Visiting Dong Van Market
Location
Dong Van Market is located in the heart of Dong Van town, within the province of Ha Giang. The market is centrally located near the Old Quarter.
Day & Time
Dong Van Market takes place every Sunday, and the liveliest atmosphere can be experienced in the early morning hours, starting around 5 to 6 AM.
To fully immerse yourself in the bustling market, it is advisable to begin exploring before 8 AM. Plan for approximately an hour to explore the market, as it gradually becomes less busy after 10 AM. By the afternoon, the vibrant atmosphere of the market begins to subside.
How to get there?
Dong Van is one of the main destination along the Ha Giang Loop, making it convenient for travelers to visit the Dong Van Market as part of their journey.
To go on this adventure, it is recommended to start in Ha Giang City, accessible by buses or cars from Hanoi, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours. The distance from Ha Giang City to Dong Van is around 130 km, but due to the breathtaking sights along the way, it will probably take a full day for the journey.
What to expect
Ethnic minority market
The Dong Van Market may not be as large as the Meo Vac Market, located 22 km from the town of Dong Van, but it is incredibly impressive. This market stands out from the typical markets found in cities across Vietnam, as it is an ethnic minority market, also known as a hill tribe market, situated in the mountainous region where various ethnic groups converge.
Ha Giang is home to a significant population of ethnic minorities, and many of them reside in the surrounding villages near Dong Van. Every Sunday, these communities come together at the Dong Van Market to engage in trade and socialize with one another, creating a vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere.
Colorful
The Dong Van Market is a vibrant and colorful spectacle, thanks to the traditional costumes worn by the ethnic women who participate. Each ethnic group proudly displays their unique attire, making for a diverse array of colors and patterns. The market is also dotted with stalls selling these exquisite garments, adding to the kaleidoscope of colors that make it one of Vietnam’s most visually captivating markets.
Socializing
Socializing is a central element of the Dong Van Market, where you can witness lively interactions and connections among the locals. The market serves as a gathering place for friends, families, and even acquaintances to meet, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company.
The sense of community is noticeable as people engage in conversations, share meals, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that extends beyond the mere act of buying and selling.
What to find on the Dong Van Market
Market layout
The Dong Van Market is spread across a large open area, bustling with activity on Sunday mornings. As you make your way from the town square in the Old Quarter, you’ll notice the crowded street leading to the market. The market consists of both an outdoor section and a smaller indoor area, where you’ll discover a variety of goods and products being sold by local vendors.
Fresh products
Within the Dong Van Market, there is a dedicated section where vendors sell fresh produce for daily groceries. Here, you can find a vibrant assortment of vegetables, fruits, and meats to choose from.
Street food
The market also has street food. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can indulge in a delicious breakfast amidst the lively atmosphere of the market. Sitting among the colorful ethnic groups, you’ll witness the unique experience of enjoying meals cooked over open fires.
Goods
The sprawling market offers a wide variety of goods, with a significant focus on clothing. You’ll find an array of traditional ethnic garments alongside other items such as phone chargers, SIM cards, toys, kitchenware, and tools for agricultural purposes. While it may not be the ideal place for finding souvenirs, the market provides an amazing and fun experience as you see locals engage in lively bargaining and examining all the available products.
Games & haircuts
In a small corner of the market, you’ll find a lively area where various games are set up. Many visitors gather here to watch others attempt these games and enjoy the spirited atmosphere. Additionally, there is a unique feature at the market—a barber who offers haircuts right in the open air.
Live stock
Adjacent to the main market area, you’ll find a bustling section dedicated to livestock. Here, you’ll encounter cows, buffalos, pigs, dugs, and chickens among other animals. For many travelers, this section is a highlight of the market, as it provides a unique opportunity to witness the trading and bargaining of livestock. Some ethnic minorities can be seen proudly showcasing their animals and don’t seem to have any interest in buying or selling.
Planning Dong Van Market in your Ha Giang Loop
To fully experience the Dong Van Market as part of your Ha Giang Loop, careful planning is essential. Since the market is only held on Sunday mornings, it is advisable to arrive in Dong Van on Saturday and spend the night there. This way, you can wake up early and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the market the next day.
For a three-day Ha Giang Loop itinerary, you can start your journey from Hanoi on Friday, either by day bus or sleeper bus, and reach Ha Giang City. On Saturday, embark on a scenic journey from Ha Giang City to Dong Van, taking your time to explore the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Once in Dong Van or its surrounding area, settle in for the night in preparation for your visit to the Dong Van Market on Sunday morning.
Tips for visiting Dong Van Market
Meo Vac Market – If your schedule allows, consider visiting the Meo Vac Market as an alternative to Dong Van Market. Also held on a Sunday, it is the largest ethnic market in Ha Giang and offers a unique experience.
Morning – To fully experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dong Van Market, make sure to arrive early in the morning. The market is most bustling during this time, and you can witness the lively trading and socializing among locals.
Leaving the market – As you leave the market and continue your journey to the next destination along the loop, keep an eye out for ethnic minorities returning to their villages from the market. It is not uncommon to see them walking alongside their cows or buffalos.
Other sights – There is so much more to experience around Dong Van, that even if you don’t arrive here on a Sunday, you will not get bored. The Old Quarter is nice cozy area. Dong Van is the start of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the most stunning mountain pass of Vietnam. You can do great trekking around Dong Van and you can ride to Lung Cu, the most northern point of Vietnam.
