Overview of Dong Van Ancient Town

Dong Van Ancient Town, located in the center of Dong Van Commune (Tuyen Quang), is an indispensable destination in the journey to explore the Stone Plateau. This place is the trade, cultural and historical center of the entire highland region.

Dong Van Old Town

Dong Van Old Town has important strategic significance in culture and tourism, and is the gateway to explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark. This place is famous for Dong Van Market held every Sunday morning, attracting people from remote villages to trade and interact. With its ancient architecture, unique cultural identity and central location, Dong Van Old Town is increasingly attracting domestic and foreign tourists to visit and learn about the lifestyle and history of the frontier region.

Outstanding attractions in Dong Van Old Town

Dong Van Old Town, located in the center of Dong Van Commune, is the intersection of history, architecture and community culture, with many attractions. interesting sightseeing within walking distance.

Dong Van Old Town (Main Area)

Dong Van Old Town

Old Town is the heart of Dong Van Commune, where about 40 ancient houses are concentrated, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with bold Chinese and H'Mong architectural styles. The houses with walls and yin-yang tiled roofs sit quietly under the rocky mountains, creating a typical nostalgic scene. Visitors can stroll, take photos with red lanterns hanging along the street and enjoy coffee in a hundred-year-old architectural space.

Dong Van Phien Market

Dong Van Market

The market is the biggest cultural highlight in the Old Quarter, usually held every Sunday morning. This is not only a place for trade but also a space for colorful cultural exchanges of the H'Mong, Tay, and Lo Lo ethnic groups in colorful traditional costumes. Visitors coming here can enjoy hot dishes such as Thang Co, shop for brocade, corn wine and local agricultural products.

Vuong Family Mansion

Vuong Family Mansion

Although not located right in the Old Town (about 15km away, in Sa Phin Commune), the Vuong Family Palace is a historical attraction closely associated with this area. The project was elaborately built according to integrated architecture, and is the living and working place of the powerful Vuong family (Vuong Chinh Duc/Chi Sinh), who once ruled the entire stone plateau. This is the ideal place to learn about the history, customs and power of the once "Cat King".

Lung Cu Flagpole

Lung Cu Flagpole

Flagpole Lung Cu Lung Cu Flagpole (in Lung Cu Commune, about 25km from Dong Van) is the most important conquering goal of every tourist when coming to Dong Van. The flagpole is located on top of Dragon Mountain, a symbol of national sovereignty. Tourists often take Dong Van Old Town as a resting center, then move to Lung Cu during the day. The experience of conquering hundreds of stone steps to see the big flag is the most sacred and memorable experience.

Old Town Coffee and Cuisine

Pho Co Coffee

Old Town Coffee and Cuisine Dong Van Old Town is famous for its nostalgic-style cafes, located in old houses, where visitors can sip egg coffee and warm ginger tea. Besides, the Old Quarter is also home to specialty restaurants serving Thang Co, rice and local dishes, especially the famous Au Tau porridge shops open in the evening.

Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Twin Mountains

Quan Ba Heaven's Gate

Quan Ba Heaven's Gate Ba and Twin Mountains As the gateway to the Stone Plateau (in Quan Ba Commune, about 40km from Dong Van), Quan Ba Heaven Gate is a mandatory stop on the way to or from Dong Van. Here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and admire the Quan Ba Twin Mountains (or Co Tien Mountain) with a unique shape, associated with romantic folk legends.

Other attractions In addition to the above destinations, Dong Van Ancient Town and the surrounding area also have many other attractive places:

• Tu San Canyon & Nho River Que: Located near Ma Pi Leng Pass (about 20km from Dong Van), is the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia, where visitors can take a boat trip to admire the scenery.

• Cao Phap Fort: Located right on a high mountain overlooking the Old Town, is a historical relic marking the French colonial period.

• Dong Van Night Market: Takes place in the Old Quarter on weekend evenings, selling souvenirs and cuisine.

• Banh Cuon Ba Ha, Au Tau Porridge: Two famous typical dishes located in the Old Quarter area.

• Private museums: Some ancient houses display artifacts, costumes and working tools of ethnic people.

