The crown jewel of northern Vietnam, Dong Van, is a compulsory stop on every Ha Giang Tours. Sitting atop Dong Van Karst Plateau, rough and rocky, this is where nature and deep-seated culture come together. With misty mountain passes and ancient Hmong houses, visiting places in Dong Van For Ha Giang Tours offers travelers some of the best scenery and authentic experiences of the highlands. If you are charting a memorable itinerary of the north, this guide will be your starting point.
Welcome to the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, the crown of the highlands and one of visiting places in Dong Van For Ha Giang Tours. This sinuous beauty measures some 20km long between Dong Van and Meo Vac and is one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes.” With cliffs that plummet down to the depths of Tu San Canyon and windswept vistas of mountain peaks, this is not a road, it’s a coming-of-age experience all visitors to a Ha Giang Tour should have.
For the finest vista, don’t skip over the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk, a newly constructed cliff-bordering trail that sends a chill down your spine with each step. Trekking is offered for the brave, and photographers will have a field day taking shots at sunrise over the jade-like ribbon of Nho Que River below.
Ma Pi Leng Pass (Sours: localvietnam)
Nestled under Ma Pi Leng, the shimmering Nho Que River twists like a blue ribbon in Southeast Asia’s deepest gorge, Tu San Gorge. It is visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours, where jade-coloured waters mirror sky-piercing cliffs more than 800 meters above.
For a memorable experience, take a kayak or motorboat rental to see the canyon by water. Boat services are offered by locals at Ta Lang Wharf in Meo Vac’s Xin Cai Commune. The ride takes approximately 20–30 minutes, over the serenity and silence broken only by birdsong and the occasional legend recounted by your boatman.
Nho Que River (Sours: vietnam-360)
Dong Van would not be complete without a visit to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, the symbolic northern point of Vietnam. At 1,470 meters above Dragon Mountain (Long Son) in Lung Cu Commune, this eight-sided monument is over 30 meters tall and proudly hosts the Vietnamese national flag, a 54m² emblem of the unity of 54 ethnic people.
To get there, climb 389 stone steps and behold the two Dragon Eye Ponds, natural lakes that are seen above and never dry, even in the arid season. This place is not just patriotic but spiritually evocative to residents and a peak experience of every Ha Giang Tour.
Lung Cu Flag Tower (Sours: localvietnam)
Among the richest culturally enriching visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours is the Hmong King’s Palace, or Dinh Vua Meo, that whisks you away to early 20th-century life. Within Sa Phin Commune, this 1,120 m² stone-and-wood compound was owned by the powerful Vuong family, one time the wealthiest clan in the area by their opium trade.
The building, constructed over eight years with Chinese stone and pine wood taken from local mountains, displays a blend of Chinese Qing and Hmong architecture with its stone walls, wooden frames, and curved rooftops. Original objects such as ceremonial pieces, tools, and personal objects are still visible in the main halls.
Hmong King’s Palace (Sours: vietnamtrustcarrentals)
Enter a living time capsule within Dong Van Town’s center, where Dong Van Old Quarter beckons to stroll cobblestone streets lined by adobe-walled houses topped by yin-yang roof tiles. This century-old preserved neighborhood writes the history of Dong Van’s multicultural convergences, Hmong, Tay, Hoa, and French colonial all meet within its architecture and atmosphere.
On full moon nights, the quarter is illuminated with lanterns, and a romantic, dreamy vibe. Don’t miss Cafe Pho Co, set within a 100-year-old building where history and coffee meld over a wooden balcony overlooking. And if your visit coincides with a Sunday, the Dong Van Market next to it becomes a kaleidoscope of color, crafts, and cuisine.
Dong Van Old Quarter (Sours: yesd)
Hold your helmets tight! The fabled Tham Ma Pass is coming, one of the most exciting mountain roads and one of the most intriguing visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours. Nestled between Yen Minh and Dong Van, this 5-kilometer pass that features nine hairpins is not only visually stunning, but it’s legendary.
It was where locals previously tested horses: only the strongest ones that could carry goods to the top were reserved to make long trips. Nowadays, a popular spot with bikers and adventurers is attracted to its challenging bends and valley vistas. Pull over at the main overlook to get one of the top photos of your entire Ha Giang Tours.
Tham Ma Pass (Sours: localvietnam)
Continuing with the top destinations to visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours is the poetic House of Pao, situated within Sung La Commune. The classic Hmong dwelling became a national symbol after making an appearance in the prize-winning film The Story of Pao. The earthy walls, stone courtyard, and flowering cherry, plum, and peach trees make the dwelling a visual work of beauty at every time of year.
In addition to its movie star status, the house gives visitors a glimpse of the day-to-day life of Hmong families. The locals will usually be found cooking, weaving, or merely greeting visitors with shy smiles. It is both a movie set and an actual residence, so the experience feels more authentic.
House of Pao (Sours: localhagiang)
Dreaming of a valley of pink and purple blossoms under grey limestone peaks? You will see here in Sung La, one of visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours. Sung La is widely known for its beautiful fields of buckwheat flowers (Tam Giac Mach) that will be in bloom between October and November. During autumn, Sung La will become a fairytale landscape.
The location is perfect for drone shots and panoramic photographs (be respectful of local permits). Nearby villages, where the Hmong and Lolo people reside, provide a kaleidoscope of color from embroidered dresses to stilted houses.
