Dong Van ancient town still keeps its intact contour with the ancient architecture and many ancient houses with 100 years old or even more today. Forming since the early 20th century, the quarter started with a few families of the H’Mong, Tay and Chinese, then more and more other local residents located gradually.
This must be very enjoyable and exciting when wandering in the old town to explore the culture, cuisine and traditions of the local people. Overall, the Old Quarter features Chinese architecture with two-story houses of yin-yang roofs, red lanterns and two ancient streets that lead to the mountain. There is a collection of 40 ancient houses being 100-300 years old. On every full-moon night, the street in ancient town is colorfully lightened with red lanterns of various sizes. It also serves food and has other cultural activities in those days.
On every 14th, 15th, 16th day of the monthly lunar calendar, there will be “Night in the old quarter” held to preserve and promote the value of cultural heritages of Dong Van Old Quarter. During these days, the houses in the Old Street are lit with lanterns and many other cultural and artistic activities are organized such as cuisine festivals, art performance, and traditional handicrafts, etc.
Dong Van Market is an old market, located in the complex of Dong Van Old Quarter, holding a single session every Sunday. On the day of the fair, from 5.00am – 10.00am, the small and quiet old town becomes noisy and crowded like a festival with colorful costumes of Dao, H’Mong, Tay, Nung, Giay, Lo Lo…
They bring vegetable baskets, firewood, pigs, dogs …to the market. Some people have to go from 3am, cross the mountains to get down in time for the market. This is the place for locals to buy and sell goods, and also a chance to socialize and meet each other weekly.