• Food Quarter: Where large restaurants serving Thang Co and specialties gather. products.

Best time to travel

Dong Van Ancient Town belongs to Dong Van Stone Plateau, has a temperate climate and is the center of many cultural events, making this place attractive to tourists almost all year round, depending on experience preferences.

Spring (January - March) This time brings fresh air and traditional New Year festivals of the H'Mong, Tay, and Lo Lo ethnic groups. Although the weather is still cold and wet, visitors will admire peach and plum blossoms blooming on the mountain slopes surrounding the Old Town. This is the ideal season to explore culture, participate in folk games and feel the community life most clearly.

Water Pouring Season (May - June) Summer in Dong Van is quite cool compared to the plains. Around May-June is the time when people start pouring water into terraced fields to prepare for the transplanting season. The terraced fields around Dong Van and Lung Cu become giant "mirrors" reflecting clouds, sky and rocky mountains. This is a great time for those who love photography and want to avoid the heat of urban summer.

Golden Rice Season (September - Early October) This is one of the times when Dong Van Old Town becomes the most beautiful. Bright yellow ripe rice on terraced fields, creating a picture that contrasts perfectly with the gray color of the rocks. The weather in autumn is dry, with little rain, very convenient for traveling to nearby spots such as Lung Cu Flagpole and Ma Pi Leng Pass.

Tam Giac Mach Flower Season (October - November) Tam Giac Mach flower season is the biggest tourist "specialty" of Dong Van. The flower fields bloom, dyeing the entire mountainside pink, bringing romantic and majestic beauty. Dong Van Old Town is often the center of the Tam Giac Mach Flower Festival, attracting a large number of tourists. However, this time is also very crowded, so you need to book in advance.

Machinoleum flower season

Fair Market (every Sunday) Although not a season in the climatic sense, every Sunday morning is the time when Dong Van Old Town is most vibrant and attractive. Visitors should arrange their schedule to be in the Old Town on Sunday morning to participate in Dong Van Market, a place of cultural and economic exchange of ethnic groups in the region.

Transportation information

Dong Van Old Town (Dong Van Commune, Tuyen Quang) is located deep in the Stone Plateau, is a long journey and requires traveling entirely by road from Hanoi or other provinces.

By air

Nearest airport Popular flight route: Hanoi (HAN) → Ha Giang Ward (Route after flight) – There is no direct airport in Tuyen Quang or Dong Van.

TP. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Tourists from the South need to fly to Hanoi, then transfer by road to Tuyen Quang. Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways (HAN route).

Arrival airport: Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) is the nearest airport, about 400 km by road from Dong Van Ancient Town. Note: The main itinerary is to travel by long-distance bus/car after landing in Hanoi.

By road (Intercity Bus)

Popular route Popular route: Hanoi → Ha Giang 1/Ha Giang 2 Ward: travel time is about 7–9 hours. Ha Giang Ward → Dong Van Commune: about 150 km of steep mountain pass, travel time 4–6 hours (need to transfer). Reputable bus companies: Cau Me, Bang Phan, Hung Thanh (specializing in sleeper routes Hanoi - Ha Giang).

Reference ticket price: Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang Ward: about 250,000 - 350,000 VND/person (sleeper). Ha Giang Ward ↔ Dong Van Commune: about 150,000 - 200,000 VND/person (seat car). Departure bus station: In Hanoi: My Dinh bus station, Yen Nghia bus station. Note: Dong Van Old Town does not have a railway. Tourists must switch to road vehicles in Ha Giang.

Movement in Dong Van Commune and surrounding areas

Popular vehicles Popular vehicles: Self-driving motorbikes: Most suitable for exploring Lung Cu, Ma Pi Leng and nearby attractions.

Car service vehicles: 7-seat, 16-seat self-driving car rental or have a driver (suitable for families/large groups).

Motorbike taxi: Available in the center of Dong Van Commune for short trips.

Motorbike / car rental: very suitable for tourists who want to freely visit the Old Quarter, Lung Cu Flag Tower and surrounding villages.

