Most of the women at Bac Ha market are from the Flower Hmong ethnic group. As seen in this photo, they dress in colorful head scarves and beautifully embroiderd skirts and tops. Since it is wintertime, a heavier fabric (like velvet) is worn on top while in the warmer months they wear lighter fabrics.
We noticed some gelatinous dumplings with something orange on the inside on the corner where we were staying. We thought they might be shrimp-filled, but instead of just trying those, we got a whole plate of gelatinous circles and squares topped with some pressed meat and a vinegar sauce. After getting used to the texture, it was quite good. No one there spoke English and it didn't seem like they got many foreigners sitting on their plastic stools, so they watched us to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and always had enough vinegar, herbs or orange topping.
A woman walks home to her village from the Bac Ha market. © www.uncorneredmarket.com
