Amid the towering mountains and sharp cat-ear limestone formations of the Ha Giang Plateau lies a place where time seems to have stood still – Dong Van Ancient Town. With over 100 years of history, this town is not only a destination rich in architectural value but also a keeper of the cultural soul of the ethnic highland communities. Let’s explore Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang – where the past and present blend seamlessly in every tiled roof, market corner, and local smile.
Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang was established in the early 20th century and served as a trading hub for the exchange of goods among various ethnic groups.
Where is Dong Van Ancient Town?
Dong Van Ancient Town is located in Dong Van Town, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. It is the center of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO-recognized Global Geopark. Perched at an altitude of 1,000–1,600 meters above sea level, the area enjoys cool weather year-round and a chilly night breeze, offering a tranquil space perfect for those seeking a break from urban chaos.
From Ha Giang City, you can travel about 150 km along National Highway 4C to reach Dong Van Town, where the ancient quarter is situated.
History of Dong Van Ancient Town
Dong Van Ancient Town was established in the early 20th century as a hub for trade and cultural exchange among the H’Mong, Tay, Hoa (Chinese), and Kinh ethnic groups. During the French colonial period, the French built outposts here, leaving behind strong architectural influences still visible in the ancient houses.
Today, the town retains nearly 40 ancient houses built with stone, wood, and rammed earth. Each house reflects a distinct architectural style – yin-yang tiled roofs, solid stone walls, polished dark wooden doors, and small pebble-paved courtyards – all softened by layers of moss and time.
Ancient houses with yin-yang tiled roofs covered in moss – a unique architectural signature of Dong Van Ancient Town
Why is Dong Van Ancient Town a Must-Visit?
Unique Indochinese Architecture
One of Dong Van’s most distinctive features is its Indochinese-style architecture – a blend of ethnic traditions and French influence. The houses are typically one-story structures with wide verandas and ancient yin-yang tile roofs, built using stone or compacted earth, evoking both rustic charm and solid craftsmanship.
A Serene, Slow-Paced Atmosphere
Entering the ancient town feels like stepping into another world: no honking horns, no smog – only the rhythmic sound of pestles pounding sticky rice, the laughter of children, and the wind whispering through wooden shutters. Each afternoon, as sunlight slants across the rooftops, the town takes on a quiet, mossy golden hue – like a classical oil painting.
Dong Van Market – A Cultural Harmony of Highland Ethnicities
If possible, visit the ancient town on a weekend to experience the Dong Van Market, where ethnic groups like the H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung gather. They bring with them all sorts of local products, from wild vegetables, men men (steamed cornmeal), thang co (a traditional stew), to brocade clothing and corn wine.
More than just a trading place, the market is a vibrant cultural gathering – where you might see an old man in indigo clothing with a bamboo pipe or a H’Mong girl in a bright flared skirt shyly browsing fabric stalls.
Dong Van Ancient Town by Night – A Lantern-Lit Dream
When night falls, Dong Van Ancient Town transforms under the soft glow of red lanterns. Small eateries light up, serving local specialties like au tau porridge, triangle buckwheat cakes, and corn wine.
Many travelers enjoy sipping a hot cup of coffee at local cafés such as Pho Co Café or Cuc Cu Café, watching people at the night market and listening to the distant sound of the khen (a traditional flute) echoing through the hills – a truly “Dong Van” experience.
Unmissable Experiences in Dong Van Ancient Town
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Take photos beside ancient houses: Street corners, wooden doors, stone steps – every detail offers a perfect backdrop for timeless photos.
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Taste highland cuisine: Don’t miss dishes like thang co, au tau porridge, Trang Kim pho, and triangle buckwheat cakes – signature flavors of Dong Van.
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Stay overnight in a local homestay: Choose places like Nha Co, Bui Pho Co, or H’mong House to immerse yourself in local rhythms.
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Hear stories of the old town: Many hosts are happy to sit by the fire and share tales of the past, daily life, and how the town has changed over time.
Best Time to Visit Dong Van Ancient Town
Fields of buckwheat flowers stretch across the rocky plateau, brilliantly adorning the winding road leading to Dong Van Ancient Town
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January – February: Plum and peach blossoms paint the town white and pink.
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April – May: Cool temperatures and soft sunshine – perfect for walking tours.
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September – October: Golden rice fields and blooming buckwheat flowers.
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November – December: Misty mornings create a dreamy, watercolor-like setting.
Tips for Visiting Dong Van Ancient Town
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Avoid making noise or intruding on locals’ private spaces.
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Do not photograph locals without their permission.
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Consider purchasing handcrafted items to support the local community.
Final Thoughts
Dong Van Ancient Town isn’t as crowded as Sa Pa or as touristy as Hoi An, but it possesses a quiet, nostalgic charm all its own – tranquil, reflective, and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Amid the arid rocky lands of Ha Giang, this place is a soft stroke of heritage, preserving long-standing traditions.
If modern life wears you down, visit Dong Van Ancient Town – where time seems to slow, and your heart finds peace again.