Reputable motorbike rental address (in the central area Ha Giang Ward, Tuyen Quang):

• Ha Giang Motorbike Rental – No. 197 Tran Hung Dao | ☎ 0948 448 228
• QT Motorbikes and Tours – No. 258 Nguyen Trai | ☎ 0975 788 998
• Hostel Dong Van – Motorbike rental in Dong Van Commune | ☎ 0989 962 138

Reference motorbike rental price: Manual motorbike: 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day Scooter/motorbike: 200,000 - 300,000 VND/day

Accommodation information

Dong Van Old Town is the largest service center in the Stone Plateau area, providing a variety of accommodation types from ancient homestays to comfortable hotels.

Luxury Accommodation (2-3 star hotels/quality Homestays)

Hoang Ngoc Hotel 

Hoang Ngoc Hotel

Located right in the center of Dong Van Commune, Hoang Ngoc Hotel is one of the highest standard accommodation facilities in the area. The hotel is modernly designed, providing clean rooms with full amenities (air conditioning/heating fan, hot and cold water, elevator). This is the top choice for travelers who prioritize comfort and professional service. According to booking pages, room prices at Hoang Ngoc Hotel range from 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Dong Van Hotel (Dong Van Hotel)

Located in a prime location, Dong Van Hotel is a large hotel, built in a modern style combined with architectural design. local bamboo. The hotel has its own restaurant serving local cuisine and cozy rooms, suitable for large groups and families. Attentive service and convenient location near the market area and old town make this place highly appreciated. The average room price is about 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

If you want more options for a high-quality stay in Dong Van Ancient Town, you can consider other quality establishments:

• Lung Cu Hotel (Dong Van) - Located near the central area, Good amenities - Price about 600,000 - 1,000,000 VND/night

• Phuong Dong Hotel - Dong Van Commune, clean room service - Price about 750,000 - 1,300,000 VND/night

• Homestay Ly Lan - Located in the Old Quarter area, with beautiful design and quality service - Price about 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night

Resort (Homestay and Hotel in the Old Quarter)

Old Quarter Dong Van Homestay 

Located right in Dong Van Ancient Town, this area has many Homestays renovated from ancient houses. Staying here brings a unique experience, helping visitors fully feel the historical and cultural atmosphere. The rooms are cozy, although the amenities are not too modern, they are clean and cozy. Visitors can enjoy coffee and watch the sparkling Old Town in the evening. According to booking pages, room prices at Dong Van Homestay in Old Quarter usually range from 400,000 - 800,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

Chan May Guesthouse

Located on the outskirts of Dong Van Old Quarter, Chan May Guesthouse is a balanced choice, suitable for travelers who want a quieter but still easy-going space. move to the center. The motel provides private rooms with full basic amenities, very suitable for resting after a long day of exploring.

For diverse options for tourists who love nature and want to find a peaceful space among the Northwest mountains, you can refer to some other resorts:

• Homestay Dong Van Bui – Near the Old Town, dormitory rooms and private rooms – Price from 150,000 - 400,000 VND/night

• Dung Chung Guesthouse - Near the commune center, affordable price - Price from 300,000 - 450,000 VND/night

• Lo Lo Chai Homestay – Lung Cu commune (25km from Dong Van), a place to experience Lo Lo culture - Price from 400,000 - 900,000 VND/night

Experience (Budget Homestay, Dorm)

Homestay Thay Tam Ancient House (Old Town)

Located in the Old Quarter area, Thay Tam Old House Homestay is one of the budget accommodation options, bringing a rustic and authentic feel. Guests can stay in dormitory rooms or small private rooms. This place often has a lively atmosphere, making it easy to interact with other tourists. Room prices range from 100,000 - 300,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

Tourism Service Motels 

These motels are usually located on the main roads in and out of the Old Town, providing basic, clean and affordable room services. Rooms usually have hot and cold water and blankets are warm enough for winter.

For travelers who love a cozy space at a reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

• Dong Van Hostel - Located near the Old Quarter, with motorbike rental service - Price from 150,000 - 300,000 VND/night

• Anh Tu Guesthouse – Near the center, reasonable price – Price from 350,000 – 450,000 VND/night

• Trinh Tuong Nha Homestay – Many homestays in the Old Quarter area provide dormitory-style accommodation, very suitable for backpacking groups.

