Dong Van is a district encompassing two cities, Dong Van and Pho Bang, together with 17 communes. It’s about 320 kilometers away from Hanoi. This
northernmost space of Vietnam, which shares a 52.5-km border with China, usually serves as a stopover for these journeying to Ha Giang Metropolis. Right here,
the essence of native tradition and pure magnificence converge. Dong Van’s panorama is advanced, with rocky mountains sculpting deep valleys and an
common elevation of 1,500 meters above sea stage.

WHEN TO GO

Dong Van is immersed in a monsoon local weather imbued with continental traits. The area receives a substantial common annual rainfall
of 1,750 to 2,000 millimeters, concentrated primarily from Might to October. The dry season spans from November to April.

Annual temperatures hover round 20 levels Celsius, sometimes dipping to 1-2 levels Celsius throughout the coldest months, and reaching
practically 40 levels Celsius at their peak. Humidity envelops the air at round 84%. Winter would possibly even convey frost and the occasional snowfall to
the area.

Dong Van Plateau is beautiful all year long, with every season having its personal allure. Here is an outline of the perfect instances to go to:

– January-February: Take pleasure in peach and plum blossoms, and yellow brassica napus flowers swaying within the mist.

– March-April: See highland crimson bombax ceiba flowers blooming brightly.

– April-Might: Expertise terraced rice fields with flowing water.

– September-October: View ripe golden rice fields.

– October-December: Admire the bloom of buckwheat flowers.

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Dong Van Outdated City

Positioned on the coronary heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau International Geopark, Dong Van Outdated City is an unmissable gem. This city emerged over a century
in the past from what was as soon as a wild valley. When considered from above, Dong Van Outdated City kinds a U-shaped association of homes with yin and yang tiled
roofs. This consists of homes and small-scale companies, all showcasing traits that mirror the identification of the rocky plateau.

One shouldn’t overlook the chance to savor Pho Co Cafe on the nook of Dong Van
central market. It is positioned in a hundred-year-old mountain-leaning home.

Tham Ma Slope

Tham Ma Slope is a rugged a part of Nationwide Freeway 4C, neighboring Yen Minh and Dong Van districts. This highway is famend for being one of many
most perilous within the North, spanning 5 kilometers with 9 winding turns. A go to guarantees breathtaking views and the possibility to immerse your self in
native legends.

Vuong Mansion

The Vuong Mansion in Sa Phin Commune, constructed within the early twentieth century, replicates Qing Dynasty (China) structure. It took 8 years to
assemble the mansion, which graces 1,120 meters of land.

The mansion resembles a tortoise shell, surrounded by tall agarwood bushes. It options two stone partitions with battements and guardhouses.

The palace encompasses three stilted homes: the primary home faces the gate, whereas two outbuildings run parallel and perpendicular to it. All
three constructions, from columns to roofs, are crafted from valuable wooden.

Vuong Mansion rests subsequent to Freeway 4C on the route from Ha Giang Metropolis to Dong Van, 13 kilometers from the middle of Dong Van City. In 1993,
Vuong Mansion was acknowledged as a nationwide architectural and creative relic by the Ministry of Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism.

Nho Que River

The Nho Que River originates in Yunnan Province, China, flows northwest to southeast by way of Dong Van and Meo Vac districts in Ha Giang
Province, and joins the Gam River in Cao Bang Province. The river stretches for 46 kilometers inside Vietnam, passing Lung Cu Commune and Tu
San Canyon, after which following the Ma Pi Leng Cross.

The river’s water is turquoise for many of the yr.

Native tour corporations supply boat rides and kayaking for guests, with rental costs starting from VND50,000 to VND150,000 ($2.10 to $6.25) per
boat, relying on the sort.

To entry the wharf, guests must undergo a zigzag path. It is advisable to rent a neighborhood information aware of the route to make sure a secure
journey.

Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Tower stands on Lung Cu Peak, at 1,470 meters above sea stage in Lung Cu Commune. It is roughly 3.3 kilometers from
Vietnam’s northernmost level, and is 24 kilometers from Dong Van City.

With a wealthy historical past, the flagpole has seen quite a few renovations and enhancements. Presently, it stands over 30 meters tall with an octagonal
form and was inaugurated on September 25, 2010. At its pinnacle, a 9-meter excessive flagpole carries the Vietnamese nationwide flag over an space of 54
meters sq.. From the highest, one can see two perennial ponds on both facet of the mountain, also known as the “dragon’s eye” ponds.

Sung La buckwheat flower discipline

About 20 kilometers from Dong Van City, Sung La Commune contains a buckwheat flower discipline beneath rock cliffs. The native Hmong group
cultivates buckwheat on steep hillsides, making this spot one among Ha Giang’s most beautiful flower-viewing areas. The prime time to go to is from
October to November.

Pao’s Home

Pao’s Home, located in Sung La Commune, was constructed in 1947. It served because the backdrop for the movie “Pao’s Story.” The home showcases
the architectural fashion of the native Hmong group within the rocky highlands, encompassed on all sides with a central courtyard. The entrance yard is
adorned with stone paving and bordered by the area’s signature bushes equivalent to plums, apricots, and peaches. Visiting this spot incurs a charge of
VND10,000 (40 cents) per vacationer.

