Vietnam has many outstanding localities, each of which has its unique set of features that attract tourists and make them don’t want to leave. On our next stop Ha Giang loop tour (3 days 2 nights), we will visit Dong Van, a district located at the northernmost tip of Vietnam.
Learn more: Vietnam 14 day itinerary, Vietnam 10 day itinerary, Vietnam 1 week itinerary, 3 week Vietnam itinerary
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Explore Dong Van
Dong Van is a border highland district of Ha Giang province, located 150 kilometers north of Ha Giang city. There are 17 ethnic groups residing in Dong Van district, including Mong, Tay, Dao, Kinh, Nung, Giay, La Chi, Hoa, Pa Then, Co Lao, Lo Lo, Bo Y, Phu La, Pu Peo, Muong, Shan Chay, and Thai.
This is among Ha Giang’s 11 most popular tourist sites, combining significant cultural beauty, people, and notably distinctive food.
Best time to visit north Vietnam
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Things to do in Dong Van
Pho Co Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s top coffee-exporting countries. As a result, the coffee beans sold here are of the most outstanding grade. Before enjoying a coffee, you can find breakfast in the nearby area. The cooking style of the foods here is likewise distinct from that of other places.
Best places to visit in Vietnam
Dong Van market
Dong Van is already known to be a melting pot of several ethnic groups. As a result, their market was busier and more crowded than usual. Since the market began weekly on Sundays from 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM, this location has become a gathering point for varied things from each ethnic group: Handmade garments in various colors, home items, farming implements, technology types of equipment, animals, and even food stalls.
Trekking
Dong Van district, including the areas around Lung Cu and the Geopark, is one of the best areas for trekking in Ha Giang. Although traveling in Dong Van is a bit tiring because of the slope here, walking through small villages with rice fields while embracing beautiful scenes is indescribable.
Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village
Lung Cam is 25 kilometers west of Dong Van. Local officials designated a century-old traditional Hmong home as a “cultural tourism hamlet’. Besides, this location is well known for its magnificent scenery.
French Fort
Behind the city is the French Fort, or The Don Cao fort. This was erected in 1927 during the French colonial period. Those who try to ascend the steps to the fort’s summit top will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the town and its surroundings. Refrain from attempting to ride a bike up since certain sections are pretty steep.
Old Quarter
Dong Van’s classic atmosphere may be partly attributable to the preservation of several structures since the French colonial period. This place values ancient houses that have been stained by time rather than new ones. Many historic buildings have been converted into restaurants and shops to welcome tourists.
Hmong King Palace
The Hmong King Palace is around 15 kilometers from the city in Sa Phin Valley. Chinese merchants constructed a timber palace for the Hmong King, who ruled over large areas of the province Ha Giang, with the permission of the French colonial powers in 1902. This over-a-century-old palace is open for tourists nowadays.
Ma Pi Leng pass
From Dong Van town, you must go for 5km more to reach the Ma Pi Leng Pass. The lovely Nho Que river may be seen from a higher vantage point. If you wish to extend your adventurous journey through the bumpy mountain road, sign up for a motorbike trip from this ancient town to Meo Vac.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
You are in the monument that designates the northernmost point of Vietnam. Checking out the top of the Ha Giang, Lung Cu Flag Tower is a fantastic idea, as this is one of Vietnam’s four north pole locations. You will be able to touch the flagpole; above is a flag with an area of 54m2, symbolizing 54 ethnic groups from around the country.
To reach the top of the flagpole, you must get through more than 800 steps. There will be vehicles to help you ascend, but just approximately halfway. So, if you want to conquer this mountain, bring a pair of comfortable shoes.
How to get to Dong Van?
Starting in Hanoi, you must first go to Ha Giang City. It would take around 300 kilometers, approximately 7 hours of travel. Many buses run between Hanoi and Ha Giang City, with various daily run-time schedules that you can choose to fit your needs.
Our following destination is Dong Van. After arriving in Ha Giang, you must travel another 140 kilometers to this area. Although the route is relatively short, it will probably take a long time because the terrain here is extremely steep and treacherous. Taking a private bus or riding your motorcycle with a team is best. However, prepare ahead of time to arrive before dusk.
Accommodations in Dong Van
Dong Van H’Mong Homestay
- Location: Dong Van H’Mong Homestay
- Price: Price varies by market
Nha Co homestay 1925
- Location: 10 Ancient town, Ha Giang
- Price: ~$6.4/night
Nha Co Lao Xa Homestay Hmong
- Location: Lao Xa Village, Ha Giang
- Price: Price varies by market
Dong Van B&B
- Location: Alley 2, 19/5, Street, Ha Giang
- Price: ~$18.7/night
The best time to visit Dong Van
What is the best time to visit Ha Giang? Dong Van will become more crowded during the festival season, which typically lasts from the end of the year to the beginning of the following spring and includes celebrations such as the Khau Vai festival, Cap Sac festival, etc. Furthermore, this town brings the beauty of a maiden with fields of buckwheat blossom in full bloom. You can experience this scene from the last of October to November.
The experience of sitting in a little spot, watching and enjoying a slight smell typical of buckwheat blossoms, would be fantastic, while your Truly Ha Giang will make you tired after the long journey to Dong Van.
On the other hand, the rainy seasons occur from June through September, with July and August having the highest quantity of rainfall. The solo packager should notice this so that they don’t have to drive on a slope when the road is still slippery, not to mention other factors such as temperature can drop suddenly.
Best time to travel in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions about Dong Van (FAQs)
What are the top attractions to visit in Dong Van?
The top attractions in Dong Van are the Lung Cu Flag tower, Dong Van Ancient Town, Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Local Market, Hmong King Palace, and Dong Van French Fort.
What are the top things to do in Dong Van?
The best things to do in Dong Van: conquer the northernmost point – Lung Cu flagpole, drink coffee at Dong Van Ancient town, enjoy buckwheat flower season, conquer Ma Pi Leng pass, and visit Dong Van’s traditional market.
There are a lot of activities to do in Dong Van. See for yourself the scenery of the fields of buckwheat flowers covered with purple hills blend with the colors of the national costume.
