What to see and do in Dong Van

Dong Van is a mountainous region of Ha Giang Province, located in northern Vietnam. This remarkable and breathtaking region is famous for its limestone plateau, with limestone peaks of various sizes and shapes stretching over thousands of square kilometers. It is also home to many ethnic minorities such as the Tay, H'mong, Dao, Thai and many others, who have lived here for generations. The first H'mong migrated to Vietnam from the Chinese province of Guizhou about 300 years ago and settled in Dong Van, a village on the border with China. Dong Van is particularly renowned for being the "gateway" to one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary roads: the road that connects Dong Van to Meo Vac.

► You can read our Ha Giang highlights and travel guide
 

Dong Van, jewel of North Vietnam - Photo : Internet

Located in the province of Ha Giang, in the far north of Vietnam, Dong Van stands out for its rich history and unique culture. Established in the 17th century by the Qing dynasty, the city of Dong Van was once an important hub for trade and culture. It retains many remnants of its glorious past, including King Hmong’s palace, the old town with its stone houses topped with tiled roofs, and its lively Sunday market, filled with curiosities and colorful flavors.

Nestled in the heart of the karst highlands, Dong Van offers spectacular landscapes, carved by millions of years of erosion. Since 2015, the site of Dong Van has the status of Geoparc managed by UNESCO.

Dong Van is located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, in the province of Ha Giang. It is about 155 km from the city of Ha Giang. Dong Van is about 300 km from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Travelers can get there in different ways.
By bus: Regular buses connect Hanoi to Dong Van in about 6-7 hours. A journey filled with breathtaking scenery. This is the most economical option, but also the longest.
Good to know: Several bus companies offer connections between Hanoi and Dong Van. Tickets can be purchased online or at Hanoi bus stations. The price of the round trip ticket is about 20 dollars.
By motorcycle: An unforgettable experience for thrill seekers, through the famous Ha Giang loop. This 5-day trip through the spectacular landscapes of northern Vietnam is a memorable experience.
Good to know: The road from Hanoi to Dong Van is known to be one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. It is important to be an experienced driver and take all necessary precautions before undertaking this journey.
It is possible to rent a motorcycle in Hanoi for about 100,000 VND (about 4 €) per day.
By private car: for ultimate comfort and total freedom.
Good to know: The price of renting a private car with driver to go to Dong Van is about 2,000,000 VND (about 80 €) per day.
 

View from Ma Pi Leng Pass - Photo : Internet

The best time to visit Dong Van is usually during the months of October to December and February to April. During theses periods, the region experiences a cool and dry climate, with pleasant temperatures and the flowering of cherry and peach trees, which offers picturesque landscapes and beautiful photography opportunities. It is important to note that the limestone plateau of Dong Van can be quite cold in winter, with temperatures falling below 10°C, and that summer can be hot and rainy, making some roads slippery and difficult to travel.

► You may be interested : When to travel to Vietnam?

Dong Van’s gastronomy is rich and authentic. Don’t miss local specialities, such as thang co (a stew of horse viscera), banh cuon, a kind of steamed rice cake, and com lam, sticky rice cooked in a bamboo tube. In addition, the region offers delicacies with flavors of mountain and forest, accompanied by sticky rice five colors, buckwheat pancakes and corn wine. And as often, the local ethnic markets are great places to taste the local culinary specialties

For a total immersion in the local culture, opt for a homestay. You will share the daily life of an H'Mong family and discover their ancestral traditions. More generally, the accommodation offer in Dong Van includes various options such as classic hotels like Hoang Ngoc Hotel which is featured on several booking platforms, as well as a variety of alternative accommodation such as hostels, village residences and guest houses.

► Hiking in the Dong Van Geopark
 

Dong Van, the old town - Photo : Internet

Visit the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Geopark to enjoy spectacular karst landscapes and exceptional geological formations.
Explore Lung Khuy Cave: This huge cave, known as the "cave of lovers", is home to many stalactites and stalagmites so dense that they form real strange alleys that captivate all visitors. According to legend, the dragon genius, who was in charge of protecting the magic well of the cave, fell in love with a young Mông girl, and the couple lived in the cave Lùng Khuy, which means "the dragon in the cave".
Did you know? Water is very present in the traditions of the local people and for them, the source of the Lùng Khuy cave is sacred. During the holidays and the Lunar New Year, the Mông of the region go to the cave to offer this sacred water to their ancestors and implore a good harvest.
Marvel at the Ma Pi Leng Pass: This dizzying pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and the Nho Que River.
Escape along the canyon of Tu San: This deep and narrow canyon is an ideal place for hiking and climbing.
 

