The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a major UNESCO World Geology Park situated in Vietnam. Spanning across 2356 square km, the place is approximately 400 million years old. This Global Geopark Wonder is the perfect place to relax in the lap of nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, various festivals are also held wherein you can explore the beauty and also interact with the local communities.
You can experience the wonders of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark through exciting and budget-friendly Vietnam tour packages.
The Karst landscape of Dong Von is located in Northern Vietnam, sharing borders with China in the North. It spreads and covers four major districts of Vietnam including Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yenh Minh, and Quan Ba.
How to Reach Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
You can avail of any of the transport available to reach Dong Van Karst Plateau, one of the scenic Vietnam Geoparks including:From Hanoi, you can take a train to Ha Giang taking 5 hours. On arriving at the Ha Giang station, you can book a private car or bus to visit the Plateau Geopark.
Lao Cai is the nearest train station to Ha Giang. You can board a train from Hanoi. Frequent trains are available from Hanoi to Lao Cai. On arrival at Lao Cai, you can go for a road trip.
There are no airports in Ha Giang, so if you prefer a flight you will have to take a flight to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. From the airport, you can take a bus or private car which is an 8-hour ride.
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Best Time to Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The best time to visit Karst Landscape in Dong Van is between November and April. The weather is dry during that time, which makes it easy to explore the place.During October and November, you can enjoy the beauty of the blossoming buckwheat flower. Between January and February, the scene is brightened with the blooming peach and plum.
Things To Do in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The tourists are permitted to enjoy a variety of activities such as the following: - Photography: Enjoy the natural beauty by trekking the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Capture some beautiful shots of the limestone mountains and the Nho Que River.
- Take a walk: Take a relaxing stroll through the streets of Dong Van Old Town and explore the old houses depicting traditional Vietnamese and Chinese styles.
- Explore the markets: Explore the culture of Vietnam at the local markets where local ethnic groups gather weekly. You will get to taste traditional foods and buy beautiful souvenirs.
- Hike at Geopark: Get adventurous and hike through the unique trails of the Karst formations. Explore the unique limestone formations and admire their beauty.
Where To Eat Near Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
Light, flavourful and wholesome- that’s the three perfect adjectives to describe Vietnamese food. Now, after a fun and tiring day at the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, here’s where you can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine: - Quang Dung Restaurant: The restaurant located 15.9 km away serves local cuisine and traditional dishes and gives a flavourful experience with every bite.
Location: 19 Dong Van Old Quarter, Ha Giang
- Green Karst: The restaurant will make you relish the deliciousness of Asian and European cuisines. It’s just a 15.6 km drive away from the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
Location: 7 Tran Phu Street, Dong Van, Ha Giang
- Phien – Coffee, Beer & Wine: Great music and delicious cocktails at the cafe will make the journey even more exciting. You just need to set on a half-an-hour ride to cover the 15.9 km journey.
Location: 11 Old Quarter, Dong Van, Ha Giang
Where To Stay Near Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
There is a range of stay options available in Dong Van Karst Plateau, one of the must-visit Vietnam Geoparks, providing a cozy stay. These include:- Binh Minh Hostel: For travelers with a tight budget, the hostel provides clean and comfortable rooms. It is located 15.7 km away from Vietnam Geoparks.
- Dong Van Cliffside House: Along with spacious and well-equipped rooms, the hotel provides a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The hotel is located at a distance of 16.2 km from the Vietnam Geopark.
- Hoang Van Hotel: Just 15.6 km away from the Dong Van Geopark is the very beautiful Hoang Van Hotel. Although it has access to the basic amenities, these are perfect for a comfortable stay at affordable rates.
- Cnd Homestay: The hotel is closest to the Geopark at a distance of only 14.6 km. It provides an authentic and unique traveling experience with the rooms in Hmong and Tay houses.
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Places To Visit Near Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Below are the places you must experience on your trip near this location:1. Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The stunning view of the twin mountains with the clouds weaving magical beauty at the peak is sure to make your eyes gleam with awe. It is stretched across a massive destination providing a great view of the nearby places. - Entry Fee: Free
- Location: QL4C, Quản Bạ, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Recommended Time: March to May and September to November
- Distance from Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: 0 km
For adventure lovers, Lung Cu Flag Tower is a retreat as you will have to climb 839 stone steps to reach the top. The stunning views at the top make all the efforts worth it. The 8 bronze drum faces of the tower depict the different periods in the history of Vietnam.Do not miss exploring the local culture by visiting the traditional villages. The tower is one of the main heritage sites so whenever you’re making a trip here you must visit this exclusive place.
- Entry Fee: INR 134.19 with free entry for children less than 1.3 meters tall.
- Location: Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam
- Recommended Time: October to December.
- Distance from Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: 28.6 km
3. Vuong Palace (Hmong King’s Palace)
The architecture of Hmong King’s Palace follows the feng shui principles blended well with the Hmong culture. In order to highlight the prosperity of the region there are numerous carvings at the palace such as dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, and turtles. - Entry Fee: INR 67.09
- Location: Xà Phìn, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang 310000, Vietnam
- Recommended Time: March to May and September to November
- Distance from Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: 2.9 km
Not far away from the Karst landscape of Dong Van is the very beautiful Meo Vac. Providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, Meo Vac is nestled among valleys. It’s here that you’ll get a taste of the rural life of Vietnam. Explore the Sunday Market when in Meo Vac. Here you can buy some traditional clothes and enjoy the local cuisine.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: Mèo Vạc District, Hà Giang, Vietnam
- Recommended Time: October to April
- Distance from Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark: 39.3 km
Read More: Tropical Treasures: Unraveling Vietnam in Summer
Quick Tips for Travelers!
- The terrain at the Geopark is uneven, so make sure that you carry comfortable shoes.
- Keep yourself hydrated all the time.
- Ask for permission before clicking the pictures of ethnic clothes.
- Go with a local tour guide to explore everything in detail.
- Dispose of trash properly and do not throw it here and there.
- Weather can be cold due to high altitude, so carry winter clothes.
- You should withdraw and carry some cash.
Dong Van Karst Plateau exploration should be on your list when you’re planning to visit Vietnam. As a remote location, you will get to experience a wide range of activities and also get a significant adrenaline rush. Visit during the dry season to explore the beauty of buckwheat flowers blooming and rest in the lap of nature. Amidst all this, make sure to be respectful towards the ethnic communities and culture.
