Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is one of the tourist destinations that almost everyone visiting Ninh Binh wants to experience and explore the natural beauty of this place. Vietnam has long become one of the most attractive and fascinating stopping points for nature lovers. When you visit Ha Giang in Vietnam, you cannot miss Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, which is a remarkable symbol of Earth’s geological history and its natural development processes. Furthermore, by staying in this area, you will witness the beauty of the local people who have lived in Ha Giang for generations. To find more detailed information about this travel destination, please follow the article below by Danang Private Car’s.
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Introduction to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Dong Van Karst Plateau is situated across the territory of four districts in Ha Giang province, namely Dong Van, Yen Minh, Quan Ba, and Meo Vac, covering an area of nearly 2,500 square kilometers. It is a rugged limestone mountainous region with striking grayish cat’s ear-like formations, creating a mysterious and layered landscape. The limestone mountains in this area have an average elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level.
Approximately 80% of the Dong Van Karst Plateau’s area is exposed limestone, a result of environmental influences and the historical development of the Earth’s crust. Moreover, this plateau is home to a wealth of fossil specimens dating back to 400-600 million years ago. It is a place where unique geological, natural, environmental, and cultural phenomena converge. In 2010, Dong Van Karst Plateau was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
How to Travel to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
From Hanoi to Ha Giang
To reach the Dong Van Karst Plateau, travelers need to first make their way to Ha Giang from the Hanoi area. There are several transportation options to choose from.
You can opt for traveling by passenger car. From the Hanoi area, head to My Dinh Bus Station to catch a regular passenger car. Typically, tourists choose to travel in sleeper buses to the city of Ha Giang. From Ha Giang City, you can continue your journey to Dong Van Karst Plateau.
For international travelers, finding public transportation can be challenging, and you may end up paying a higher price than locals. Renting a private car in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com’s can solve this issue, with transparent pricing, pre-negotiated rates, and professional drivers picking you up at your hotel, airport, or any other preferred location in Hanoi. With a team of experienced drivers who have served international visitors for many years, your journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang in a private car will be comfortable and safe. Contact us today to arrange the best itinerary.
You can also choose to travel by your personal vehicle, although this option is more suitable for young travelers who enjoy driving and have confidence in their own navigation skills to get to Ha Giang.
From Ha Giang City to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
To get from Ha Giang City to the Dong Van Karst Plateau, you’ll need to cover a relatively long stretch of road, approximately 130 kilometers, taking around 3-4 hours of travel time. You can choose to go by car or motorcycle. Travel along National Highway 4C to reach the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
If you trust your driving skills and have confidence in your ability to navigate, riding a motorcycle is an option. This way, you can enjoy the entire scenic beauty of Ha Giang’s mountainous landscape.
Conquer the spectacular mountain passes, navigate winding curves, and experience the breathtaking beauty of Ha Giang. The stunning landscapes will captivate and enchant you along the way.
The Ideal Time to Travel to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Each season in Ha Giang presents its own unique and fascinating beauty. Therefore, you can plan your visit to Ha Giang at any time that suits your preferences to explore the beauty of the region.
In the spring, when you arrive at the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang, you’ll witness the image of limestone areas with alternating layers of blossoming peach and plum forests, filled with vibrant and special colors. The pure white plum blossoms appear as if they are decorating the Dong Van Karst Plateau. The beauty of this season is truly captivating and delightful.
If you visit during the summer months, you can experience the tranquil scenery of this region, along with its charming and captivating beauty. While in areas like Hanoi or the Red River Delta, you may experience scorching temperatures exceeding 30°C, when you arrive in Ha Giang, you can feel the appealing beauty and the fresh, cool air from nature.
Most travelers prefer to visit Ha Giang from October to December. This is the time when the buckwheat flowers are in full bloom, creating a mesmerizing and picturesque landscape. The small and charming triangular buckwheat flowers add a delightful touch to the scenery.
You can choose to visit Ha Giang at any time that suits you to easily discover the entire beauty of the region. Ha Giang promises to be a fantastic destination for your journey, offering its unique beauty and charm year-round.
See more detailed articles about: Introduction to Ha Giang Tourism, Vietnam
What is there to experience in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
When you think of a karst plateau, you might imagine a barren and monotonous landscape dominated by dry rock formations. However, in Dong Van Karst Plateau, you will have incredibly exciting experiences, from conquering challenging mountain passes to enjoying the dreamy and romantic scenery of flower-filled valleys.
Admire the masterpiece of limestone mountains
Most of Dong Van Karst Plateau is located in the Dong Van District. Standing on a high peak and looking into the distance, you’ll see a vast expanse of undulating hills, creating a breathtaking natural panorama. The limestone mountains seem to form a sturdy barrier, embracing the small houses of the local people.
Although everything around is made of rock, the residents of this area have utilized every inch of land to plant corn and vegetables. Through the skilled hands of the men in Dong Van, the stones in this highland are transformed into solid walls without the need for any binding material.
