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At an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level, Dong Van ancient town appears in the mist with a strangely hazy and magical look. Compared to Hoi An ancient town and Hanoi ancient town, Dong Van ancient town is not the oldest, nor is it large in scale. But in particular, Dong Van ancient town has its own unique nuances and carries the identity of the residents of the rocky plateau.
Dong Van ancient town is bustling with colorful brocade
Unique architectural works such as the market are created from elaborately carved stone slabs. The imposing and solid market area in the middle of the highland valley is an impressive highlight.
Dong Van market was built between 1925 and 1928, with a solemn appearance on the Dong Van stone plateau. Opposite the market, we will see a row of houses next to each other leading deep into the small roads running along the mountain, forming a residential complex existing between the land and sky of the plateau.
The roof is covered with yin-yang tiles, the stone floor, and the earthen walls are what we can see of a traditional form of architecture and construction of the people here. Inside the house, the pillars are made of ironwood, with elaborate carvings on the pillars.
An ancient house in Dong Van ancient town
Sitting in the house, admiring the talented features of the mountain people is like being immersed in a living space that is both simple, primitive and also very poetic.
Looking down from above, with about 18 houses around 100 years old, the old town runs along the market creating a harmonious and hazy look in the mist and the cat ear rocks. Many old houses were completed by local and Sichuan (China) workers in the early 20th century, creating the basic appearance of the Dong Van old town today.
Overall, the architectural style of Dong Van ancient town is a blend of traditional local architecture and Chinese architecture. The ancient town's residents live on farming and small trading, life is still difficult, but every Sunday, holidays and Lunar New Year, every house on the street hangs lanterns.
The footsteps of young men and women going to the market, the laughter, the sound of flutes and songs brought a festive atmosphere to the whole neighborhood.
Improvising with the Mong flute
Tourists are surprised and delighted by the singing, the colors of life, and the local products such as brocade, pipes, and honey displayed in front of each house, attracting tourists to walk around and shop.
The ancient town complex with its unique architecture and cultural activities is like a stroke of a talented artist on a myriad of stone paintings.
