Not only is it a place for exchange and trading of local people, Dong Van fair market is also an attractive destination, attracting tourists from all directions every time they set foot on the rocky plateau. Amidst the majestic mountain space, the fair market appears as a vivid picture, reflecting the cultural life of ethnic minorities in the highlands.
If you have ever visited the highland markets in Meo Vac, Yen Minh, Quan Ba, Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man..., visitors will surely hardly forget the bustling, simple but colorful atmosphere of the mountain markets. Each market is not only a place to exchange goods but also an opportunity for people to meet, exchange, and share everyday stories after hard working days.
Dong Van market is located at the foot of Don Cao mountain, located in the heart of the characteristic rocky valley of the plateau. The market structure was built in the period 1925 - 1928, with a U-shaped structure with Vietnamese-Chinese architecture harmoniously and delicately interwoven. The massive stone columns are meticulously carved to create a majestic market, becoming a unique architectural highlight of Dong Van ancient town.
As a place for exchange and trade of ethnic minorities Tay, Nung, Han, H'Mong, Hoa, Dao..., Dong Van fair usually meets on Sundays every week and holidays and Tet during the year. On the market day, from early morning, people from distant villages have crossed mountains and passes carrying agricultural products, livestock, brocade, handicrafts... to the market to exchange and trade.
On the fair day, the ancient town, which was small and quiet, suddenly becomes bustling like a festival. Throughout the streets and corners of the market, the colors of traditional costumes of the locals are brilliant. The sound of laughter and greetings blended with the sounds of mountains and forests create a unique cultural space, both rustic and attractive.
Not only is it a place for buying and selling, Dong Van market is also a place to preserve the cultural soul of the highlands, where traditional values are passed down through each market tradition, each costume, each encounter story. For tourists, a visit to Dong Van market is not only a sightseeing trip, but also a journey to explore the cultural depth of Ha Giang rocky plateau.
