Dong Van Stone Plateau’s charm

Located over 1,000 meters above sea level, Dong Van Stone Plateau is formed by narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Vietnam.

Located over 1,000 meters above sea level, Dong Van Stone Plateau is formed by narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Vietnam.

The plateau is a must-see destination for tourists in the northeastern province of Ha Giang. The plateau was recognized by UNESCO in October 2010 as one of just 77 geological parks in the world and second in Southeast Asia after the Langkawi Geological Park in Malaysia.

Over 80% of the surface is covered with limestone and it has a high concentration of rocky peaks sitting over 2,000m above sea level.

The rock of Dong Van is said to contain fossils from 400 million-600 million years ago.

The park spreads over the districts of Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh and Quan Ba, on a total area of 2,300 square kilometers. At the center of the Rock Plateau is Dong Van Town, located 150 kilometers from the center of Ha Giang Province.

The Vietnam Institute of Archaeology has collaborated with Ha Giang Provincial Museum to carry out an excavation on Quan Ba and Yen Minh districts on Dong Van Plateau and they have discovered many stone tools from the Son Vi Civilization, dating back 10,000 to 30,000 years.

This is important evidence proving that prehistoric men resided on the rock plateau. In October, the institute teamed up with the museum to excavate in Can Ty Commune, Quan Ba District and found nearly 200 farming tools of prehistoric men.

Therefore, the plateau is not only a fascinating landscape but also a real piece of history with its historical relics providing plenty of material for research and culture preservation enthusiasts.

From Noi Bai International Airport, those wishing to travel to Dong Van Stone Plateau should head onto National Road No.2 to the north for 320 kilometers to arrive at the very peaceful Ha Giang Town by the Mien River.