Explore Geopark with three experiencing routes

With over 60% of the area is limestone at an average elevation of over 1,000m above sea level, Dong Van Rock Plateau is famous for deep canyons, steep cliffs, sharp peaks, a wide range of stone, derests with a lot of rocks, craggu paths hidden in the clouds,… – majestic and overwhelming landscapes make us be aware of their small status before the Mother of the Nature. Here, visitors can learn, discover the lively evolution history of the Earth from about 500 million year ago.

Famous for being a “thirsty region”, however, Dong Van Rock Plateau is home to 17 ethnic minorities, such as Mong, Dao, Tay, Nung, Giay, La Chi, Lo Lo, Pu Peo,… with a lot of ethnic cultural tarditions which are rich in identity. This is also a world of biodiversity, with plants and animals, limestone in tropical, subtropicaland temperate climates.

The Management Board of Dong van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark would like to introduce to visitors three experience routes that have been put into operation.

From Quan Ba to Yen Minh: Journey to the beginning of life

From Ha Giang city across the majestic Bac Sum slope to the Quan Ba heaven gate which is at 1,200m altitude, visitors will begin their experience with a lot of geological heritage spots-long-term historical evidences in this area. The highlight here is a pair of limestone in the shape of a hat – which is also called “Breast of a fairy” – a fairy left the breast to raise her child. The legend of the origin of the life loomed along the road: “the flow of milk from the fairy” – The Mien river, fertile land, rich herbs and cultural heritage values of Mong people and Dao people,… what a hymm about life and the Earth!

Some places to visit and experience along route 1: Temple of Dan village, Thach Son God, Binh An Temple, Ethnic cultural community house of Bo Y, Quan Ba heaven gate, Quan Ba information station, Cooperative of corn wine Thanh Van, Tam Son broken slinding face, Breast of a fairy, Culture village of Nam Dam, Dong Lung Khuy, Brocade cooperative Can Ty, Can Ty forest, Can Ty wall, Yen Minh information station.

From Yen Minh to Dong Van: Life’s tone on rocky areas

The terrain of limestone mountain in the form of numerous clusters of high and sharp peaks, deep and narrow valleys makes this journey full of winding, up and down, making tourists fell as if they are sitting on a roller coaster. It is indeed that the melody of life of a “rock culture” of indigenouspeople, with houses of traditional yin and yang roofs, stone fences surrounding,… and especially the skills of cultivating in stone niches. The people here are “living on rocks, dyring in rocks”, meeting most of their basic needs from rocks.

Some places to visit and experience along route 2: Van Chai stone book, Van Chai seal beach, Doc Tham Ma, Lung Cam cultural village, Traditional house of Mong people, Global life crisis in Sung La, Sang Tung Dragon Cave, Lunar Terrain, architectural art relic of Vuong Dynasty, Thai Phin Tung sacred tree, National Cultural Museum of the rock plateau, Dong Van information station, Dong Van ancient town, Temple of Water God, Don Cao Relic.

From Dong Van to Meo Vac: Journey to pride and happiness

This journey will probably leave visitors with the most memorable impressions. In addition to the unique geological heritage such as Tu San Abyss which is the deepest in Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng which is “the most majestic”, visitors will have chance to experience the walking route “Cloudy Road” – “flying” on the majestic scenery hidden in the clouds. Lung Cu flagpole on the top of Rong Mountain, the statue of Youth Volunteers marks a great time, when tens of thousands of young people from all regions sacrified to make the Happiness road… will wake up the feelings of pride and happiness in the hearts of tourists.

Some places to visit and experience along route 3: Seo Ho Hydropower Plant, Seo Ho Intrusion Stone, Observation Point in Khe Lia Abyss, Giay Ma Le Ancient House, Lung Cu Flagpole, Lo Lo Chai Village, Voluntary youth monument, White Cliff walking route, Ma Pi Leng stop, Ma Pi Leng panoramic view point, Meo Vac information station, Flower and Rock garden of President Ho Chin Minh, Lo Lo Brocade Cooperative, Traditional House of Mong people, Meo People and Vac People, Mint and Honey Cooperative Tuan Dung.

At the moment, Ha Giang is researching to build and put into operation the 4^th road connecting heritage sites along Quan Ba route through Yen Minh to Meo Vac. The “experiencing routes” will be a great opportunity for visitors to explore a part of the Rock Plateau as well as partners of the park and indigenous people. Each route has its own features, complementing each other in a complete manner, and each route can go and back in a day or longer if time permitted.