Cuisine and festival culture 

Dong Van Old Town is the center of intersection of cuisine and festival culture, where visitors can You can discover the unique identities of the H'Mong, Tay, and Lo Lo ethnic groups.

High-class restaurant

A Phu Restaurant 

Restaurant A Phu

Located in the central area of Dong Van Commune, A Phu Restaurant is one of the largest restaurants, famous for its spacious space and specialized menu of Northwest mountain and forest specialties. The restaurant is highly appreciated for the quality of grilled/steamed Ban Pork and Black H'Mong Chicken. This is a suitable choice for groups of guests who want to enjoy traditional cuisine in a comfortable and clean space. The average price is from 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person.

Hoa Cuong Restaurant 

Hoa Cuong Restaurant is located on the main road into Dong Van Commune, sought after by many tourists because it serves delicious dishes, especially hot Horse Hotpot and Goat Hotpot. The restaurant has a fast, professional service style and is an ideal stop to warm up the body and enjoy a full meal after a long journey. Has an average price of 180,000 - 400,000 VND/person.

Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to in Dong Van:

• Lo Lo Chai Cultural Village Restaurant - Lung Cu Commune (25km away), famous for its traditional dining set and wall-to-wall atmosphere - Average price 180,000 - 380,000 VND/person

• Old Quarter Restaurant (Dong Van) - Located in the Old Quarter area, serving food and drinks in an ancient space - Average price 100,000 - 250,000 VND/person

• Dong Van Hotel Restaurant - Dong Van Commune, serving a variety of Vietnamese and local dishes with hotel standards - Price from 150,000 VND/person

Local cuisine

Thang Co

Thang Co is a traditional and iconic dish The most iconic symbol of the H'Mong people, made from meat and internal organs of horses (or cows or goats). Thang Co dish is usually cooked in a large pan and eaten hot with herbs and spices typical of the mountains. This is the "soul" dish of the market and specialty restaurants, expressing the unique culinary culture of the stone plateau.

• Suggested addresses:

  • Big restaurants in Dong Van Commune: A Phu Restaurant, Hoa Cuong Restaurant.

  • Dong Van Market: Thang Co Restaurant at the food market on Sunday morning.

Banh Cuon with Bone Water

Banh cuon in Dong Van Old Quarter has the unique feature of being served with hot broth stewed from bones, instead of traditional dipping sauce. The rolls are thinly coated and filled with minced meat and wood ear mushrooms. A bowl of fatty, sweet broth is very suitable to enjoy on cold mornings.

• Suggested address:

  • Ba Ha Banh Cuon Restaurant: Located in the Dong Van Old Quarter area, the most famous in the area.

  • The Roadside breakfast restaurant in Dong Van Commune.

Mèn Men

Mên Men is the daily food of the H'Mong people, carefully prepared from parboiled (steamed) corn. Corn kernels are ground, mixed with water and mixed with a wooden basket. Men Men has a rustic, fleshy taste, often eaten with Thang Co or vegetable soup.

• Suggested address:

  • Homestay families in the Old Quarter (can book in advance to enjoy traditional meals).

  • Food market at Dong Van Market.

Experiential Cuisine

Corn Wine

Corn wine is an indispensable traditional drink in meals and festivals of local people. The wine is made from a typical type of corn and traditional leaf yeast, with a spicy and fragrant taste. Enjoying Corn Wine is a cultural culinary experience, often shared during community meals or purchased directly from the wine-making families.

Mac Giac Buckwheat Cake

A typical cake made from the seeds of the Tam Giac Mach flower. The seeds are ground into flour, shaped into round cakes, steamed, and have a fleshy, sweet taste and a faint scent of grass. This is a seasonal snack, sold mainly at street vendors, markets or tourist areas.

Au Tau Moc Mien Porridge

A famous night snack in Dong Van Commune, made from rice, stewed bones and au tau roots. This porridge has a mildly bitter and greasy taste. This is a dish to restore health and experience local time (dining at night).

