Dong Van Old Quarter

Dong Van Old Quarter is in Dong Van Town, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. It was built in the early 1900s and is still there today. People from different cultures live in this area, such as the H'Mong, Hoa, Tay, Dao, Nung, and Kinh. Visitors can experience a wide range of cultures.

Dong Van exists as a place where the past and present converge (Source: Ethnic News)

The homes in Dong Van Old Quarter are all built in the same style and are hundreds of years old. Most of the roofs are made of yin-yang tiles and have two stories. The overall structure of the Old Quarter is a harmonious fusion of Vietnamese culture and Chinese architecture, making it a unique and beautiful place to visit for history lovers.

The best time to come 

The climate in Dong Van Old Quarter is cool and pleasant throughout the year, making it a wonderful place to visit anytime. In winter, the weather can be a little chilly, but experiencing winter in Dong Van Old Quater is truly fascinating.

Historically, this was the trading hub of the vast Dong Van district (Source: Trip)

Further, you might want to consider visiting between early October and November, as that's when the buckwheat flowers bloom in Ha Giang. This is a wonderful time to explore the Old Quarter and enjoy the vibrant beauty of the blooming flower fields.

How to get there

Address: Dong Van Town, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

To reach Dong Van Old Quarter from Hanoi, you first need to travel to Ha Giang. Fortunately, there are plenty of passenger bus routes running between Hanoi and Ha Giang, from as early as 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM. This makes it easy to find a departure time that suits your schedule.  Taking a bus is a safer and more relaxing choice, letting you save your energy for exploring Ha Giang.

From the center of Ha Giang, it is around 100km to Dong Van Old Quarter (Source: Vha)

Besides buses, many young travelers prefer the adventure of riding motorcycles from Hanoi to Ha Giang, often teaming up in large groups to share the experience and make memories together.

Once you arrive in Ha Giang, you will need to continue traveling for about 100 km to reach Dong Van Old Quarter. The road to Dong Van is challenging, with winding mountain passes and rocky cliffs. When you're traveling by motorbike, it's really important to plan your return trip thoughtfully and avoid riding at night to keep yourself and everyone else safe.

Read more: Ha Giang Tour 3 days: A Scenic Journey through Dong Van

Things to do in Dong Van Old Quarter 

Strolling Around Dong Van Old Quarter

Dong Van Old Quarter is just the right size for a lovely morning stroll, allowing you to discover its charming old streets. The houses here are tightly built together under impressive rocky cliffs, showcasing a unique architectural style - narrow tube houses with two stories and roofs adorned with yin-yang tiles, a hallmark of Vietnam’s northern border region.

Many types of hotels are available to meet the needs of travelers (Source: Ethnic News)

Some houses in the Old Quarter are decorated with lanterns hanging at the entrances, bringing a lovely nostalgic charm to the surroundings. As you wander through the streets, you can also enjoy chatting with the locals, who are always warm and eager to share stories about their daily lives. If you'd like to explore any of the traditional homes, just remember to kindly ask the owner for permission first!

Dong Van Old Quarter Cafe 

One of the must-visit spots in Dong Van Old Quarter is this unique cafe. There’s nothing better than sipping a cup of coffee in an ancient house that holds deep historical and cultural value.

The red lanterns make this space stand out even more (Source: Zoomtravel) 

In fact, this cafe was once the home of a powerful Tay landlord named Luong. Over the years, it has witnessed many ups and downs alongside the old quarter. Remarkably, the house has remained intact, preserving its original charm - a rare and precious feat.

Located just a few minutes walk from the old houses, this cafe is a convenient stop during your exploration of Dong Van Old Quarter. With its spacious layout and open courtyard, the nostalgic beauty of this place is sure to captivate visitors and leave a lasting impression.

Exploring Local Market at Dong Van Old Quarter

The market in Dong Van Old Quarter consists of three rows of houses forming a U-shape right at the heart of the town. It serves as a bustling trading hub where ethnic minorities gather to buy, sell, and exchange goods.  It's not just a marketplace, it's a lively social spot where young men and women come together, connect, and maybe even find their future partners.

The local market at Dong Van Old Quarter (Source: Kyo)

Visiting the market, you will encounter many local people dressed in their vibrant traditional attire, adding to the lively atmosphere. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, especially handcrafted goods unique to the region. Plus, you'll discover a wonderful selection of spices and specialty ingredients from Ha Giang, making it a perfect place to take home a bit of the highlands' flavor.

Local food in Dong Van Old Quarter

Visiting Dong Van Old Quarter wouldn't be complete without enjoying the local cuisine! At the Dong Van market or the cozy restaurants along the old streets, you can enjoy delightful specialties like thang co (horse meat stew), steamed rice rolls, five-colored sticky rice, men men (steamed cornmeal), and corn wine – all of which beautifully showcase the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities. 

Local food in Dong Van Old Quarter, Ha Giang (Source: Onevivu)

Every dish is a delightful mix of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, showcasing the customs and lifestyle of the highland people. With the cozy glow of lanterns in the evening, enjoying a steaming bowl of soup or sipping a cup of robust corn wine will surely make your journey even more special.

Conclusion 

The Dong Van Old Quarter in Ha Giang is an interesting place to visit with lots of romantic and poetic sights. The old houses are tucked away behind rough rocks. They aren't fancy or up-to-date, but they have a peaceful, nostalgic charm at their own. If you ever get the chance to go to Ha Giang, don't forget to take some time to see the beautiful Dong Van Old Quarter.

Read more:  Ha Giang Tour 5 days: Essential Ha Giang Discovery