When it comes to ancient towns, most tourists immediately think of places like Hoi An or Hanoi’s Old Quarter. However, few people know that in the remote highland region of Ha Giang, there is an extremely attractive and fascinating tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. That place is Dong Van Ancient Town. It is one of the oldest historic towns in Vietnam, where tourists can immerse themselves in the stunning scenery and beautiful images. For more detailed information about famous tourist destinations in Ha Giang, Vietnam, you can explore in the article below with Danang Private Car’s.
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Introducing Dong Van Ancient Town
Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang is located at an altitude of 1000m – 1600m. It possesses a timeless and incredibly captivating beauty that attracts tourists. When you visit this place, you will be immersed in an antique charm blended with the rugged natural mountainous landscape. One of the distinctive highlights here is the serene beauty of the unique ancient architectural style.
Dong Van Ancient Town is a village with over 100 houses, each displaying a unique architectural style. Visitors can explore and gain insights into the lives of the local people. In the early 20th century, this region was inhabited by families of various ethnicities, including the Tay, Hoa, and Hmong. Over time, it became a melting pot for different ethnic groups such as the Dao, Kinh, and Nung, who migrated to Ha Giang.
In the highland region of Dong Van, known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, including Meo Vac, Quan Ba, and Yen Minh, Dong Van Ancient Town is situated in the town of Dong Van, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province.
How to get to Dong Van Ancient Town
Dong Van Ancient Town is a fascinating tourist destination. To reach it, you must first travel to the city of Ha Giang. There are various options and means of transportation to get to Dong Van in Ha Giang.
From Hanoi, you can choose to drive along the road from Hanoi to Ha Giang city or use intercity buses for transportation. Spend the night in Ha Giang city and then proceed to Dong Van via National Highway 4C, connecting the four districts of Ha Giang: Tam Son (Quan Ba), Yen Minh, Meo Vac, and finally, Dong Van.
You can use public transportation or your own vehicle for this journey, as both options are feasible.
- Traveling by public transportation: Many travelers opt for this mode of transportation when visiting Ha Giang. Utilizing sleeper buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang allows you to travel comfortably and take in the beautiful scenery along the way, without worrying about the road conditions.
- Traveling by personal vehicle: Many young adventurers, especially those who enjoy off-road experiences, choose to drive their own vehicles when exploring this region. This method offers the opportunity to discover the stunning natural landscapes and promises a memorable experience.
- Traveling by private car rental service: If a long-distance journey by motorbike seems too daunting or unsafe and public transportation appears challenging to arrange, you can consider using a private car rental service with a driver in Hanoi. Danang Private Car’s offers professional drivers who can pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or the train station in Hanoi. On the way to Ha Giang, you can relax and visit various tourist spots. The pricing is transparent and can be found on the website, without any hidden costs. Book your private trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang today for detailed guidance.
If you arrive in Ha Giang by public transportation, you can continue your journey to Dong Van by using alternative means of transportation, such as motorcycles, bicycles, or taxis. However, the most convenient option for exploring the area is by using a motorcycle, as it provides easy access to the natural landscapes and scenic beauty of the region.
When is the best time to visit Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang?
Dong Van Ancient Town welcomes tourists throughout all four seasons, both domestic and international. However, the usually serene ancient town suddenly comes to life like never before during the festival season, particularly during the Buckwheat Flower Festival in Ha Giang, which occurs from around October to early December.
At this time, in addition to exploring the nostalgic beauty of Dong Van Ancient Town, tourists also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fragrance of the buckwheat flower fields. And don’t miss the chance to savor the flavors of buckwheat cakes and specialty buckwheat wine from Ha Giang!
What’s Beautiful in Dong Van Ancient Town?
Exploring the Antique Beauty of Dong Van Ancient Town
Dong Van Ancient Town is home to 40 families who live in closely constructed houses, creating a hidden neighborhood nestled among large rock walls in the Ha Giang region. Together, they form a picturesque and vibrant living scene, rich in the charm of this place.
Stopping in this area, you will have the opportunity to admire the entire space of Dong Van Ancient Town with its mystical architectural style. The two-story houses, with their yin and yang roof tiles, are a characteristic feature of the local culture of the people in the northern mountainous region.
As soon as you set foot in Dong Van, you’ll experience a unique architectural style that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic minority people. Stopping here, it’s as if you’re witnessing the ancient town’s evolving masterpiece throughout the day.
The picture of the ancient town is painted with various colors, blending skillfully with the images of the vibrant golden sunlight and the tranquil, enchanting ambiance of the old houses. Pausing here allows you to breathe in the fresh, serene air of nature.
During the late afternoon, the ancient town amidst the highland area takes on a gentle and romantic appearance, along with the images of a soft, peaceful twilight. The evening’s dreamy atmosphere, combined with the glow of lanterns adorning the streets, creates a surreal nighttime experience.
In the market area of Dong Van Ancient Town, you’ll find many old houses with front porches, reminiscent of Hanoi’s Old Quarter during festivals. The red lanterns have a way of dispelling the coldness of the highland region in Ha Giang.
Dong Van Market
When visiting the highland region, you can’t miss the Dong Van Market. This is one of the cultural highlights of the local ethnic minority people who gather here, typically during the weekends.
