A colorful day at new Dong Van market

The ancient market has now become the drying yard for rice and corn of minority living nearby and a tourist site.

The famous market of Dong Van town that was built hundreds of years ago was finally closed down and been replaced by the new market located just across the street.

At the new market, minority people such as H’Mong and Tay sell agricultural products, fruit, meat and some fresh-water fish and snails to buyers. While the ancient market located amid the houses of old Dong Van town is now a tourist spot.

Dong Van town is at the center of Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang Province which has been recognized as a global geopark by UNESCO. Dong Van Karst Plateau is the highest plateau in Vietnam, attracting tourists from all over the world thanks to its spectacular scenes and local cultures of minority groups.

 

The ancient market has now become the drying yard for rice and corn of minority living nearby and a tourist site 

An old woman awaits buyers for her tofu - Photo: Pham Thai

Staying the night at Dao Village

Just spending one night with a Dao minority family is a great experience for tourists.

In the Nam Choong village of Xin Man Commune, Ha Giang Province, tourists can do just that as they can easily find a cozy homestay for the night and enjoy the hot spring that runs through the village during the day as they experience the daily routines of Dao people.

Xin Man Commune is located in the north-west area of Ha Giang Province but tourists can reach it from the city of Ha Giang or Lao Cai.

Nam Choong village is special not only thanks to the hot spring, but also because it’s the living place of Dao Ao Dai and its villagers still keep the old traditions alive on a daily basis.

 

The bridge leading to the Dao’s locality

The hosts will serve lunch and dinner according to visitor’s request. Normally meals will include chicken, pork, buffalo, fish and vegetable dishes - Photos: Pham Thai