Trek to Dong Van stone plateau
Would you like to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility on a trip to Vietnam? The trek in the middle of the Dong Van limestone plateau, the most gigantic in Vietnam, along the Vietnamese border, will make you experience an unforgettable trip.
Located 130 km from Ha Giang city, Dong Van Stone Plateau covers four districts Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. It is known as one of the 77 geological parks in the world and the second in Southeast Asia after Langkawi in Malaysia. An ideal place for those who love adventure, nature and ethnic minority culture.
During the trek, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the wild landscapes of soaring mountains, limestone peaks, green hills, lush forests, corn fields.
More than a trek, this adventure allows you to immerse yourself in the life of the ethnic minorities that you will meet many such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Nung, the Lolo. These minorities live from the culture of rice along the basins of the Nho Que river and corn on the rocky slopes of the mountains. You will live unforgettable moments while discovering unique customs and traditions, typical traditional houses and delicious cuisine.
Dong Van also attracts backpackers with its century-old houses in the old part of town and the many lively and colorful markets in the area.
Where to go trekking in Dong Van stone plateau ?
Here are the best trekking places of Dong Van stone plateau :
Dong Van
The area around Dong Van town offers half-day and full-day walking routes among the limestone mountains. You will walk along the Vietnam-China border, visit remote villages (Ma Pang, Ma Tia, Ha De, Sang Ma Sao and Ma U) bordering the border and discover the different aspects of the Hmong and Tay ethnic minorities. You can explore Thien Huong, a hundred-year-old village on the mountainside with traditional Tay houses.
Meo Vac
Meo Vac is famous for its autumn buckwheat flower fields. It is a great place to trek along the hillside downstream of the beautiful Nho Que River, through lush green valleys, hills and corn fields. While trekking in Meo Vac, you can visit the Sang Pa A village of the Black Lolo ethnic group, where the traditional culture is still well preserved.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Perched at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level, Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the four largest passes in northern Vietnam. A trek to Ma Pi Leng Pass is a must for nature and adventure lovers. You will have the opportunity to conquer the steep cliffs of the pass while admiring the incredible beauty of the beautiful Nho Que River.
When to go trekking in Dong Van stone plateau ?
The Dong Van stone plateau has a temperate climate which is divided into two seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The average annual temperature is 21-23°C. It reaches 27-28°C in July and August and can drop below 0°C in January.
You can trek in Dong Van all year round, but the best season is from February to April and October to November. This is the period of buckwheat flowering.
December to January: It is very cold. So you should dress warmly. This is also the season of bright yellow canola (rape) flowers in places like Quyet Tien, Pho Cao and Sung La. A trek is ideal after the Tet holidays in late January or February, the area is full of plum and peach flowers.
From March to April, the weather is pleasant for trekking. It is also the season of the red kapok tree flowers.
In summer, from May to September, it is the rainy season. It is hot and humid. It is not the best time for trekking in this region.
Dong Van is an ideal destination for adventure, nature and ethnic minority culture lovers.
With its stunning scenery, colorful weekly markets and rich ethnic culture, the Dong Van stone plateau is a must-see destination for backpackers.
