Dong Van stone plateau, the terrific beauty of Ha Giang

With many heritage of geological, stratigraphic, architectural and cultural unique features of the highland, Dong Van stone plateau has touch the hearts of worldwide visitors. Comes along with a wild, pure and mysterious beauty, Dong Van stone plateau has been recognized by UNESCO as one of a remarkable site and the first global geological park of Vietnam. 

♦ Location of Dong Van Stone plateau 

Situated at around 132km along the 4C Road, Dong Van stone plateau is one of the most majestic and impressive rocky mountain in the northern region of Vietnam.  From Ha Giang, if tourists choose the 4C highway which is about 43 km to Quan Ba district; following up the rugged road to Can Ty pass, subtropical pine forest and twisty slopes, they can catch a sight Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac province before reaching the stone plateau. 

♦ Geographical feature 

Located at an average elevation of 1,000m– 1,600 m above the seas level, Dong Van stone plateau covers an area of nearly 2,356 km², extending to Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van districts of Ha Giang province. This is one of the special limestone areas of the country, keeping the typical movement of the establishment of the earth’s crust. Dong Van stone plateau accounts for 80% of limestone formations, made up of very different environmental conditions and periods of development that last for hundreds of millions of years. 

♦ The hidden beauty of the land of northern mountain area  

As mentioned above, Dong Van stone plateau is one of the special limestone karst areas, bearing typical markers of the history of the earth's crust development, natural phenomena, unique landscape of aesthetics, biodiversity, and traditional culture of the community of indigenous people. 

With a rich geological and mineral resources together with unique and impressive culture of Mong, Lo Lo, Pu Pu, Dao minority, Dong Van stone plateau deserves to become a global geological park. The plateau is also home to many of the nation's most recognized monuments, including the Vuong's palace, Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dong Van Old Town, Ma Pi Leng Pass and Quan Ba Double Mountain. 

Passing over 100km of pass with folded folding crotch to the middle of the deep abyss, tourists can take chance to cool off and inhale a good dose of revitalizing oxygen while admiring the wild and majestic scenery of the Dong Van stone plateau. 

♦ Conquering Ha Giang rock plateau - Travel guide 

1. The right time for a trip to explore the Ha Giang Stone Plateau

November and December is marked as the blooming season of Ha Giang’s famous buckwheat flower, which is also the right time for tourists to organize a trip to this terrific highland. However, in fact, Ha Giang is beautiful and appealing for all year round.  

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2. How to get to Ha Giang stone plateau   

The distance from Ha Noi to Ha Giang is 320 Km, relatively far and struggle for tourists to ride motorbike, or drive a private car to this land. According to experienced travelers, the most popular route is Hanoi - Vinh Yen - Doan Hung - Phu Tho - Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang. Both motorcycles and cars are accessible, however, to save time, you should go to Vinh Yen, turn right on Son Duong Road to Nong Tien. On the arrival in Ha Giang city center you have to go 140 km more to Dong Van stone plateau.  

From Ha Noi to Ha Giang: If you do not have a private car, you can take the bus to Ha Giang bus station and catch a couch to Dong Van town. If you are traveling from Hanoi, you should consider Ngoc Cuong, Hai Van, Cau Me, from My Dinh bus station. (Price per ticket 150,000 – 200,000 VND) 

From Ha Giang to Dong Van: The price of bus ticket from Ha Giang to Dong Van varies from 70,000 – 80,000 VND / person / ticket. In addition to travel by coach, you can rent motorcycles for 150,000 - 200,000VND / day 

With magnificent landscape with terraced fields, beautiful fields of flowers and fascinating ethnic highland culture, Dong Van stone plateau will an enchanting and attractive destination. Do not hesitate to explore this land.  

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