Sung La Flower Fields (Sours: localhagiang)
For those yearning for peace and old-world charm, Pho Bang Ancient Town is a must-visit destination amidst the visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours. This quaint village is located near the border of Vietnam and China and combines Hmong, Hoa (Chinese), and French colonial architecture.
Stroll down narrow streets where time seems frozen, marvel at weathered red lanterns and old wooden fronts, and enjoy slow travel at its best. As it’s located a little off the beaten path, less touristy Pho Bang is ideal for quiet photography enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Pho Bang Ancient Town (Sours: visiontravelagent)
Wrapping up our visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours is the vibrant yet cozy Pho Cao Market, lighting up the valley every six days. This market is not just a place to trade, it’s a platform for the mountainous lifestyle. Locals show up dressed in their best ethnic wear, with anything from locally-grown vegetables to woven clothes.
Beyond the market, the Pho Cao valley is equally beguiling. Its old earth houses, flowering stonewalls, and quiet cornfields are where the soul of Dong Van speaks. Don’t leave your camera behind, somewhere here is a little soul.
Pho Cao Market (Sours: colorfuljourneys)
07:00 AM: Start the day by leaving Ha Giang City by car or motorbike. Experience the thrilling ride over QL4C.
09:00 AM: Quan Ba Heaven Gate stop to enjoy the Nui Doi (Twin Mountains) scenic view. Ideal shot with clouds rolling underneath.
11:30 AM: Lunch at Yen Minh Town, located in a serene pine tree valley. Have a try at the local bamboo rice (com lam) or roasted pork.
02:00 PM: Continue the ride and overcome the serpentine Tham Ma Pass, a passage that was previously used to test horsepower, now a top visiting places in Dong Van For Ha Giang Tours.
04:00 PM: Dong Van Old Quarter arrival. Stay at a homestay or hotel (we suggest Dong Van Cliffside House or Hoa Cuong Hotel).
06:00 PM: Take a walk around the old town, have coffee at Cafe Pho Co, a 100-year-old cafe, and enjoy the lantern-lit atmosphere.
Twin Mountains (Sours: digiticket)
06:30 AM: Breakfast with banh cuon nong and herbal tea.
07:30 AM: Travel north to Lung Cu Flag Tower, the Northernmost point in Vietnam. Hike 389 steps to its top and say hello to China over the border.
10:30 AM: Visit Dinh Vua Meo (Hmong King Palace) in Sa Phin. Visit the royal relics, special architecture, and historic wartime legends.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Dong Van Town before saying goodbye and heading towards Ma Pi Leng Pass, the crown jewel of Vietnam’s roads.
02:00 PM: Visit the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk and trek a little distance over the cliff, followed by a descent to Ta Lang Wharf.
03:30 PM: Boat or kayak the Nho Que River, a spectacular glide under the Tu San Gorge.
05:00 PM: You arrive at Meo Vac Town. You are checked in at your lodging and have a hearty meal of thang co or ca hoi nuong (grilled trout).
Meo Vac Town (Sours: localhagiang)
06:00 AM: On Sundays, spend the morning at the Meo Vac Market, a lively union of ethnic people.
08:00 AM: Leave Meo Vac, backtrack, and take a side ride to Sung La Village.
09:30 AM: Explore the legendary House of Pao, with its beautiful flower gardens and Hmong stone houses. It is also a lovely time to take a stroll over the buckwheat flower fields (if in season, October-November).
11:00 AM: On to Pho Bang Ancient Town, a sleepy stop along the border with moss-covered tiled rooftops and frozen-in-time Chinese-Hmong architecture.
12:30 PM: Lunch stop en route or picnic. Rest and take in the vistas.
01:30 PM – 05:30 PM: Back to Ha Giang City via Tham Ma Pass and Yen Minh, concluding your Ha Giang Tours with a full heart and a thousand photos.
Meo Vac Market (Sours: localvietnam)
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
Dong Van is not only a stop, it’s a passage to the soul of northern Vietnam. From epic mountain passes to timeless villages, the most popular visiting places in Dong Van for Ha Giang Tours are a blend of nature, culture, and remembrance. Are you prepared to see the highest of the highlands? Have Impress Travel tailor your dream Ha Giang Tours with professional guides and customized service.
Contact us today at info@impresstravel.com. Or book your tour directly at: https://impresstravel.com.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
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We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
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My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
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The imposing mountains, hills, lure valleys, and scattered Karst Parks have all made Ha Giang one of the most appealing destinations in Vietnam for travelers around the world. Additionally, the culture, tradition, and diversity of ethnic minority people such as the H’mong make Ha Giang more immersive for people to come to explore this land at the intersection of earth and heaven more and more.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, to obtain the active venture for trekking and driving on the winding paths to discover the authentic hill tribe of Hmong Village in Ha Giang.
To discover the most appealing landscapes such as Meo Vac, Lung Cu, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and further hidden tracks and the culture and traditions of Ha Giang ethnic minority people such as H'mong, Red Dzao, and try to specialty local foods.
This tour bring you to explore Ba Be lake and Giang Giang loop adventure tour for 5 days/4 nights. Real experience combines Ha Giang & charming part of North East. This is private for small group tour who is interested North East West Vietnam.
Adventurous package tour combine the discovery along the north west of Vietnam. Additionally to explore the northern pole of Vietnam - Ha Giang with breathtaking scenery of Meo Vac & Lung Cu.
