Dong Van Old Quarter in October

Dong Van Old Quarter is a must-visit stop on any journey to explore Tuyen Quang, the country’s northernmost frontier. With the weather turning chilly and buckwheat flowers beginning to bloom across the fields, this is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Dong Van.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by rugged limestone mountains, the Old Quarter boasts a nostalgic and peaceful charm, deeply imbued with the cultural identity of the northern highlands.

The name “Dong Van” is believed to derive from the local Chinese dialect term “Tong Puon”, meaning a trading field.

According to historical records, the Old Quarter was once a pristine valley with a sparse population. It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as trade routes and commercial planning took shape during the colonial period, that the area gradually developed into one of the busiest trading hubs in the northernmost region.

Moss-covered walls, yin-yang tiled roofs and dark brown wooden window frames have become distinctive symbols of Dong Van Old Quarter.

No journey to explore the Old Quarter would be complete without sampling the local highland cuisine. Must-try dishes include smoked buffalo meat with its rich, smoky flavour, enjoyed alongside a glass of traditional herbal-leaf-fermented rice wine and a steaming pot of thang co, a traditional dish of the Mong people. Visitors can also admire plates of vibrant five-colour sticky rice, which reflects the traditional philosophy of yin and yang and the five elements.

By day, the Old Quarter exudes the tranquil, timeworn charm of an ancient town with a thousand-year history. As night falls, however, it transforms into a romantic and enchanting setting.

Under the twinkling lights illuminating rows of old houses, the central courtyard becomes a cultural meeting place where people come together without barriers.

Thu Hang