Pho Bang City

In comparison with busier places, Pho Bang City presents a way of unhurried time. House to over 500 Chinese language and Hmong residents, the city is
acknowledged for its tranquil and historic ambiance. Pho Bang is positioned near the Vietnam-China border and is positioned about 5 kilometers away
from the nationwide freeway.

Pho Cao ethnic market

Pho Cao ethnic market is located 25 kilometers from Dong Van City and is open each 6 days, sometimes from daybreak till midday. It serves as each
a market for getting and promoting items, together with native merchandise, and a hub for cultural interactions among the many area’s 17 ethnic teams.
The market bustles with exercise, as folks showcase their best apparel and supply a various vary of things equivalent to livestock, clothes, knives,
and freshly harvested backyard greens.

WHAT TO EAT

Au tau porridge

Au tau (Aconitum Fortunei
Hemsl) porridge is a Ha Giang specialty constructed from substances like au tau tubers, rice, pork, pork rolls, eggs, greens, and extra.
Au tau tubers are generally discovered within the highlands of Ha Giang. Regardless of being initially poisonous, native processing turns them right into a scrumptious
dish.

Au tau additionally holds medicinal worth, aiding in relieving colds, muscle leisure, fatigue discount, and selling higher sleep. To
put together the porridge, tubers are soaked in rice water for round 10 hours, then simmered for prolonged intervals till they soften and lose their
toxicity.

Guests can discover au tau porridge at Moc Mien porridge store in Dong Van Market.

Rice rolls

This dish consists of rice flour, meat, wooden ear mushroom, pork bones, pork rolls, and spices. The rice flour is soaked in a single day and combined with
spices. When ordered, the batter is poured onto a heated mildew on the spot. After round 3 minutes, the rice rolls are cooked, stuffed with meat
and stir-fried wooden ear mushroom, reduce into smaller items, positioned on a plate, and topped with fried shallots and coriander.

In contrast to rice rolls in lots of areas, Ha Giang rolls are eaten with
broth. The broth is constructed from simmering pork bones, leading to a candy and savory taste. Locals point out that as a result of chilly mountain
mornings, folks eat rice rolls with broth to heat themselves.

Guests can take pleasure in rice rolls at Ms. Ha’s eatery on 31 Outdated City Avenue, Ha Giang Metropolis, or at Ms. Lieu’s eatery on 3/2/No. 22 Nationwide Freeway
4C, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Metropolis.

Buckwheat cake

Buckwheat cake is crafted from buckwheat flower seeds. After harvesting, the seeds are dried and a few are used for yeast whereas the remaining make
the desserts. The bottom seeds are kneaded into spherical desserts, bigger than a hand’s dimension. These desserts are then steamed and charcoal-baked, ideally
loved heat with a mild sweetness.

Guests can discover these desserts in markets, roadside stalls, and near vacationer spots.

Thang den (boiled glutinous rice dumplings)

Thang den, broadly accessible in Dong Van Outdated City and markets, could be thought-about a snack, but they maintain a novel allure. These bowls
function boiled spherical glutinous rice balls in ginger-infused sugar water, heightened by the addition of black sesame or crushed roasted
peanuts.

Males males (steamed minced corn)

Given the rocky terrain, rice cultivation is restricted, however males males continues to be a staple among the many Hmong folks. Initially a do-it-yourself meal,
males males regularly discovered its method into numerous markets. To arrange the dish, corn undergoes a number of steps together with drying, pounding, and
steaming. The ensuing dish carries a definite corn aroma and might be loved with added broth.

The North Pole Cafe

The North Pole Cafe stands in Lo Lo Chai village, nestled on the base of the Lung Cu flagpole. It is located lower than 1 kilometer from the
Vietnam – China border in Lung Cu Commune. Constructed by Ogura Yasushy, a loyal Japanese resident of Vietnam, the cafe displays his deep
affection for Ha Giang.

With its conventional home design, the cafe echoes the Lo Lo cultural heritage, boasting stone partitions, yin and yang tiled roofs, earthy partitions,
and picket gates. The cafe presents each conventional Vietnamese filter espresso and Japanese matcha inexperienced tea.

WHERE TO STAY

In Dong Van, guests can discover numerous lodging choices together with guesthouses, homestays, and bigger accommodations. There are a lot of homestays
positioned all through the city and its communes, together with Homestay Hagiang Holic, Plum Homestay, and extra. Costs for homestays vary from
VND400,000 to VND1 million ($16.70 to $42) per room, or VND100,000 to VND250,000 for a mattress in a dorm or stilt home.

Accommodations like Hoa Cuong Lodge, Hoang Van, Hoang Ngoc, and Ma Pi Leng Lodge supply rooms at a mean worth of VND400,000 to VND1 million per
evening.

HOW TO GET THERE

Dong Van is 150 kilometers north of Ha Giang Metropolis, reachable through Freeway 4C. Vacationers have many choices, like bikes, vehicles, and buses.
The journey normally takes 3 to five hours, relying in your chosen mode of journey.

In Dong Van city, vacationers have the chance to lease motorbikes for roughly VND100,000 ($4) per day.