Where to go in Dong Van District, Ha Giang?
132km away from Ha Giang provincial town, Dong Van district, also known as Dong Van Karst Plateau is a rocky mountainous area, craggy but gorgeous, an ideal destination for those who love the breathtaking scene of nature and specially into adventuring. Dong Van Plateau has indeed attracted thousands of tourists every year not only with the charm of many terraces but also with traditions, culture and friendly people here.
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The Architectural Relic of Vuong
(Di tích kiến trúc Nhà Vương)
Known as the large home of Meo King, this is a unique architecture, built in early 20 century with most designation and sculpture of Thanh dynasty’s style in China. This large beautiful mansion was declared as a National Art Architectural Relic, having renovated sometimes and drew much of tourists’ attraction for years.
Address: Sà Phìn, Đồng Văn, Ha Giang.
Lung Cu Flag Pole
(Cột cờ Lũng Cú)
This is a historic building and a beauty spot. From the top of the tower, all the marvelous surrounding areas of Dong Van can be seen with Then Van valley on the left side and the upstream of Nho Que river on the right.
Address: Cẳng Tẳng, Lũng Cú, Đồng Văn, Ha Giang.
Dong Van Old Quarter
(Phố cổ Đồng Văn)
About 1 km long and existed for nearly a century, Dong Van old quarter contains many long-standing architectural constructions such as Trinh Tuong Houses, Yin and Yang tile roofs, stone paved floors,… especially the old market with all roofs made of lunisolar stony tiles. With over 40 houses at the age between 100 and 300 years, the old quarter reflects almost every detail of Dong Van’s culture. Tourists are suggested to come here on Mid-Autumn night, when the whole quarter is filled with light from many red lanterns and many traditional activities are held.
Address: Phố Cổ, tt. Đồng Văn, Đồng Văn, Hà Giang.
Fairs
(Chợ phiên)
Most mountainous areas of Vietnam have fairs that have no longer been just the occasions for trading and other economic purposes but become a traditional cultural activity. Fairs in Dong Van are a little different as they are held backwardly, which means if this week people have a fair on Saturday then the next week they will have it on Friday and so on. It shall be great if tourists come to a fair and taste the special food of Dong Van and bring home souvenirs for gifts.
Khau Vai Love Festival
(Chợ tình Khâu Vai)
A famous annual festival of Dong Van that being held only in late March of the lunar year. It is also known as a special fair, about 24km away from Meo Vac town, but actually there is almost none of trading or business stuff here at this time. This fair is held for one reason only : Giving boys and girls a chance to confess their feelings and express their love. Yet, elders also come here to see their ex-lovers. For tourists, this is a perfect time to witness the magnificence of Dong Van’s costumes .
I don’t have any plan to go to Dong Van district but this post urged me to think up one. All the places look interesting. The Architectural Relic of Vuong stands out to me!