Vibrant flower seasons in the highlands
In different seasons, Dong Van Karst Plateau stands out with its unique and fresh charm, thanks to various types of blossoms interspersed with the grayish color of the rocky mountains. There’s the pure white of plum blossoms, the color of white apricot flowers, or the yellow of mustard flowers in January and February. In March, when the plum blossoms fade, the red buckwheat flowers bloom, providing warmth to the cold weather in Ha Giang.
You can also witness the luscious yellow of ripe rice fields on terraced fields in September. And, of course, travelers will not forget the dreamy shades of pink and purple from the buckwheat flowers covering the hillsides in the early days of winter.
Explore the life of ethnic minority people
Currently, there are about 17 ethnic minority groups living on the Dong Van Karst Plateau, with the H’Mong people making up over 90% of the population. With such a diverse population, you have the opportunity to learn about the culture, people, way of life, and customs of these ethnic groups.
Specifically, for the H’Mong people, their distinctive cultural features include stilt houses and traditional costumes. You’ll also encounter images of local people working in the fields, living simple and warm lives, as well as innocent children being carried on their mothers’ backs.
Explore Beautiful Places in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The Dong Van Karst Plateau stretches across four districts and is the largest of its kind. When you visit, you will witness the majestic mountain peaks and the unique and captivating landscapes with stone plateaus that seem to stack on top of each other. If you come during the flowering season, you’ll also have the chance to see the beautiful flowers interspersed with the limestone formations, creating a stunning and distinct beauty.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
This landmark is located at the northernmost point of Vietnam, standing at an elevation of 1600 meters. Here, you can take in the breathtaking beauty of Ha Giang with the iconic flagpole representing the sanctity of the nation. When you stop here, you can even dress in traditional red and yellow flag-themed clothing, making for an eye-catching and enticing experience for tourists.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
When you visit the Dong Van Karst Plateau, you can’t miss the treacherous Ma Pi Leng Pass. This pass is among the most challenging routes in the Northwest mountainous region and a must-visit for those who love exploration and adventurous experiences. If you want to explore it, trust in your driving skills during your trip to Ha Giang.
Sung La Valley
Sung La is one of the villages of the people in the Dong Van region, known for its natural beauty with vibrant fields of various colors and stunning flowers in the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Nestled amidst the limestone formations with unique shapes, Sung La is considered one of the most beautiful highland areas in Dong Van. Sung La is famous for its triangular flower fields and the picturesque landscapes in the region.
When you stop in the Sung La area, you can immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of the mountains and explore the diverse and unique local cultures. Moreover, Sung La is also home to “Pao’s House,” a famous destination for young travelers. If you’ve heard of the Vietnamese film “Pao’s Story,” then visiting Sung La will give you the opportunity to explore the house that appeared in this renowned film, making it a popular spot for tourists in Ha Giang.
Cuisine in Dong Van, Ha Giang
Ha Giang boasts a rich and distinctive culinary tradition, and when you visit the Dong Van region in Ha Giang, you can easily savor some exceptional dishes that carry the unique flavors of the northern mountainous people. Here are a few noteworthy dishes that highlight the regional cuisine:
- Thang Co: This is a remarkable and enticing dish for travelers. Thang Co is renowned among the people of the northern mountainous regions, particularly in Ha Giang. It’s primarily made from the meat of special animals, such as horse. When you enjoy it, it is served with a flavorful dipping sauce, redolent of the tastes of the Northwest mountainous forests.
- Thit Gac Bep (Kitchen-Dried Meat): This dish is a local preservation method, traditionally practiced by the highland communities. Thit Gac Bep is made by selecting high-quality pieces of meat, typically pork, which are then seasoned with various spices. Afterward, the meat is dried using the kitchen smoke. It’s a dish you can take back home as a special gift for your family.
- Men Men: Men Men is a dish that allows you to experience the unique and captivating culture of the people in the northern mountainous regions. This dish is mainly prepared with dried corn. When you eat it, you’ll need a lot of water to fully enjoy this food that’s characteristic of the northern mountainous culture.
Some Tips When Visiting Dong Van Karst Plateau
Ha Giang is an incredibly attractive and renowned tourist destination. When you visit this area, you have the opportunity to experience many fascinating things. Most of Ha Giang consists of mountain passes, so transportation primarily involves motorbikes. It’s crucial to have confidence in your driving skills when embarking on your journey.
Additionally, when visiting Dong Van in Ha Giang, you should prepare suitable clothing. In the winter, ensure you have warm clothing for your trip. It’s essential to be well-prepared for your journey.
Before heading to Ha Giang, make sure to plan your route and travel itinerary. Proper preparation and research can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Ha Giang, including the Dong Van Karst Plateau.
The natural masterpiece of the Dong Van Karst Plateau is continuously being invested in and developed to become an attractive tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. Here, you will experience a unique and magnificent beauty, as well as the warm and hospitable nature of the people of Ha Giang. Your visit to this plateau promises to be an unforgettable and heartwarming experience.
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