Dong Van Old Quarter - Ha Giang

The old quarter on Dong Van Karst Plateau in the northern province of Ha Giang is considered an architectural, historical and cultural relic. Many visitors have been impressed by the local environment and its residents' social, economic and cultural life. The old quarter has been well preserved to retain its wild original look from years ago. 

At a height of more than 1,000 metres above sea level, the Dong Van old quarter appears amidst the fog which makes them seem to float in such a mysterious way. Compared to the old quarters in Hoi An (in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam) and in Hanoi, the Dong Van old quarter is not the oldest, nor the largest in scale. However, it has unique characteristics of the local residents living on the karst plateau.

There are several unique architectural works in the Dong Van old quarter, including a market built with meticulously-carved stone plates, helping it stand firm and imposing in the valley of the plateau. The market was built during 1925-1928 with a unique architectural stone design.

Opposite the market, there is a row of houses standing one after another that lead to narrow paths winding along the foot of the mountain, creating a complexity of houses amid the vast space of the plateau. The houses are roofed with yin-yang tiles and have earthen walls and a stone-paved floor, which is the traditional architecture of the local mountaineers. Inside the house, the pillars are made of Parapentace tonkinensis timber and carved with meticulous designs. Looking at the house’s interior, visitors will have a feeling of living in an environment that is wild and raw, yet very romantic. Seen from above, the old quarter with about 18 houses that are more than 100 years old, embraces the market area that creates a picture of both sharp and blurring images amid the fog and rugged rocks. Ha Giang tours.

The houses were built by the local residents or workers from Sichuan (China) in the early 20th century, creating the panoramic view of the present-day Dong Van old quarter. Thus, Dong Van old quarter’s architecture is a mixture of the local residents' traditions and of the Chinese people.

The local residents earn their living by farming or doing small business, so they still have a difficult life. However, during holidays, including Tet (Lunar New Year Holidays), they always hang lanterns in front of their houses. The sounds of footsteps and laughter made by young men and women on their way to the market, where men can play panpipes while women sing and dance, bring the whole old quarter alive in a boisterous, festive atmosphere. During this time, visitors will be lured by songs, colourful costumes and various local products for sale at the market, such as embroidered brocade, panpipes and honey.
Dong Van old quarter with their unique architecture, together with the local residents' socio-cultural activities, are like beautiful strokes on a painting of the rocks by a talented painter.

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