Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is one of the most impressive destinations in Vietnam, located in Ha Giang province. This place is not only recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark but also attracts tourists thanks to its unique natural landscape, long history, and unique culture of ethnic minorities. In this article, Zing Home Ha Giang will help you fully explore this amazing land.
1. Overview of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
1.1 Location
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a destination that attracts many tourists every year. This is quite an interesting place to visit on the journey to conquer Ha Giang Loop. This place has a quite large area, up to 2,356 km2, stretching across 4 districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, and Dong Van. This has made the Dong Van Karst plateau rich in natural scenery.
With an average altitude of 1000 – 1600m above sea level, the terrain is quite fragmented. Here is a rugged rocky mountain area shaped like gray cat ears, looking very mysterious. That’s why this place is called “gray paradise” at the beginning of the Fatherland. This place is full of geological types and biodiversity. At the same time, this is also one of the special limestone areas, containing typical imprints of the history of the development of the Earth’s crust.
In 2010, Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark and became Vietnam’s first geopark.
1.2 Geological characteristics
Up to 80% of the area of ββthe Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is exposed to limestone due to environmental influences and traces from the historical development of the earth’s crust. In addition, this plateau is also home to many fossil samples dating back to 400 – 600 million years ago. It is a convergence of many special geological, natural, environmental, and cultural formations.
1.3 Biodiversity
Not only does it stand out for its limestone landscape, but this area is also the habitat of many rare flora and fauna species. From wild orchids to rich animal ecosystems, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
2. What is special about Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
2.1 Admire the limestone mountains
Most of the area of ββDong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is located in Dong Van district. If we stand on a high mountain top and look far away, we will see a vast area of ββhills and mountains undulating one after another, creating a beautiful natural picture. The rocky mountains seem to be arranged into solid fences embracing the small houses of the people here.
Although all four surfaces are rocky, the residents here have taken advantage of the smallest land area to grow corn and vegetables. Through the skillful hands of the men in Dong Van, Karst in this plateau is also used to make sturdy fences without using any adhesive materials.
2.2 Brilliant flower seasons in the highlands
At different times, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark stands out and is bright with each distinct type of flower interspersed among the gray color of the rocky mountains. It is the pure white color of plum blossoms, banyan flowers, or the yellow color of mustard flowers every January and February. Admire the green color of forest trees, corn fields, and rice fields mixed with the yellow color of sunlight every time. summer comes. Or the golden color of terraced fields when the rice season is ripe. And it is certainly impossible to forget the purple flower color every time October and November come, the buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang stretches across the hillside.
2.3 Learn about the lives of ethnic minorities
Currently, there are about 17 ethnic minorities living on the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and the Mong people account for more than 90%. With so many ethnic groups, you will have the opportunity to learn about the cultures, people, lives, and customs of these ethnic groups. Specifically, for the Mong people, their cultural characteristics are traditional houses and brocade costumes. You will also see images of people working in the fields, very simple and loving, or innocent babies carrying babies on their backs.
3. Outstanding sights
3.1 Natural landscape
Ma Pi Leng
Pass Ma Pi Leng Pass is located on Highway 4C in Pai Vi and Pai Lung communes, connecting Ha Giang City and the two towns of Meo Vac and Dong Van. Known as one of the “four great passes” of Vietnam, this pass is the most famous tourist destination in Ha Giang. Ma Pi Leng is a winding and dangerous 20 km long pass at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level. When you reach the top of the pass, you will be able to see the vast Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark fully with a breathtaking view of the blue Nho Que River.
Tham Ma Pass
Tham Ma is not only a famous place with its picturesque landscape but also a place associated with the historical story of the enduring pack horses of the highlands. Climbing up this slope, you will have the opportunity to fully experience the vast green mountain scenery of Ha Giang. You will encounter a heart-stopping image of an invisible abyss on one side; On one side are towering mountains. In particular, the soft winding road between the steep cliffs looks like a piece of peach silk lying gracefully in the middle of the majestic mountains.
Buckwheat flowers
From October to November every year, buckwheat flowers bloom, turning the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark into a colorful flower carpet, attracting many tourists from near and far. During this time, you will admire a sea of ββpure white as the new flowers bloom and gradually change to vibrant purple pink, and dark red. Visitors to Ha Giang can also participate in buckwheat flower festivals and experience many other interesting activities.
3.2 Historical and Cultural Relics
Dong Van Old Town
Dong Van Old Town is a neighborhood built in the 20th century in Dong Van Town, Ha Giang province. This is not only the living place of many ethnic groups but also one of the cultural and architectural features that need to be preserved and preserved in Ha Giang province. In the old town, there are only about 40 houses over 100 years old located close together, surrounded by rocky mountains. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the peaceful, ancient beauty of gray walls dyed in golden sunlight in the morning.
Cat King’s Mansion
The Vuong family palace, or King Meo palace, is located in Sa Phin Valley, only about 1 km from the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. This is a famous Ha Giang tourist destination containing interesting historical traces and stories. King Meo’s mansion is a unique architectural work, located in the middle of majestic mountains and forests, reflecting the wealth and power of the Vuong family.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
To reach the flagpole, visitors will go through 839 steps and admire the charming landscape of mountains and water gradually appearing. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking out into the distance, you will feel the cool air of the Northeast mountains and the solemn and proud atmosphere here. In addition, when you come here, you can also walk through the villages of Lo Lo and Mong people and the clear blue Dragon’s Eye pond located right at the foot of the mountain.
3.3 Unique experience
Explore Dong Van Market: The market is not only a place to exchange goods but also a lively cultural space where you can meet and understand more about the lives of local people. Here, you can comfortably shop for souvenirs, enjoy specialties, see colorful costumes of diverse ethnic groups, and even participate in fun activities and performances, interesting musical performances.
Trekking and hiking: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, with winding roads through rocky mountains and valleys.
Take a boat trip on the Nho Que River: Another unforgettable experience is rowing on the Nho Que River, where natural scenery blends with strange serenity.
Experience local life: Try living with the locals for a day: planting corn, weaving, or enjoying typical traditional dishes.
4. Notes when traveling to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The ideal time to travel
The best time to go to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is from October to December (buckwheat flower season) or from March to May (dry, cool weather).
How to get to Ha Giang
To get to Ha Giang, visitors can choose many means of transportation. However, there are two popular means of transport that many tourists choose: motorbikes and buses.
- Sleeper bus: This is the most popular means of transportation, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 – 400,000 VND. Travel time is about 6-8 hours.
- Motorbike: If you are a travel enthusiast, renting a motorbike will bring you more wonderful experiences.
Some notes that you should know
- Clothing: If you go in the winter, you must bring warm clothes, towels, and gloves, because winter in Ha Giang is very cold, and in summer you should also bring a thin jacket, as the highland climate at night may be a bit cold.
- Shoes: Best climbing shoes or walking shoes to move more comfortably, because this is mountainous terrain.
- Prepare medicine: Some basic medicines such as pain relievers, digestive medicine, and flu medicine will be useful on your journey.
- Bring cash: Card payment services are not popular in highland areas. Therefore, you should bring enough cash to cover costs for food, accommodation and shopping.
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is not only a geological wonder but also a cultural and historical symbol of Ha Giang. Make plans now to enjoy the majestic beauty and experience the unique culture here! For more information and travel tips in Ha Giang, please visit the Zing Home Ha Giang website.
