Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is one of the most famous attractions in Ha Giang Province. It features a vast area of limestone, spectacular mountain scenery, the richness and uniqueness of ethnic minorities’ culture. Let’s go with Vietnam Travel to explore what makes it attractive!

1. Brief Information

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark was recognized as one of 77 geological parks in the world by the UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network in 2010, and became Vietnam’s first geological park. Located about 1,400 – 1,600 meters above sea level, Dong Van Rock Plateau is formed by narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Viet Nam. Up to 80% of Dong Van Rock Plateau is covered by limestone which contains the fossils of thousands of prehistoric species from 400-600 million years ago.

The park spreads over 4 districts of Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh and Quan Ba with the total area of 2,356 square kilometers. It is home to more than 250,000 people from 17 different ethnic minorities with diverse cultures and traditions. These ethnic minorities live on cultivating rice along the basins of the Nho Que River and corn on the rocky mountain slopes.

2. How to get there

Ha Giang City is often the starting point for every traveler who wishes to embrace Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, as well as other popular highlights of the province such as Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Lung Cu Flagpole, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac, Yen Minh and Hoang Su Phi… About 320km from Hanoi, you can reach there by motorbike, local bus or private car for your comfort with 6-7 hours driving. It is recommended to spend one night in Ha Giang City to continue your journey to Dong Van. Following National Highway 4C for more 150km, you will reach Dong Van Rock Plateau. 

3. Best time to visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark has a temperate climate which divided into two seasons: rainy season (May – October) and dry season (November – April). The annual average temperature is 21 – 23ºC. It may get up to 27 – 28ºC in July and August and may drop down to below 0ºC in January. Tourists can visit Dong Van all year round but it is best in blooming season. Buckwheat, a typical flower of the northern mountain area of Vietnam, is blossoming from October to November. You can witness its beauty everywhere, in hills, stepped-rice fields, or in around makeshift local houses. Between January and February is time for blooming peach and plum. The moss-roofed roofs could be added with crimson peach petals and pure white plum blossoms. The scenery brightens up by the colors of the flowers, creating a romantic picture of the mountainous area. 

4. Sightseeing around Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

• The mansion of Vuong Family 
• Dong Van Ancient Town 
• Dong Van Fair Market
• Lung Cu Flag Tower
• Sung La Valley
• Ma Pi Leng Pass & Nho Que River
• Khau Vai Love Market – Meo Vac