Situated in the middle of a quiet space of highland rocky mountains, Dong Van Ha Giang ancient town is already a bright spot that many people desire to explore. It’s established and built in the early 20th century in Dong Quan, Tuong Yen district, Tuyen Quang province.
This is also one of the 11 most prominent tourist destinations of Ha Giang which converge much cultural beauty, people and especially unique cuisine.
How Dong Van is unique?
Located at an altitude of 1000-1600m, Dong Van ancient town is a famous place in Dong Van district. With the inherent characteristics, with the beauty in the colourful traditional culture, infact the ancient town of Dong Van has created an impressive and unique highlight on the Dong Van – Ha Giang rocky plateau.
Nestled in the middle of the valley surrounding Rocky Mountains, the old town has only 40 roofs stacked together. These old houses are about 100 years old, especially those with nearly 200 years. The old town was formed in the early 20th century. Initially only a few Hmong, Tay and Chinese families lived, gradually more and more residents came.
In general, the old town bears a strong impression of Chinese architecture with two-storey houses with yin and yang tile roofs. Decorated with red lanterns hanging high, dispelling the harsh cold of the Stone Plateau.
Top things to do in Dong Van
1. Pho Co Coffee
Coming to the ancient Dong Van spectrum, it is difficult to cross the old town without sipping a bit of coffee in the highlands, it is worth a visit. It is also one of the few ancient houses currently retaining the ancient beauty and “original” as before.
2. Dong Van Market
Not only is the place of trading of goods of the upland ethnic minorities but also a place to have fun and make friends of highland boys and girls. Especially, if you come to Dong Van Ha Giang ancient town on 3, 14, 15, 16 lunar calendars (held every 3 months), you will enjoy art performances. The people here will show more costumes brocade. Besides, highlights are the unique food area where you can come to eat Thang Co, drink corn wine and listen to people chat as well.
How to go to Dong Van?
To go to Ha Giang, you can search the route Ha Hoi – Ha Giang city on Google. This is an easy way to go. Since Ha Giang has become a leading tourist destination in the North. This route has also been upgraded and improved. To ensure you won’t be exhausted, you can choose to go by bus to Ha Giang, just sleepover 1 night in the morning to arrive. If you decide to ride a motorbike straight to Ha Giang like many backpackers, it is quite exhausting.
In contrast, Ha Giang – Dong Van route only takes more than 100km but is quite time-consuming, because this road mainly passes, cliffs which are quite dangerous. To be able to finish the trip to Dong Van Ha Giang old town smoothly, you should take the time to come here before the evening. After that, find a place to “stay” at the ancient spectrum and then continue tomorrow for the journey to conquer Meo Vac.
The 4C Highway can be said to be the “artery” route linking 4 districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. It creates a famous road by many famous landmarks and landscapes.
From Ha Giang, to get to the old town, we must first set a journey to Dong Van district. You should follow this schedule will be fast and also the most beautiful route.
Ha Giang City – 4C Highway – Tam Son town (Quan Ba) – Yen Minh town – Meo Vac – Dong Van.
When is the best time to visit Dong Van?
Dong Van Old Quarter is always crowded every day, but the festival season becomes more bustling and interesting than ever. Therefore, you can come here at any time. However, to be able to feel the vitality of the old town in the most romantic space, come in the season of buckwheat flowers from October to November. The feeling of sitting in a small corner, watching and enjoying a little fragrance typical of buckwheat flowers will be great ideal during your Truly Ha Giang will makes exhausted after the long way to come to Dong Van.
Recommended accommodation
Homestay Ma Lé
- Address: Ma Le Commune, Dong Van town
.Homestay Tuyen Ha
- Address: Group 1, Dong Van town
Thuong An Hostel
- Address: No 13, Group 4, Dong Van Town, Dong Van District
Quoc Toan Hostel
- Address: No.52, 3/2 Street, Dong Van town, Dong Van District
Hoang Ngoc Hotel
- Address: Dong Van Town
Tam Giac Mach Hotel
- Address: Group 7, Dong Van Town
What to eat in Dong Van?
Come to Dong Van ancient town, don’t forget to sit at a small shop along the road to sip some specialties of this place. If you are lucky enough to come here during the festival seasons, or on the weekends, you will have the opportunity to eat all the typical highland dishes. They are Thang Co, corn wine, Au Tau rice soup, egg rolls, five-colour sticky rice, smoked buffalo meat, Bac Me blue rice, etc. In particular, Dong Van Ha Giang ancient town at night also sells many fast foods.
With the information above so your tours in Ha Giang must be visit Dong Van old town. For more information let contact Origin Vietnam.