• Suggested places to enjoy: To fully experience these dishes and drinks, visitors should visit Dong Van Market on Sunday morning, night eateries in Dong Van Old Quarter area, or participate in community meals at Lo Lo Chai Village Homestay (Lung Commune). Owl).

Experience Culture & Festivals

Dong Van Market

Dong Van Market, held every Sunday morning, is the largest cultural event. This is an opportunity for visitors to admire the diversity of costumes, languages ​​and customs of ethnic minorities. The market is not only a place to buy and sell, but also a space for dating, cultural and culinary exchanges.

Mahogany Flower Festival

Triangular Buckwheat Flower Festival

Held annually around the end of the month 10 - November, the festival honors the symbolic flower of the rocky plateau. Dong Van Old Town is often the venue for the main cultural, artistic and culinary activities during the festival.

Other cultural festivals in Dong Van:

• Lo Lo Dong Drum Dance: Often performed at Lo Lo Chai Village (Lung Cu Commune) during holidays or to serve tourists.

• The Northernmost Coffee Shop: Lo Lo Chai Village (Lung Cu Commune), famous for its view of the Lung Cu Flagpole, is an ideal place to enjoy drinks and snacks.

• Cac Sac Festival of the Dao people: An important coming-of-age ritual, usually taking place at the end of the year.

• Dong Van Old Town at night: Although not a festival, the Old Town filled with lanterns on weekend evenings is also a cultural experience not to be missed.

• Love singing: Often seen in H'Mong festivals.

Fun area play

Dong Van Old Quarter area does not have amusement parks, but is the center of cultural activities, historical experiences and is the departure point for many nature exploration trips.

Fair Market and Old Town Culture

Dong Van Old Town is an ideal place to experience cultural interference between ethnic groups. The main activity is participating in Dong Van Market on Sunday morning, where visitors can observe daily life, shop for products and enjoy rustic dishes. In the evenings, the Old Quarter is a place to stroll, admire the architecture of ancient houses and enjoy Au Tau coffee/porridge. The Old Town is a "play area" with high cultural and culinary value, ideal for enjoying the slow and unique pace of life of the frontier region.

Tuyen Quang also has many attractive places to visit and experience suitable for tourists who want to relax and explore:

• Cao Phap Fort - Dong Van Commune: Located on the top of the mountain right behind the Old Town, visitors can climb up to visit this historical site and see the panoramic view of Dong Van Commune from above.

• Tu San Canyon & Nho Que River - Near Dong Van Commune: Experience a cruise on the Nho Que River through the deepest canyon in the East South Asia is an adventure activity and majestic sightseeing that cannot be missed.

• Vuong Family Mansion - Sa Phin Commune: About 15km from Dong Van, is a valuable historical and architectural relic, helping visitors learn about the political and cultural history of the rocky plateau.

• Cultural Village Lo Lo Chai - Lung Cu Commune: 25km from Dong Van, a place to experience community culture, enjoy traditional cuisine and take photos with ancient wall houses.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Old Town Cultural Tour - Lung Cu 3 days 2 night

• Itinerary: Hanoi - Ha Giang Ward - Quan Ba Heaven Gate - Vuong Family Mansion - Dong Van Ancient Town (overnight, visit market) - Lung Cu Flagpole - Ma Pi Leng Pass - Nho Que River - Hanoi.

• Transportation: O Tourist bowl of 16–29 seats.

• Reference tour price: 2,200,000 - 3,500,000 VND/person (including meals, accommodation at Dong Van homestay/hotel).

• Organizer: PYS Travel, Ha Giang Loop Tour.

Old Town Cultural Tour - Ban Lo Lo Chai 1 day

Ban Lo Lo Chai

• Itinerary: Dong Van Commune - Vuong Family Palace - Sa Phin Commune - Lung Cu Commune (visit the Flag Pole, Lo Lo Chai Village) - Dong Van Ancient Town (dinner, visit the Old Quarter) - Dong Van Commune.

• Transportation: Motorbike (self-drive or rent a motorbike taxi) or Car.

• Reference tour price: 400,000 - 600,000 VND/person (only includes the cost of motorbike and motorbike taxi for the day, excluding meals).

