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Located on an altitude of 1,000m-1,600m, belonging to 4 districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac, Dong Van (Ha Giang Province), the 2,356km² - Dong Van Karst Plateau is one of Viet Nam's special limestone areas, housing prominent imprints that depict the development of the earth’s crust. Up to 80% of the karst formations of Dong Van Plateau are limestone formed by environment conditions and different development stages of nature.
Geological value
A survey conducted by scientists from the Viet Nam Institute of Geosciences and Natural Resources revealed the finding of 13 fossil - geological formations in Dong Van, including Chang Pung, Lut Xia, Si Ka, Bac Bun, Mia Le, Si Phai, Toc Tat, Lung Nam, Bac Son, Dong Dang, Song Hien, Hong Ngai, and Lan Pang. Of which, Chang Pung is the oldest one with date of 540 million years.
In addition, 19 paleontology groups were also discovered in Dong Van, including Brachiopoda (Tay cuon), Tabulata (San ho vach day), Tetracoralla (San ho bon tia), Stromatoporoidea (Lo tang), Trilobita (Bo ba thuy), Polybranchiaspis liaojiaoshanensis (Ca co), Foraminifera (Trung lo), Tentaculies (Vo non), Conodonta (Rang non), Pelecypoda (Chan riu), Gastropoda (Chan bung), Cephalopoda (Chan dau), Bryozoans (Dong vat dang reu), Crinoidea (Hue bien), Sclerotesta (Vo cung), Ancient Crustacean (Giap xac co), Hydrilla verticillata (Thuc vat thuy sinh), Spirulina (Tao), and Chitinozoa. The paleontology groups have helped scientists draw a complete picture of development history in terms of geology of Dong Van Karst Plateau in particular and northeast Viet Nam and south China in general.
Geomorphology value
The tectonic activities created canyons in Dong Van Karst Plateau, particularly in limestone area. Among karst canyons in Dong Van, Tu San is the most beautiful and majestic canyon. From Ma Pi Leng Pass beside Tu San Canyon, tourists can observe the wonderful folds of Devonian limestone.
Thanks to weather changes and Dong Van's geo-diversity, the karst evolution has created “rock gardens” and “rock forests” of diverse forms in the area, such as Khau Vai rock garden (Meo Vac) where tourist can contemplate the peaks of rocks in the shape of different kinds of flowers, Lung Pu rock garden (Meo Vac) with animal-shaped rocks such as tiger and dragon, Van Chai rock garden (Dong Van) with round flagstones arranged like thousands of black sea lions leaning one another getting some rest on the beach. However, found commonly here are ranges of mountains running one after another to form pyramids heading up to skies. A system of caves and grottos found in the Dong Van Plateau provides a proof of the evolution of karst with Rong Cave in Sang Tung (Dong Van), Kho My Cave in Tung Vai (Quan Ba), En Grotto in Van Chai (Dong Van)...
Ecological value
The scientists have also evaluated Dong Van Plateau as having a unique and diverse mountainous geo-ecosystem. Primitive forests here have been rather undamaged, habiting many rare floral species, including Burretiodendron hsienmu (Nghien), Taxus Wallichiana Zucc (Thong do), Amentotaxus hatuyenensis (De tung soc nau), Cephalotaxus hainanensis (Dinh tung), Podocarpus pilgeri Foxw (Thong tre la ngan), Cupressus funebris (Hoang dan ru)… especially over 40 species of orchids. Dong Van Plateau also has a rich diversity of habitat for fauna as scientists have spotted over 50 species of wild animals, birds and reptiles in the site such as Capri conrnis sumatresis (Son duong), Rhinopithecus avunculus (Vooc mui hech), Sus cristatus (Lon rung), Garrulax canorus (Hoa mi)...
Cultural value
Dong Van Karst Plateau also contains unique cultural values of 17 ethnic minority groups such as Mong, Dao, Lo Lo, Tay, Nung… Since long time, the ethnic groups in Dong Van has had rich cultural and spiritual life. It is expressed clearly through the cultivation method in the small rock caves or mountain sides. They also use rocks to build houses; hold water and land… To Dong Van, tourists can see the rock gardens dotted with green corn fields and golden rice fields
In addition, highland markets as Pho Bang, Dong Van, Lung Cu, Sa Phin… together with traditional festivals, cuisine… also contribute making the picture of Dong Van Karst Plateau more attractive and lively.
Archaeological value
Archaeological excavations in Dong Van proved this is one of the places where keep traces of prehistoric culture. Archaeologists discovered 2 remains of the Paleolithic Age in Can Ty (Quan Ba) and Pho Bang (Dong Van) and 2 ones of the Neolithic Age in Bach Dich and Yen Minh Town (Yen Minh District). In addition, a pair of antique bronze drums of Lo Lo ethnic people in Dong Van is typical relic of Dong Son culture more than 2,000 years ago.
On October 3, 2010, in Lesvos (Greece), Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognized as official member of Global Geo-parks Network (GGN) for its prominent values on landscape, palaeobiology, geology, geomorphology and local culture. Dong Van Karst Plateau has become the first geo-park of Viet Nam and the second one in Southeast Asia (after Langkawi Geo-park in Malaysia).
SOME OUTSTANDING DESTINATIONS:
- Lung Cu Flag Tower in Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, about 20km from Dong Van Town to the north.
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| holy Lung Cu flag tower |
- Ma Pi Leng Pass – Tu San Canyon in 3 communes of Pai Lung, Pa Vi and Xin Cai (Meo Vac District).
