Dong Van, the land at the country’s forefront, has long been a dream destination for travel and exploration enthusiasts. This place is not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes and overlapping rocky mountains but also a repository of unique cultural values of ethnic minorities. Let’s explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau to fully experience the pristine and enchanting beauty of this land.
Conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass and Tu San Canyon
A journey to explore Dong Van cannot miss Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the “four great passes” of Vietnam. The winding pass, with a vertical cliff on one side and a deep abyss on the other, offers thrilling and adventurous experiences. Standing on the top of the pass, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the majestic Ma Pi Leng canyon, the deepest tectonic trench in Vietnam.
Continuing the journey, visitors will experience boating on the Nho Que River, weaving through Tu San Canyon, a unique geological wonder of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. With cliff heights reaching 700-800m, a length of 1.7km, and a depth of 700-900m, Tu San Canyon is known as the “most magnificent wonder” of the highlands. Sitting on a boat, visitors will feel their smallness before the majestic nature and have the opportunity to capture memorable moments with the emerald green river and towering cliffs.
Nho Que River flowing through the cliffs of Tu San Canyon
Discover Lung Cu Flagpole and Buckwheat Flower Fields
Lung Cu Flagpole, the northernmost point of the country, is an unmissable destination when visiting Dong Van. From here, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery of terraced fields, interspersed with the unique Trinh Tuong houses of the Lo Lo people in Seo Lung village.
On the way to Lung Cu, visitors will be immersed in the brilliant beauty of buckwheat flower fields. This flower has a light pink color, with petals clustered into a triangular cone shape, creating a romantic and enchanting scene. Immersing yourself in the flower fields, visitors will feel peace and relaxation, temporarily forgetting the worries of daily life.
Panoramic view from Lung Cu Flagpole overlooking terraced fields
Explore Vuong Family Mansion and Dong Van Sunday Market
Vuong Family Mansion, also known as the King Meo Palace, is a unique architectural work located in the Sa Phin valley. This mansion belonged to Vuong Chinh Duc, the head of the wealthiest and most powerful family in Dong Van Châu in the early 20th century. Visiting the mansion, visitors will admire the sophisticated architectural lines, deeply imbued with H’Mong culture, and better understand the history and life of the Vuong family.
Arriving in Dong Van on the weekend, visitors should not miss the opportunity to participate in Dong Van Sunday Market, one of the most famous markets in the Northeast region. Here, visitors will immerse themselves in the bustling, colorful atmosphere of the highland market, admire unique handicrafts, enjoy local specialties, and interact with friendly and hospitable ethnic minorities.
Exterior of the Vuong Family Mansion with traditional architecture
Experience Unique Cuisine in Dong Van
Dong Van cuisine is a harmonious combination of mountain flavors and the unique features of ethnic minority cultures. Coming here, visitors cannot miss specialties such as Thang Co, Men Men, buckwheat cakes, and Au Tau porridge. Each dish carries its own story, its own flavor, contributing to enriching the travel experience of visitors.
In particular, enjoying Thang Co in the chilly atmosphere of the karst plateau is an unforgettable experience. This dish is made from meat and organs of horses, cows, or pigs, stewed with special spices, creating a rich, fragrant, delicious, and nutritious flavor.
Stay in Yen Minh and Explore the Surrounding Area
Yen Minh town is an ideal stopover for visitors to rest and explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Here, visitors can find many affordable hotels and guesthouses, while easily moving to nearby attractions.
In addition, Yen Minh is also famous for its brilliant yellow mustard flower fields in winter, winding red dirt roads, peaceful villages, and friendly and hospitable ethnic minorities. Take time to explore Yen Minh to fully experience the pristine and enchanting beauty of this land.
Dong Van Karst Plateau is not just a tourist destination, but also a journey to discover culture, history, and people. Coming to Dong Van, visitors will experience new things, feel traditional values, and immerse themselves in majestic nature. Plan your trip to Dong Van today to discover the wonderful things this land has to offer.