Dong Van is famous for its stunning and untamed natural landscapes, which are equally enchanting and magical. It’s a fantastic place for motorbike lovers looking for picturesque spots to explore. Without further ado, let’s check out the top 12+ exciting things to do in Dong Van with Indochina Motorcycle Tours below to see what’s in store!
Brief introduction to Dong Van, Vietnam
Before delving into exciting things to do in Dong Van, let’s get some overall information about this place. Dong Van district in Ha Giang province includes two towns, Dong Van and Pho Bang, and the other 17 communes. It’s a popular stop when joining Vietnam motorbike tours visiting Ha Giang due to its typical local destinations and complex terrain of rocky mountains.
Some main information about Dong Van Karst Plateau
Dong Van has a monsoon climate with an average annual rainfall of 1,750-2,000 mm, mainly from May to October. The dry season is from November to April, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Winter can bring frost and occasional snowfall.
Dong Van is 150 kilometers north of Ha Giang city. You can travel there via Highway 4C using motorbikes, self-driving cars, rented cars, or passenger cars. The travel time is 3-5 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
Discover the Ultimate Experiences in Dong Van – Top things to do in Dong Van
Exploring the natural splendor and cultural richness of Dong Van offers a unique journey into the heart of North Vietnam Motorcycle Tours. This adventure seamlessly blends the thrill of many things to do, such as:
Explore Lung Cam Cultural Tourist Village
For motorbike adventurers wondering, “What to do in Dong Van?” A must-visit is the Lung Cam Cultural and Tourism Village. Nestled in Sung La commune, this village is a vibrant showcase of Mong ethnic culture shared among three ethnic communities. It’s where traditional lifestyle intertwines with nature; villagers cultivate vegetables, buckwheat, and beans. The village stands out for its ancient houses, set against a picturesque backdrop of rocky plateaus and lush green fields. It offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural tapestry and serene beauty.
Impressive Lung Cam Ha Giang cultural and tourist village, damask in the northernmost region
Wander Through the Quaint Streets of the Old Quarter
Visiting Dong Van Old Town is one of the familiar things to do in Dong Van for any Dong Van motor tour. Visitors will get lost in an ancient space amidst an extraordinary mountain and forest landscape. The houses have unique ancient architecture with two floors and yin-yang tile roofs. Ancient markets with traditional culture mixed with the modernity of ancient cafes give visitors many impressions.
Come to Dong Van Ancient Town to experience the superficial culture of Ha Giang
Conquer the Legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass
If you want to explore the top thrilling things to do in Dong Van, try conquering the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This is one of the four majestic passes in the Northern Mountains. It is about 20km long on the Hanh Phuc road in Ha Giang, Vietnam. The pass offers breathtaking views of cliffs and the emerald-green Nho Que river. Motorbike visitors exploring Dong Van Ha Giang will find it challenging but exciting.
Ma Pi Leng Pass is known as the four grand, majestic passes in the northern mountains
Reach New Heights at the Lung Cu Flag Tower
It is located at about 1,700m above sea level, on top of Dragon Mountain in Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, Ha Giang province. Lung Cu flagpole is an exciting place for those who like to explore the country’s northern tip. Standing at Lung Cu peak, motorbike visitors can see the entire panorama of Then Van Valley, the villages of Mong, Giay, Lo Lo people, and the upstream of Nho Que River. The flagpole is about 33.15m high and is a meaningful symbol marking the nation’s sovereignty.
Instructions on how to conquer Lung Cu flagpole from Ha Giang center
Cruise Along the Majestic Nho Que River
To fully experience the beauty of Nho Que River, viewing it from the vantage point of Ma Pi Leng Pass and considering a boating trip for a closer encounter are recommended things to do in Dong Van. Boating especially appeals to those hesitant to navigate the challenging Ma Pi Leng Pass. Travelers boating on the Nho Que River during the flowering season might see a forest of bright red rice flowers, enhancing the picturesque landscape. The journey also reveals the stunning Tu San Alley, celebrated as the most magnificent landscape on the Dong Van stone plateau.
Don’t miss Kayaking! – Experience sailing across Nho Que river
Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Atmosphere of Khau Vai Market
The annual Khau Vai love market is celebrated on the 27th day of the third lunar month, bringing vibrancy and joy to the Meo Vac region with its display of stones and flowers. This unique market is for individuals who have experienced unrequited love or could not be with their loved ones.
Motorbike visitors to the market are treated to breathtaking views during the lingering cold of the day
Despite the challenging terrain of dense forests and perilous mountains, many people eagerly make the journey, crossing passes and streams in anticipation of finding the Khau Vai love market. The path to Khau Vai is meandering, flanked by mountain-side dwellings, which have gradually become fantastic things to do in Dong Van for many motorbike lovers.
