DONG VAN — Ancient town in Ha Giang ➡️ TIPS

ℹ️ Information – Dong Van
🚍 How to get to Dong Van
☀️ When to visit Dong Van
🏡 Homestays + Hotels
❓ Questions + Answers
📸 Photos of Dong Van

Dong Van (Đồng Văn) is a small town at the northernmost site of Vietnam.

• • I personally consider the far border north of Vietnam to be one of the most interesting areas for travelers and tourists. Right here in the northernmost part of Vietnam, in Ha Giang province, there is a small and also referred to as an ancient town – Dong Van. Dong Van is located in the district of the same name and is also part of the fascinating Dong Van Karst Geopark, where ethnic groups still maintain their ancient customs. It’s an important link and stop if you drive through Ha Giang province to the Ma Pi Leng Pass. A high mountain pass at the Nho Que River.
  • Dong Van town in Dong Van District doesn’t offer some of the top historical spots, such as Ninh Binh or Hanoi, but you will still see remnants of history (and French colonization). There are also other smaller ethnic villages around the town, and the whole area lies nicely amongst the mountains of Dong Van Karst Geopark and homolithic hills, plus there are great and historic views of the wider area.

Historical houses almost 200 years old in the old square or even the market.

• • Dong Van town itself is nothing special compared to other towns in the north of Vietnam, you might say, it’s the same as before. This is partly true, but here in the center of Dong Van is the old square (also referred to as Old town or Old square) where you can see historic houses that are 100 years old and some of them almost 200 years old. And immediately from the square, take a short hike to the viewpoint, which was formerly a French fort and viewpoint – marked as Dong Van Viewpoint – French Fort, built in 1925 (position here > Đồn Cao).

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• • Dong Van district is home to several ethnic groups / minorities such as Tay, Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo or other smaller groups. You will certainly encounter them often during your trip in Ha Giang province. The square in the center of Dong Van has now been practically converted into a commercial center, there are cafes, restaurants, homestay, but the architecture and the appearance of the houses is pretty much still preserved.
  • Some of the houses have been repaired and maintained, of course, and some have been decorated in various ways, such as lanterns. Behind the square and in the square there are also some houses adapted to homestay for tourists and travelers. Which I definitely recommend staying here for at least 2 days, because from Dong Van you have to make a trip to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, about 25 km from this town.

Dong Van Sunday market – local produce and food + ethnic minorities.

• • The town of Dong Van is also a famous place for its Sunday market. It is actually a unique opportunity where you can see different ethnic groups of people coming here and offering their products, crops and other things. But it’s also partly a kind of Vietnamese market, just kind of a mix of everything, food, but also different clothing both ethnic and different Vietnamese and Chinese copies.
  • The market is open all week too, but not as crowded and big as on Sundays. There are plenty of different restaurants in town and accommodation is also quite wide. There is also an animal market near town, but I don’t know the exact location or day. There are also larger markets in other towns in Ha Giang province on Sundays.

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From Dong Van to Meo Vac via the fascinating Ma Pi Leng mountain pass.

• • Many travelers head to Dong Van as they drive to the Lung Cu Flag Tower and then continue over the high mountain pass of Ma Pi Leng to the town of Meo Vac. This pass starts about 5 km outside the town and is one of the most beautiful places in northern Vietnam and also part of the Dong Van Geopark. If you don’t go to these 2 places then quite frankly there’s probably not much point in just driving to Dong Van town and back.
  • Just for example on a motorbike you have to continue through Ma Pi Leng to Meo Vac and then you can go as you like 🙂 maybe continue to Cao Bang, which I highly recommend. It’s also important to add that the whole province of Ha Giang is rather suitable for motorbike travel – definitely for the more experienced ones and or if you have your private transfer. Or move between towns by bus and rent a motorbike in town to explore the area.

How to get from Hanoi or Ha Giang to Dong Van town?

• • From Hanoi to Dong Van you can take a bus, minivan, motorbike or private transfer. There is no airport or railway in Ha Giang province. There are also some local buses running between Ha Giang and Dong Van, the travel distance between these cities is about 160 km and the journey can take up to 6 hours. You can also travel by bus, minivan, or train + bus to Ha Giang from Hanoi (train only to Lao Cai city).
  • From Hanoi to Ha Giang town – buses, minivans, motorbike, private transfer.
  • From Ha Giang to Dong Van town – local buses, minivans or motorbike.
  • From Sapa to Dong Van town – buses, minivans, motorbike, private transfer.

Bus Tickets to Ha Giang + Dong Van ➜

What is the best time to visit Dong Van?

• • The best and suitable time to visit Dong Van in Ha Giang province is the dry season. Suitable months are September – November or March – May, summer months are not very suitable for this mountainous area, as if there are heavy rains, there is a risk of landslides on the roads and traffic can be problematic. If you are going to the mountainous area, be sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing in your backpack. Temperatures can be very low, especially in the evening, but not in the summer months. Temperatures can be pleasant in September to October and this is a good time to visit. Read carefully this article: Weather in Ha Giang.

Where to stay in Dong Van?

• • If you decide to stay here for a day, the town offers various accommodation options. Especially cheap guesthouses, hotels or even classic and touristic homestays in the area. Prices are low and there are practically no mega luxury resorts here. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that someone will build a luxury hotel or resort here in the future. You can also take advantage of some homestays at the Lung Cu Flag Tower, which is about 25 km north of the town.

Accommodation in Dong Van:

▶ Plum Homestay
▶ Ly Hoan Guesthouse
▶ Dong Van B&B

Accommodation in Lung Cu:

▶ Lolo Ancient House
▶ Nha Tra Long Co Tran
▶ Lolo Eco House

❓ Dong Van Town: FAQ & Travel Tips

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Route map from Hanoi to Dong Van via Ha Giang town:

(Dong Van town is about 440 km from Hanoi if you will be traveling via Ha Giang town)

Dong Van – ancient town in the north of Ha Giang — Photos:

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