Shopping Attractions 2 photo

Dong Van Fair – The Sunday market in the heart of the karst plateau's old town

Author: Quản trị viên Updated: 10/02/2026 Views: 78

Dong Van Fair takes place on Sunday mornings in Dong Van Old Quarter, where the Hmong, Lo Lo, Dao, and Tay people trade brocades and agricultural produce, and enjoy thang co and au tau porridge.

Dong Van Market – a highland periodic market held on Sunday mornings right in the Dong Van Old Quarter, atop the Ha Giang stone plateau (now part of Tuyen Quang Province). This is a gathering and trading hub for the Mong, Lo Lo, Dao, and Tay ethnic minorities, as well as a popular stop on the northernmost travel route.

Quick Overview

Address: Old market area in Dong Van Old Quarter, Dong Van Commune, Tuyen Quang Province (formerly Ha Giang)
Opening hours: Every Sunday morning, bustling from around 7:00 to 10:00
Admission: Free
Highlights: Historic stone market hall, vibrant ethnic costumes, highland cuisine

History and Features

The U-shaped stone market was built around the 1920s and is nestled in the heart of Dong Van Old Quarter.
The main market meets on Sunday mornings, with locals walking or riding motorbikes from remote villages starting early at dawn.
The Mong people make up the majority, alongside Tay, Nung, Dao, and Lo Lo people, each sporting their distinctive traditional attire.
For the local people, the market is not just a place for trade, but also an occasion to meet and socialize.

What to Buy at Dong Van Market

Linen fabrics, brocades, and hand-embroidered garments crafted by the Mong and Lo Lo people.
Local agricultural produce such as corn, vegetables, herbal remedies, and forest honey.
Smoked sausages and smoked dried buffalo meat to take home as gifts.
Farming tools and woven wicker items used in daily life.

What to Eat at Dong Van Market

Thang co cooked in massive cauldrons, an iconic specialty at every highland market session.
Au tau porridge – a renowned delicacy of Ha Giang.
Five-color sticky rice and corn cakes.
Home-distilled corn wine crafted by locals, best enjoyed in moderation.

How to Get There

From the former Ha Giang center, follow National Highway 4C through Quan Ba and Yen Minh, a distance of around 150 km that takes roughly 4 hours.
You can travel by coach, rent a motorbike, or hire a private car with a driver experienced in mountain passes.
Many travelers stay overnight in Dong Van on Saturday to visit the market bright and early on Sunday morning.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive before 7:00 to soak in the authentic atmosphere of the locals before tourist crowds arrive.
Bring cash, preferably in small denominations.
Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of local residents.
Combine your trip with visits to Dong Van Old Quarter, Lung Cu Flag Tower, and the nearby Vuong Family Mansion.

Reference Prices

Thang co: around 30,000–50,000 VND/bowl.
Dong Van steamed rice rolls (banh cuon): around 30,000–40,000 VND/serving.
Men men (steamed corn grits): around 15,000–20,000 VND/bowl.
Buckwheat cake: around 10,000–15,000 VND/piece.
Five-color sticky rice: around 5,000–20,000 VND/portion.
Traditional brocade outfit: around 500,000–2,000,000 VND/set depending on fabric and craftsmanship.

Prices are for reference only and may vary by season and vendor.

Best Time to Visit

The market gathers every Sunday morning and is at its most vibrant between 6:00 and 8:00, when locals from surrounding villages arrive and set up their stalls.

Around 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM is the peak time for tourists; the market gradually thins out from early afternoon.

September – November (buckwheat flower season) and March – May offer pleasant weather; the pre-Tet market sessions are the most crowded and feature the largest variety of goods.

Useful Information for Visitors

Payment: You should bring enough cash in small denominations because many highland vendors only accept cash, though some shops in town accept QR bank transfers.
Restrooms: There are no convenient public restrooms inside the market; it is best to use the restrooms at your hotel or old town cafés before entering.
Language: Sellers primarily speak ethnic minority languages and Vietnamese, with almost no English spoken; you should use a translation app or travel with a tour guide.
ATMs: Dong Van town has few ATMs and they may run out of cash on weekends, so it is advisable to withdraw money in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Dong Van Market open?

The market takes place on Sunday mornings, is liveliest between around 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and winds down after noon.

Is Dong Van Market open on weekdays?

The main market gathering only takes place on Sunday mornings; on weekdays, stalls and the old quarter area still operate, but it is not as vibrant and bustling as the main session.