Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark at a glance
The Dong Van Karst Plateau (Cao nguyên đá Đồng Văn) is a UNESCO Global Geopark in Ha Giang, at the northern edge of Vietnam next to China. It has belonged to the Global Geoparks Network since 3 October 2010. The plateau lies mostly at 1,000 to 1,600 m, and its landscape of karst peaks, deep valleys and mountain villages is what riders on the Ha Giang loop come to see.
The geopark covers about 2,356 km². Historically it takes in the districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Since the merger of 2025, Ha Giang belongs to Tuyen Quang province, but the geopark keeps its name. You can cover it in a few days on the road, for example on an Ha Giang Loop tour or with an Easy Rider.
What the geopark status means
And what it does not.
A UNESCO Global Geopark
Say "UNESCO Global Geopark" for the plateau. It is not a UNESCO World Heritage site and not a national park. A geopark is an area with geological, biological and cultural places to visit.
No single ticket
There is no entry ticket for the whole geopark. Individual sights set their own fees, for example the Lung Cu Flag Tower and the Vuong Palace. See the costs below.
Rules of the road
The status gives no permission to collect fossils or rocks or to ride off the road. Do not expect to see wildlife on demand either, because no sighting can be promised.
A review in 2026
The geopark had its regular review visit from 25 to 27 July 2026, with inspections at 34 sites. A visit is a step in the process and not a final decision about its status.
Our pick: a tour of the karst plateau
This 2-day loop is named after the Dong Van Geopark and crosses the karst plateau with an easy rider.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours across the Dong Van Karst Plateau
Multi-day loop tours, Easy Rider rides and day trips through the geopark, with live prices and availability.
Places to visit in the geopark
Sights on or near the loop, in route order.
Quan Ba and the Heaven Gate
The Heaven Gate and the Twin Mountains stand in Quan Ba, on the way toward Yen Minh. No fixed opening hours or clear views can be promised.
Quan Ba →Yen Minh pine forest
A pine forest grows at roughly 1,000 to 1,300 m near Na Khe, Lao Va Chai and Bach Dich. It is a common overnight stop in the loop plans.
Dong Van and the Vuong Palace
Dong Van has an old quarter and a Sunday market. The Vuong Palace stands in the village of Sa Phin. Entry in 2026 is VND 30,000.
Dong Van →Lung Cu Flag Tower
The tower on Dragon Mountain lies 25 km north of Dong Van. Entry in 2026 is VND 40,000.
Lung Cu →Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River
The pass runs for about 20 km on the QL4C between Dong Van and Meo Vac, above 1,200 m. The Nho Que River flows in the gorge below.
Ma Pi Leng →Meo Vac and Du Gia
Meo Vac has a Sunday market. The Du Gia waterfall lies in the commune of Du Gia, which also has a visitor center. Do not count on swimming there.
Meo Vac →People and culture on the plateau
The geopark is also a place where people live.
Seventeen ethnic groups live on the plateau. Hmong, Lô Lô and Giáy are among them, and each group has its own customs. Visit villages and markets as a guest. Ask before you take a photo of a person, and do not treat anyone as a sight.
In Lung Tam, in the Quan Ba area, traditional Hmong weaving of hemp and linen and embroidery continue. There is no fixed time for visits, so ask locally instead of turning up with a schedule. Read more on the history and ethnic groups page.
When to go and what to pay
Seasons and fees in 2026.
| Place | Base fee 2026 | With 50 percent reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Cu Flag Tower | VND 40,000 | VND 20,000 |
| Vuong Palace | VND 30,000 | VND 15,000 |
Children under 6 enter free. Buckwheat blooms from October to December, with the main weeks in early November, but not on every field and not every year. Summer is the wetter season, with June to August the wettest months, and winter on the plateau is colder than in the valley. See the best time to visit for the month-by-month picture. For most travelers, a 3 or 4 day loop covers the geopark well, and guided or Easy Rider trips take care of the road.
More about the geopark region
Pages for the next stops.
Dong Van Karst Plateau: frequently asked questions
Is the Dong Van Karst Plateau a UNESCO World Heritage site?
No. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark, a member of the Global Geoparks Network since 3 October 2010.
How big is the geopark?
About 2,356 km².
Do I need a ticket for the geopark?
No ticket covers the whole geopark. Individual sights charge their own fees, for example VND 40,000 for the Lung Cu Flag Tower in 2026.
Which districts belong to it?
Historically Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. Since 2025 the area is part of Tuyen Quang province, so you may see old and new administrative names side by side.
How many days do I need?
Most loop plans use 3 or 4 days. That is enough for the main stops, but not for every sight.