Each evening, Dong Van ancient town buzzes with music and dancing around campfires as part of the "Community Cultural and Artistic Exchange Night" program. The activity takes place daily from 19h30 to 21h30, attracting around 1,000 visitors on weekdays and increasing to 4,000-5,000 people on weekends.

The program was initiated three years ago by Sung Manh Hung, a staff member at the Dong Van Regional Culture Center. Hung noticed that tourists in the ancient town at night often only ate and then rested, lacking an experiential space. He proposed organizing a cultural exchange night with activities like campfires and free dancing to music.

Today, the program has become a "must-not-miss" experience for tourists visiting Dong Van. Hung has also gained affection from the tourism community, with many seeking him out for photos and greetings.

On the evening of 28/2, dozens of tourists arrived early in the ancient town, eager to meet the program's initiator. Despite his official duties in Xa Phin commune, more than 25 km from the center, Hung made an effort to return in time to lead the dances for the visitors. He shared that his routine of "working as an official in the morning, organizing exchanges at night" has been a habit for many years.

Tourists can contribute financially to sustain the program. Hung mentioned that local authorities once proposed budget support, but he prefers a "socialized" approach, allowing State resources to be allocated to families in need.

"I am happy that all tourists are willing to contribute a little 'firewood' to maintain the exchange night", he said. He also affirmed that there is no preferential treatment, such as being prioritized to light torches, for those who contribute more money, contrary to some information circulating on social media.

Supporting Hung is a team of young people whose role is to stand at the front, setting the pace to enliven the atmosphere and help visitors overcome shyness when participating in the program.

The program attracts many tourists of all ages. When the music plays, the crowd joins the circle guided by the organizers. Everyone dances freely to songs about the Northwest, the beauty of Ha Giang, and love for their homeland.

Louis, a French tourist, said her tour guide had told her about the exchange night in Dong Van, but she did not expect the atmosphere to be so lively. Initially, she felt a bit shy, but quickly integrated thanks to the proactive participation of those around her.

"We danced however we liked. Even though we did not understand each other's language, everyone smiled happily", the female tourist shared.

Louis had visited Sa Pa and Ha Long, but the enthusiasm of the people and tourists in Dong Van made her trip to Ha Giang the most memorable experience.

{"caption_all":"Thousands of tourists gather around the campfire, dancing in circles, creating the most lively scene among tourist destinations in Ha Giang.","caption_items":"["","",""]"}

According to Hung, music is the most effective way to connect people who do not share a language. This activity has been more successful than expected, with many international visitors even deciding to change their itineraries and stay in Dong Van an extra day to experience this lively atmosphere.

From knowing only a few basic dances, Hung has learned many regional dances and even foreign tourist choreographies over time. "Hearing people say they come to Dong Van just to meet me makes me very happy, and I tell myself I must give them the best experiences", he said.

Because the square's lower area is not large enough, many tourists gather in the upper area or surrounding cafes to enjoy the atmosphere from a distance.

"I am shy about dancing, but standing outside and seeing everyone so happy makes me feel that spending time in Dong Van is truly worthwhile", shared Manh Linh, a tourist from Hanoi.

Tu Nguyen

Photo: Hoang Giang