A Journey Through Dong Van Old Quarter: Ha Giang's Hidden Gem

Experience the unique beauty of Dong Van Old Quarter, where ancient houses and vibrant culture blend seamlessly amidst stunning mountain scenery. Hãy nghe Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

1. Introduction to Dong Van Old Quarter

Dong Van Old Quarter is located at an altitude of 1,000 - 1,600 meters in Dong Van district, Ha Giang. This area is deeply hidden, surrounded by dense mountains and forests. This seclusion results in an exceptionally fresh and cool atmosphere. If you visit in winter, it can be quite cold and chilly! In the early 20th century, this neighborhood was home to several Tay, Mong, and Chinese families. Over time, it became livelier and more bustling as the Nung and Dao people migrated here. Despite the development and changes in Ha Giang aimed at boosting tourism, this old quarter has retained its ancient, simple charm. Many young travelers choose Dong Van Old Quarter as a must-visit spot to find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Dong Van Old Quarter in Ha Giang is a unique highlight amid the somewhat arid rocky landscape.

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2. The best time to visit Dong Van Old Quarter

With its cool and pleasant climate year-round, visitors can explore Dong Van Old Quarter at any time. Winter here can be a bit chilly, but experiencing winter in Dong Van Old Quarter is also very interesting. If you want a special experience, visit Dong Van Old Quarter from early October to November. This is the season of the buckwheat flower in Ha Giang. You will have the opportunity to explore the old quarter alongside the beauty of these stunning flower fields.

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3. How to get to Dong Van Old Quarter?

3.1. By bus

Taking a bus is the most convenient and economical way to get to Dong Van Old Quarter. There are many bus companies operating the Hanoi - Dong Van route with frequent trips, and ticket prices range from 200,000 - 300,000 VND per person per trip. The travel time is about 8-9 hours. From Hanoi, you can catch a bus to Ha Giang at My Dinh bus station. Upon arrival in Ha Giang city, you can take another bus, a taxi, or a motorbike taxi to travel the additional 40 km to Dong Van Old Quarter.

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3.2. By motorbike

For those who love adventure, you can ride a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Traveling by motorbike provides a more exciting experience. However, the distance from Hanoi to Dong Van is quite far, about 320 km, taking approximately 7-8 hours to travel. You need to be in good health and have long-distance driving experience to ensure safety. You can depart from Hanoi via National Highway 2, National Highway 32, or the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway. After reaching Ha Giang city, continue along National Highway 4C to Dong Van. On the way, you will witness the magnificent natural scenery of the Dong Van plateau.

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4. Dong Van Old Quarter – Where time seems to stand still

4.1. Exploring the Old Corners of Ancient Houses

Currently, Dong Van Old Quarter still preserves about 40 old houses close together under rocky cliffs. The space of the old quarter is imbued with the deep color of time, blending with the yellow of the sun and the black-gray of moss and old houses. The predominant architecture of the houses here is tube houses, built two stories high, with roofs designed in a harmonious yin-yang style. This type of tile is also typical of the northern border region. Additionally, when visiting Dong Van Old Quarter, you will see many houses adorned with red lanterns to highlight the space.

The special feature of this old quarter is that it has a unique, delicate, and different beauty at each time of the day. In the morning, the old quarter is gently beautiful with the colors of the sun in a wonderfully quiet space, with fresh, pleasant air typical of the highlands. In the afternoon, as the sunset descends, it becomes gently romantic under the twilight, carrying a touch of melancholy. The evening is when Dong Van Old Quarter shines brightest with red lanterns illuminating the entire courtyard.

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4.2. Experiencing unique Northeastern cuisine

Northeastern cuisine has long been renowned not only in the northern regions but also in the south. Therefore, if you visit Dong Van Old Quarter in Ha Giang, don't forget to experience this culinary tradition! The roadside stalls offer a full range of Ha Giang specialties for you to enjoy or buy as gifts for friends and family. Particularly on weekends or during festival seasons, there will be many more special dishes such as corn wine (ruou ngo), Dong Van rolled cake (banh cuon Dong Van), five-colored sticky rice (xoi ngu sac), Bac Me bamboo-tube rice (com lam Bac Me) and smoked buffalo meat (thit trau gac bep) . All of these will surely give you many exciting culinary experiences!

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4.3. Visiting Dong Van market

When visiting Dong Van Old Quarter, to experience the culture, besides the moss-covered old houses, you should also visit the famous traditional Dong Van market. The market, seen from above, resembles a U-shape, conveniently arranged for trading and market activities. This is the main area for selling and exchanging ethnic specialties of the entire Dong Van district.

It is also a place for meeting, making friends, and finding love for the young people in the town. The market is beautifully close and familiar, where people come to sell the fruits, products they grow or make, and many other things. During market times, you will see girls in colorful brocade dresses, smiling brightly to welcome visitors. You can also find beautiful dresses right in this market without having to look far. Extremely convenient, isn’t it?

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In conclusion, Dong Van Old Quarter in Ha Giang is a charming and unique destination that offers a glimpse into the past and the vibrant culture of the region. Whether you are exploring the ancient houses, indulging in delicious Northeastern cuisine, or immersing yourself in the lively market atmosphere, Dong Van Old Quarter is a must-visit on your travel itinerary.

Trần Thuỳ Thanh Xuân (Đồng Nai)