• Organizer: Homestays/car rental units in Dong Van Commune.

Adventure tour - discovery

Nho Que River - Ma Pi Leng Cruise Tour 3 days 2 nights

• Itinerary: Hanoi - Dong Van Commune - Ma Pi Leng Pass (sightseeing) - Experience Nho Que River Cruise/Tu San Canyon - Dong Van Old Town - Lung Cu Flagpole - Hanoi.

• Method of transportation: Car + Boat on Nho Que River.

• Reference tour price: 2,800,000 - 4,200,000 VND/person.

• Organizing unit: Companies specializing in trekking and adventure tours.

Old Town Trekking Tour – Lung Cu 2 days 1 night

• Itinerary: Ha Giang Ward - Trekking villages along the way - Dong Van Commune (overnight) - Conquering Lung Cu Flagpole - Visiting Dong Van Ancient Town.

• Transportation: Car + trekking on foot worn out.

• Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,800,000 VND/person (depending on level of professionalism and support service).

• Organizing unit: Tour organizers specializing in trekking.

Ecotourism

Lung Cu Ecotourism Tour 3 days 2 nights

• Itinerary: Ha Giang Ward - Quan Ba Commune (Doi Mountain) - Pho Dong Van Ancient Town - Lo Lo Chai Village (ecological cultural experience) - Admiring the Macadamia Flower (in season).

• Transportation: Car.

• Reference tour price: 2,500,000 - 3,800,000 VND/person.

• Organizer: Ecotourism companies.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Dong Van Old Town is an important trading center, where visitors can find typical products of the Stone Plateau to shop and make gifts.

The most popular culinary gifts are mountain and forest specialties. Tourists should look to buy the famous Ngo Men La Wine and Gac Bep Meat (pig, buffalo) smoked and marinated with Mac Khen spices. If you go during the right season (October - November), you can't miss the rare Mint Honey and flavorful Buckwheat Cake, often sold at specialty stores or stalls in the Old Quarter area.

In terms of handicrafts, the Old Quarter is the place to display and sell many brilliant Brocade products of the H'Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups, including scarves, bags and costumes. In addition, visitors can buy handmade silver jewelry and miniature models of Dong Van ancient houses. The best places to shop are the stores along the Old Quarter, but the most lively shopping experience is at Dong Van Market every Sunday morning.

Brocade weaving

Iconic souvenir items Other things that tourists can buy are small-sized National Flags and models of the Lung Cu Flagpole (25km from Dong Van), often sold at small stalls to mark the trip to the northernmost point of the country. Shopping here is not just about buying gifts, but also about supporting the community economy and bringing back a part of the unique culture of the frontier region.

Support information and other information

To have the safest and most convenient trip in the Dong Van Old Quarter area (Dong Van Commune, Tuyen Quang), visitors should save emergency contact information and official support agencies.

Support for Security and Tourist Police

Dong Van Old Town is a service center, visitors should contact the following agencies if there is a problem with order or need administrative support.

• Report/Emergency security support: 113

• Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

• Dong Van Commune Police:

  • Support phone number: 0981.522.323.

  • Address: Group 06, Dong Van commune, Tuyen Quang (Near the central area).

Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

When emergency medical assistance is needed in the Old Quarter, the following facilities will provide the closest services:

• Emergency Switchboard: 115

• Dong Van Medical Center:

  • Support phone number: 02193.856.819

  • Address: Dong Van Commune (Is the closest specialized medical facility to the Old Town).

• Old Town Neighborhood Medical Station:

  • Serves first aid and basic health problems, especially useful for mild cases of altitude sickness.

Tourism and Service Support

To have the best experience and protect travel rights, tourists should use the following support channels:

• National tourism support hotline:

  • Contact phone number: 0941 33 66 77

  • Useful for answering questions, consulting travel information and receiving feedback.

• Market Management Switchboard:

  • Contact phone number: 1900.888.655

  • Contact if you encounter problems with non-transparent prices or commercial fraud at Dong Van Market.

Wish you will have a truly wonderful journey, with memorable experiences and moments of peace and discovery in Dong Van Ancient Town, the heart of literature of the Stone Plateau!