- Khau Vai Rock Garden in Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, about 15km from Meo Vac Town to the southeast.
- Kho My Cave in Kho My Hamlet, Tung Vai Commune, Quan Ba District, about 20km from Tam Son Town to the west.
- Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin Valley, Sa Phin Commune, Dong Van District, about 24km from Dong Van Town to the southwest.
- Lung Cam Tren Culture – Tourism Village in Sung La Valley, Sung La Commune, Dong Van District, about 20km from Dong Van Town to the south.
- Khau Vai Love Market in Khau Vai Hamlet, Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, about 30km from Meo Vac Town to the south.
- Quan Ba Twin Mountain in Na Khoang Hamlet, Tam Son Town, Quan Ba District, about 7km from Tam Son Town to the south.
- Dong Van Ancient Quarter in Dong Van Town, Dong Van District.
Thu Giang – Thúy Hằng (TITC)
USEFUL INFORMATION
Specialties: On the market-day on Sunday (Dong Van, Meo Vac fairs...) visitors can enjoy dishes such as men men (steamed ground corn), color steamed glutinous rice, corn bread, chicken, dried beef, Meo colza, bamboo shoots, thang co (a special local soup), smoked bacon and sausages, corn liquor...
Souvenirs:
Visitors can buy traditional products such as brocade, linen, jewelry,... in the cultural villages, traditional craft villages, attractions, fairs ... on the karst plateau.
Things to note when visiting the karst plateau:
- Dress in a pleasingly tidy manner, smooth lightweight shoes with low sole (or sneakers) and soft stockings, warm clothing as the weather getting colder at night.
- Baggage should be neat, not bulky to move easily.
- Should be equipped phones with Google map system, using Vina, Viettel, Mobi network.
- Prepare personal medicine bag for common diseases by cold weather.
- Bring cash because there are very few ATMs in the town center.
- Fill up before starting the trips as the gas stations just are gathered in the towns.
- If you are planning on staying overnight in the forests, you have to prepare picnic tents, multifunctional cooker...
- Ensure safety for children and seniors when car stops along the way
- Comply with environmental regulations.
- Do not trespass caves and surroundings such as breaking off stalactites...
The Karst Plateau Guide
For tourist guide services, management and tourism related information on the karst plateau, please contact to Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark.
Management Board of Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark
Group 16 - Tran Phu Ward - Ha Giang City - Ha Giang Province
Tel/Fax: (84-219) 3860 393
Email: info@dongvangeopark.com; hagianggeopark@gmail.com
Website: http://dongvangeopark.com
Climate
The climate is divided in two distinct seasons, rainy season (from May to October) and dry season (from November to April). The annual average temperature varies between 24 and 28oC. In winter, the temperature is sometimes down to -5oC. The best time to visit Dong Van is the spring. Tourists are hit by wonderful landscapes composed by yellow cai (kale) flowers and pink peach flowers in full blossom, mossy tiled roofs of stilt houses, dark green rocks and blue skies.
IF YOU GO
GETTING THERE
Spring and fall are the best months for travel in Ha Giang; the weather is temperate and generally clear.
GETTING AROUND
There are several companies that offer tours of Ha Giang by motorbike or car that begin and end in Hanoi and include an English-speaking guide, accommodations, meals, permits and entrance fees. Most can be customized to include local market days if they coincide with a trip. Prices are per person based on a group of four, and exclude airfare. They cite their rates in U.S. dollars.
WHERE TO STAY
In Dong Van, the 16-room Rocky Plateau Hotel is basic and comfortable, with doubles start from 300,000 dong. Reservations can be made through Mr. Anh (84-9-154-8668; karstplateau@gmail.com).
In Ha Giang town, Huy Hoan Hotel (14 Phuong Nguyen Trai; +84-21-9386-1288) is a modern, clean option with large rooms and private bathrooms. Doubles start from 250,000 dong.
Twenty-five miles south of Ha Giang town, Pan Hou Village (+84-21-9383-3565) is a charming eco-resort with 30 rooms in traditional stilt houses; doubles start at $57, including breakfast. Beautifully designed with a restaurant, bar and small spa, it’s a good base to use for exploring the northernmost parts of Ha Giang.
How to get the karst plateau
From Ha Giang City, visitors travel on National Highway 4C for 43km to Quan Ba. Continuing on this highway through Can Ty Pass, pine forests, steep drops, deep ravines, and razor sharp turns, visitors will reach to Dong Van karst plateau.
TOUR RECOMMEND:
Ha Noi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang – Ha NoiWe depart from Ha Noi to the most northern point tours of Vietnam. Ha Giang province which is about 300 km away from Ha Noi is a well-known region for different ethnic minority groups, colourful traditional hand-made clothes and busy local market on its gathering day. Tour to Ha Giang Northern Loop Adventure Tour
(Meal Code: ‘B’ – Breakfast, ‘L’ – Lunch, ‘D’ – Dinner’
AY 1: HA NOI - HA GIANG (-/L/D)
DAY 2: HA GIANG - QUAN BA - DONG VAN (B/L/D)
DAY 3: DONG VAN - MEO VAC (B/L/D)
Day 4: MEO VAC - HA GIANG (B/L/D)
DAY 5: HA GIANG - HA NOI (B/L/-)
More detail: http://dulichmucangchai.com.vn/tour/tourdetail/136
FOR VIETNAM TRAVEL SUGGESTION: CLICK HERE YOUR CUSTOMIZED TOUR
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