Lung Cam village - Photo : Internet

Several cultural events are worth discovering, including the following must-sees:
Dong Van Sunday Market is a lively place where ethnic groups such as Hmong, Tay and Lo Lo congregate. It is possible to take advantage of this lively market to appreciate the artisanal products and culinary specialties of the different ethnic groups of the region, including artisanal products, colorful textiles, silver jewelry and well-known local honey. It is an immersive cultural experience that allows you to discover the diversity of the region.
Dong Van Old Quarter: Located in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Dong Van Old Town is a fascinating and historic city. It is the main city of the Dong Van region, located in the Ha Giang region. About 2,000 people live in the old town, which is a national heritage site. The Han Chinese built the old town of Dong Van in the 17th century. The city was an important shopping center and was known for its textiles, tea and spices. The old town is home to many Chinese temples and shrines and was an important center of Chinese culture.
The old town of Dong Van is very well preserved and offers an excellent example of traditional Chinese architecture. The houses in the town are built of stone and wood, and the streets are narrow and winding. The King H'mong Palace and the Dong Van Flag Tower are among the city’s historical monuments. There is a collection of forty old houses dating from 100 to 300 years. Every full moon night, red lanterns of different sizes illuminate the streets of the ancient city. These days they also serve food and other cultural activities.
Traditional festivals: If you have the opportunity, take part in local festivals such as the Gau Tao Festival of H'Mong or the Long Tong Festival of Tay to live unique experiences and discover local traditions
Lung Cam Village: Lung Cam Village in Ha Giang Province, Vietnam is a popular tourist destination. The village is famous for its traditional stone houses and beautiful scenery. The Lo Lo people, famous for their colourful costumes and jewellery, live in this typical and picturesque village.
The palace of King Hmong: This imposing palace testifies to the domination of the Hmong in the region. This historic palace offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Hmong, and it is worth exploring to better understand the local heritage. While visiting it, you will discover that it was built under the reign of Vuong Chinh Duc and that it cost 15,000 piastres. The palace, which uses local materials, is a subtle combination of traditional Chinese and Hmong architectures. It is located in the valley of Sa Phin, in the commune of Lung Phin, in the district of Dong Van.

► Heading to Lung Cu !
 

Lo Lo in Dong Van - Photo : Internet

Cycle through the Ha Giang loop: This 300 km loop crosses spectacular landscapes and allows you to discover remote villages.
Kayaking on the Nho Que River: An activity that allows you to discover the canyon of Tu San from another angle.
Participate in a trek in the mountains, one of the flagship activities of the district and the Province.

Viewpoint Hoang Mạc Đá Sảng Tĭng – Offers panoramic views of the karst landscapes of the region
Sang Tung Stone Desert Viewpoint is a popular new tourist destination in Hà Giang. We come here for its unique rock formations, stacked on top of each other, which create a wild and majestic landscape.
To get to the viewpoint of the stone desert of Sang Tung, you can take a motorcycle or a car from Ha Giang. Follow the 4C national road for about 200 km to the city of Dong Van. Then continue on the Song Lo road for about 20 km to reach the town of Sang Tung. Once at the lookout, you can climb the rock formations to admire the panoramic view of the surroundings. It is an ideal place to take pictures and capture beautiful moments.
Good to know:
Location: Sảng Tĭng Commune, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang Province, Vietnam
Entrance fee: 20,000 dongs/person
Opening hours: 6h00 - 18h00

Hang Rồng Sảng Tĭng (Dragon Cave Sang Tung) – An underground cavity to explore
Hang Lung Thang is another name for the Dragon Cave in Sang Tung. It was discovered in 2014 and quickly became a popular tourist destination. Because of its many chambers and galleries, each with its own unique geological formations, including giant stalactites and stalagmites that look like dragons and other mythical creatures.
To get to the Blood Dragon Cave, you can take a motorbike or car from downtown Hà Giang. Follow the 4C national road to reach the town of Sang Tung, as indicated above.
Good to know:
Location: Sảng Tĭng Commune, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang Province, Vietnam
Entrance fee: 40,000 dongs/person
Opening hours: 7:30 - 17:00
 

King of H'mong Palace - Photo : Internet

Đồng Văn Điĭm Hĭn Nơi Cĭc Bĭc – An iconic place in Dong Van
The meeting point at the far north of Dong Van is an observation platform located on the Ma Pi Leng Pass, about 20 km from the city of Dong Van. It is the ideal place to admire the breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers of the region.
To get there, you can take a motorcycle or a car from the city center of Ha Giang, follow the 4C national road for about 290 km to the Ma Pi Leng pass. The meeting point is located just off the road. Once arrived, enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings.
Good to know:
Location: National Road 4C, Đồng Văn District, Hà Giang Province, Vietnam
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24h/24 and 7/7

Dong Van is more than just a destination, it is an invitation to discover a unique culture and beautiful landscapes. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of this place and live an unusual experience.
Some of our Tours in Ha Giang Provice :

► Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights
► Northern loop Ha Giang - Ba Be 5 days 4 nights