Dong Van Market is usually open on weekends, and this is the time when tourists come to admire the entire natural landscape. Stopping here also provides an opportunity to explore many aspects of the local culture.
Here, you can see the local people dressed in vibrant, eye-catching costumes. Stopping here promises a delightful experience when you set foot in this place.
Additionally, pausing here provides a chance to savor delicious, local, mountainous dishes that are full of the character of the northern mountain people. Renowned dishes include men men, thang co, and more. If you have the opportunity, be sure to try these delectable dishes!
Dong Van Ancient Town Coffee Shop
When you visit Dong Van, you not only get to admire the natural beauty but also enjoy a cup of delicious and enticing coffee at the Dong Van Ancient Town Coffee Shop.
The coffee shop is situated in a centuries-old house that was originally owned by the Luong family, belonging to the Tay ethnic group. The house, like the entire Dong Van Ancient Town, has witnessed the ups and downs of life. Stopping at the Dong Van Ancient Town Coffee Shop, you will witness the enduring, ancient beauty of the past.
The house is relatively large compared to guesthouses in the area and features a spacious yard. The architecture resembles a communal house, influenced by the Thanh-style architecture, with multiple layers of houses, adhering to the principle of outside lower and inside higher.
What’s special here is the incredibly serene atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they have stepped back in time. Those who have set foot in this place will not forget this image. It’s as if by stopping here, you forget the noise of the city, and you are left in a captivating, tranquil space, brimming with charm and serenity.
Enjoying Ha Giang’s Cuisine in the Ancient Town
If you have the opportunity to visit Dong Van Ancient Town, don’t forget to stop by the roadside eateries and savor the distinctive and delicious Ha Giang specialties. Some famous dishes that you shouldn’t miss include buffalo meat cooked on the stove, Bac Me bamboo-tube rice, five-color sticky rice, Tau porridge, Thang Co (a type of sticky rice), and egg rolls. These dishes have flavors that are quite palatable to people from various regions.
Homestays in Dong Van Ancient Town
In the Dong Van Ancient Town area, there are numerous accommodation options for travelers looking to stay in Dong Van. If you’re wondering where to stay, keep reading the following article by Sinhtour.
Dong Van Ancient House Homestay
The Dong Van Ancient House Homestay boasts a rich history dating back 200 years. Its design is deeply rooted in the culture of the H’Mong ethnic group, using precious materials like red rock pine for construction. This adds to the mystical and ancient beauty of the homestay in the heart of the great mountainous region.
From the outside, the homestay, with its tiled roof, reflects the distinctive characteristics of Chinese architecture. It features various rooms, including shared dormitories and private rooms that can accommodate up to 100 people. This homestay is a popular choice for young adventurers and backpackers exploring the Dong Van region.
Staying in the Dong Van Ancient House Homestay offers a warm and cozy atmosphere where travelers can experience a sense of closeness and serenity, connecting with nature at the northernmost frontier of the country.
Bui Homestay
Located not far from Dong Van town, Bui Homestay offers easy access to many local attractions. The homestay resembles a stilt house, displaying a rustic and simple design that feels welcoming to the local people. The rooms are well-equipped to meet the needs of travelers during their stay.
Bui Homestay features various rooms, including dormitories and private rooms for those seeking privacy. Each room is furnished with warm blankets and comfortable mattresses. The surroundings offer breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and forests.
Ma Le Homestay in Dong Van
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, consider staying at Ma Le Homestay in Dong Van. This homestay is an excellent choice for those who seek a cozy and friendly space with a Northwest Vietnamese culture.
Every morning, guests can lounge on chairs outside in the corridor, enjoying the fresh mountain air. Alternatively, you can experience the coolness of winter days in this area during the colder months.
The homestay’s rooms are elegantly designed with unique features typical of the region. Waking up to the crowing of roosters and the fresh mountain air will provide you with a truly wonderful experience during your stay.
Ha Thanh Homestay
Ha Thanh Homestay offers peace and tranquility amidst the natural landscape. This homestay is an ideal place for relaxation during your journey.
The house is deeply influenced by the culture of the Tay ethnic group, featuring distinct characteristics such as roofs made of palm leaves and wooden floors. Stepping into this homestay, you’ll feel like you’re in a serene, traditional space, with a vintage touch, exuding a warm and refined atmosphere.
Ha Thanh Homestay provides an ideal setting for enjoying the peaceful, fresh, and cool atmosphere of the northern mountains. It’s a wonderful retreat for your trip.
Dong Van Cliffside House
Cliffside House is situated in the heart of Dong Van Old Quarter, close to many entertainment and dining establishments. It is an ideal stopping point that has been highly praised and chosen by many travelers. The first highlight is immediately noticeable as you step through the welcoming gate. Cliffside House offers spacious and well-utilized spaces. This homestay features a fantastic view directly overlooking Dong Van Old Quarter.
The above is the entire article about the famous tourist destination of Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang. This article has likely provided you with detailed information about this location. If you’re planning to visit Ha Giang in the near future and are unsure of how to start your journey, don’t hesitate to contact DanangPrivateCar.com’s to get more detailed information about your Ha Giang travel itinerary.
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