contact Ba Be Voyages to include this experience in your Northern Vietnam cultural tour!