Marvel at the Magnificent Tu San Deep Gorge
Tu San Deep Gorge, located in Ha Giang, is a breathtaking natural attraction. It is situated between Dong Van and Meo Vac, with an elevation of 1500m and a depth of 700-900m, flowing from northwest to southeast. The canyon’s captivating and mysterious beauty resembles a mystical jade thread nestled amidst the rugged Northeast mountains. A boat excursion on the Nho Que River in Tu San Gorge promises a delightful and unforgettable tourist experience.
Exploring the mountainside trail on a motorbike, which runs parallel to the river below, offers a charming water landscape
Step Back in Time at the Historic Palace of the Vuong Family
Vuong Palace, also known as the residence of King Meo, is one of the intriguing things to do in Dong Van. The palace is located in Xa Phin commune and covers an area of 1,120 square meters. The architecture was influenced by the Qing Dynasty, which featured stone steps, courtyards, and a mix of green stone, pine wood, and terracotta tiles. The palace comprises 10 houses and uniquely blends Chinese, Vietnamese, and French architectural styles. It’s a place where motorbike visitors can learn about the history of an autonomous kingdom and hear mysterious stories about the once-famous Cat King.
Panoramic view of King Meo’s Vuong Family Palace in Ha Giang
Explore the Breathtaking Landscapes of Dong Van Plateau
The Dong Van stone plateau, a “gray paradise” in the mountains about 300 km from Hanoi, stretches over Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac districts. Perched at 1000 – 1600m, its landscape is marked by rugged gray mountains and distinctive cat-ear rocks. UNESCO’s GGN Global Geopark Network Advisory Council has recognized it for its unique limestone formations, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage.
In 2010, it was officially designated as the “Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark”
Uncover the History of Don Cao Fortress
Don Cao Fortress is located on the top of Don Cao Mountain, also known as Da Phap Peak, in a colony divided into 4 Dong Van towns. This French military base blockhouse was built on a rocky mountain about 1200 meters above sea level. Access to the fortress is via steep trails, and the panoramic view from the fortress is breathtaking. The fortress has 2 floors, including a large basement with many niches and an upper floor with a large yard and resting spots. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Dong Van when you join motorbike tour Dong Van that attracts many motorbike visitors to Ha Giang.
The place to welcome the most beautiful sunrise on the Dong Van stone plateau
Encounter the Culture of Lo Lo Chai Village
Lo Lo Chai village is a popular tourist destination in the Dong Van rock plateau, situated at the base of the Lung Cu flagpole. The village is predominantly inhabited by the Mong and Lo Lo ethnic groups, which likely explains its name. Motorbike visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Dong Van Karst Plateau and revel in the lush green surroundings amidst rocky mountains.
The peacefulness of Lo Lo Chai fairy village in Dong Van
Discover the Timeless Beauty of Thien Huong Ancient Village
Thien Huong is an ancient village located 7 km from Dong Van town, known for its well-preserved village architectural complex and traditional folk festivals. It’s one of the must-see things to do in Dong Van for motorbike travelers visiting Ha Giang.
Thien Huong ancient village in Ha Giang attracts all tourists at first sight
This beautiful village is just a 30-minute drive from the center of Dong Van town. At the village’s highest point, ancient banyan trees have stood for hundreds of years, symbolizing resilience against the passage of time. The villagers built this place as a site of worship for the gods. If you plan to visit this village, it’s recommended that you go during the third lunar month, when the people of Thien Huong village come together to conduct a ceremony to honor the Tree god.
Witness the Crossroads of Nations at the Sam Pun Border Gate
The journey to Sam Pun is wonderful. It is just about 30 kilometers from the center of the Meo Vac district. The road to the border has many sharp curves and passes through many mountains before reaching the pretty Sam Pun, a place many people want to visit.
If you continue on that road a little longer, you’ll reach the Sam Pun border gate
The area has changed a lot recently. The old dirt roads are now smooth and new, with more houses and a new guard station. But the natural beauty of the place is still the same. To get to Sam Pun from Meo Vac, you have to go through the Xin Cai pass. You’ll reach the border area after driving through lots of zigzag turns for about 10 kilometers.
In conclusion, there are a plethora of fascinating things to do in Dong Van for those eager to explore its unique landscape and rich culture. Indochina Motorcycle Tours encourages you to embark on this motorbike journey in your unique way to have a delightful and memorable time. If you are looking for an adventurous way to explore Dong Van, consider joining one of our motorbike tours! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience Dong Van motorbike tours, Ha Giang like never before. Book your Ha Giang motorbike tour today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
