Dong Van Town Introduction
In Ha Giang, Dong Van – or Dong Van Town, is a destination located in the highland of North Vietnam. It is a charming gem nestled in the majestic Ha Giang province. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Dong Van Town offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers seeking to escape the ordinary.
Today’s article would like to introduce to you Dong Van Town – a beautiful place in Ha Giang, Vietnam. Let’s figure out the best Dong Van travel guide & things to do!
Location
Where is Dong Van Town located in Ha Giang? Dong Van Old Town is situated in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It is known as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its incredible limestone formations, rocky landscapes, and diverse ethnic cultures.
How To Get To Dong Van Old Town?
There are so many ways for you to get to Dong Van Old Town in Ha Giang. However, first of all, you should get to Hanoi and book a means of transport to commute to Ha Giang from Hanoi. You can refer to some of the following transfer services below:
Hanoi To Ha Giang By Private Car
As one of the highest quality transfers, Hanoi to Ha Giang by private car is a door-to-door service with an English-speaking driver offered by Culture Pham Travel. When you book the transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang, you will experience the fastest and most comfortable space and ensure your privacy.
- You can refer to our Hanoi to Ha Giang private car transfer and consider booking it for a perfect journey.
Hanoi To Ha Giang By Bus
Besides My Dinh bus stop, for the Hanoi-Ha Giang route, there are Hai Van stops (starting at 20:30 in Hanoi), Hung Thanh stops (departure at My Dinh stop in different times including 8:30-10:05-10:15-14:30-19:30 Gia Lam stop at 9:00 and 19h00),
Plus, you can get to Cau Me stop (Departure at Ha Giang stops at 8:20-10:30-21:00, and My Dinh stops at 7:30-9:30-21:00). As soon as getting to Ha Giang from Hanoi, tourists can book motorbikes to drive to Dong Van Town. Moreover, this is also a good way for you to admire the natural beauty and enjoy the vibe along the road.
Hanoi to Ha Giang map:
The History Of Dong Van Old Town
Dong Van Old Town holds a rich history that dates back centuries. Located in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang province, Vietnam, it has been an important trading hub and cultural crossroads for various ethnic groups.
Originally settled by the H’mong and Tay ethnic communities, Dong Van Old Town became a flourishing trading center along the ancient Tea Horse Road, an essential trade route connecting Yunnan (China) with northern Vietnam. This strategic location allowed the town to prosper through the exchange of goods and cultural influences.
Over time, Dong Van Old Town witnessed the rise and fall of different dynasties, each leaving its mark on the town’s architecture and customs. Traditional Hmong, Tay, and Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) houses reflect unique architectural styles, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups.
During the French colonial period, Dong Van Old Town saw further development and modernization. However, despite the changes, the town managed to preserve its distinctive cultural heritage and way of life.
In recognition of its historical and geological significance, Dong Van Old Town was designated as a National Historical and Cultural Relic by the Vietnamese government. Additionally, the entire Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark was inscribed as a UNESCO Global Geopark, further preserving its natural and cultural values.
At present, Dong Van Old Town has become a famous tourist attraction and it has become a great choice for travelers when they make a trip to Ha Giang. If you have a chance, don’t miss a boat to discover this incredible place!
Things To Do In Dong Van Town
In Dong Van Old Town, tourists can be free to discover beautiful destinations and discover the culture, tradition, and customs of the people living here.
Dong Van Market
Dong Van Market is a vibrant and bustling cultural hub located in the heart of Dong Van Town, Ha Giang, Vietnam. This lively market has been a focal point of trade and interaction for centuries, attracting people from various ethnic groups in the region.
Visitors are very interested when they discover various colorful arrays of local produce, handicrafts, and traditional goods, creating a sensory feast. Plus, you can find anything here from clothes to equipment for farming and agriculture. Plus, you also can find phone chargers and simple house goods.
Additionally, Dong Van Town market often celebrates some games for people to join and has a chance to experience cutting their hair on the street. Plus, you will be surprised because there are different animals like buffaloes, ducks, and chickens on the road.
Dong Van Old Quarter
Dong Van Old Quarter Ha Giang can be considered a historical relic in Ha Giang. It is nestled within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang, Vietnam. The Quater has a rich culture and heritage of the region.
Along the road, there are many houses following traditional H’mong, Tay, and Hoa features, which show a unique blend of architectural styles. Furthermore, these houses are also influenced by Chinese architecture. Dong Van Old Quarter offers an unforgettable journey into the past, preserving the essence of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic traditions.
Dong Van Viewpoint – French Fort
Located atop a hill in Dong Van Town, Ha Giang, Dong Van Viewpoint will offer you a panoramic view of the stunning Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Plus, Dong Van Viewpoint also contains historical values and it is known as the site of a French Fort built during colonial times.
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a geological wonderland and cultural treasure located in Ha Giang province, Vietnam. It is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark because of its breathtaking limestone landscapes, rugged mountains, and unique geological formations.
Beyond its natural beauty, the geopark is home to ethnic communities possessing distinct traditions and customs. If you explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, you will break the limit of normal beauty. There is a harmonious blend of nature and humanity, making it a truly unforgettable destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural aspects.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng Pass is an outstanding mountain pass that is famous for its dramatic beauty and challenging terrain. The pass is carved through the limestone cliffs and it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Nho Que River. When you visit this pass in good weather and with a clear vision, you can see unbelievable views from the mountaintop and the endless river.
Lung Cu
About 30 km from the city center, you can easily find Lung Cu with a typical signal: a vast flag pole – called the name: Lung Cu Flag Tower.
When you visit Lung Cu, you are allowed to walk to the top and see the flag poles as well as admire the beautiful countryside of Vietnam. Plus, you also can see the mountains of China from the other side.
Mainly, it will be a loss if you miss the picturesque view of the road between Ha Giang City and Lung Cu. The road is covered by beautiful mountains in Ha Giang.
Hmong King Palace
Located in Sa Phin Valley – about 15 km away from the city, the Hmong King Palace stands as a testament to history. Moreover, back in 1902, skilled Chinese tradesmen constructed a wooden palace for the Hmong King.
These days, Hmong Kinh Palace has more than a century old. This place opens to welcome visitors coming and giving people an opportunity to step back in time and explore the intriguing past of the region.
Go Trekking
Last but not least, with its unique geographical location, Dong Van Old Town is an amazing spot to go trekking. You can plan a trekking day through the mountains and discover local minorities’ villages. Also, you can spend time admiring the magnificent natural landscapes with long-lasting fields.
Where To Live Near Dong Van Old Town?
There are serval homestays or hotels for tourists to stay near Dong Van Town that you can refer to such as Green Karst Hostel & Bar, Hoang Ngoc Hotel, Triệu Nghị Homestay, Lam Tung Hotel, and Binh Minh Hostel. Most accommodations are clean, affordable, and beautiful with good service.
Travel Tips
Before traveling to Dong Van Old Town, here are some tips for you:
- In winter, remember to bring warm clothes, scarves, and gloves because the weather is so cold and harsh.
- In the summer, you should wear thin clothes, and light jackets because the highlands will be cold at night. You should wear sports shoes for trekking, climbing, or running more easily.
- For anyone who drives a motorbike, don’t forget to bring an ID and preserve spare gas (nearly a 1.5-liter bottle). Plus, let’s ensure that you have a good motorbike with quality headlights, reflectors, and brakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Culture Pham Travel has just introduced to you Dong Van Town travel guides. This is truly an incredible place for you to discover when traveling to Ha Giang. We hope that the article can provide you with sufficient information for your Ha Giang trip.
