National park · Vietnam
Dong Van Karst Plateau GeoparkCao nguyên đá Đồng Văn
Visit Dong Van Geopark: spend a day on the Sky Path or a full 2‑day Ha Giang Loop (motorbike), pay a modest entry fee (check), and avoid the rainy season May‑Oct for clearer trails.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,356 km² (910 sq mi)910 sq mi (2,356 km²)
approximate
Established
2010
Best months
Oct–Apr
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Vietnam ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Vietnam ↗Crossing streets: walk slowly and steadily; motorbikes flow around you — do not stop or run.
- Vietnam ↗Carry Vietnamese đồng in small notes; many stalls and taxis are cash-only.
- Northern Vietnam ↗Most visitors need a visa or e-visa for Vietnam; check the current rule for your passport before booking flights.
- Northern Vietnam ↗Some border districts (parts of Ha Giang, Dien Bien) require a permit arranged locally; ask your guesthouse or tour operator.
At a glance
- Country
- Vietnam
- Area
- 2,356 km² (910 sq mi)910 sq mi (2,356 km²)
- Figures vary by source and by boundary revision: roughly 2,356 km² covering four districts of Hà Giang Province (check).
- Established
- 2010
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Ha Giang
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark covers 2,356 km² of limestone karst, deep valleys and mountain passes in the northernmost part of Vietnam, along the border with China. It became the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Vietnam in 2010. The park is home to 17 ethnic groups and rare wildlife such as the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. The Ha Giang Loop, a 350 km motorcycle itinerary, winds through the park and is the main way visitors experience the landscape.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2010UNESCO Global Geopark designation.
Size and age
2,356 km² (910 sq mi)910 sq mi (2,356 km²) · national park since 2010
Figures vary by source and by boundary revision: roughly 2,356 km² covering four districts of Hà Giang Province (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Ha Giang.
Why go
- Explore 80 % limestone karst, deep valleys and dramatic passes.
- Meet 17 ethnic groups and see rare wildlife such as the Tonkin snub‑nosed monkey.
- Ride the famous Ha Giang Loop for spectacular mountain scenery.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool; ideal for trekking.
- FebDry, mild weather.
- MarDry, flowers bloom.
- AprDry, warm.
- MayStart of rainy season; trails get slippery.
- JunFrequent rain, mud.
- JulRainy, possible landslides.
- AugRainy, high humidity.
- SepRain tapering, occasional storms.
- OctDry, clear skies, good visibility.
- NovDry, cool evenings.
- DecDry, cold nights, clear views.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonkin snub-nosed monkeyMar–Dec · Very rare; sightings only from a distance. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Asian black bearOct–Mar · Rare; inhabits forested areas. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Southern serow (mountain goat)Oct–Mar · Solitary; seen on rocky slopes. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Forest birds and butterfliesMar–Oct · Rich diversity; spring and early summer best. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Ha Giang city
30 km (19 mi) north on National Route 4C; bus 100,000 VND (≈ US$4), taxi or motorbike rental.19 mi (30 km) north on National Route 4C; bus 100,000 VND (≈ US$4), taxi or motorbike rental.
45 min–1 h
Open the page →
From Hanoi
Night bus or train to Ha Giang (≈8 h), then follow above route.
≈9 h total
Open the page →
From Hanoi (motorbike)
Rent bike (≈250,000 VND/day) and ride the 350 km (217 mi) Ha Giang Loop.Rent bike (≈250,000 VND/day) and ride the 217 mi (350 km) Ha Giang Loop.
2–3 days for full loop
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Dong Van gate | Main entry point, ticket office, information centre. | Open daily; ticket required. |
| Sky Path area | 7 km (4.3 mi) high‑altitude trail near Ma Pi Leng.4.3 mi (7 km) high‑altitude trail near Ma Pi Leng. | Free access after entry ticket. |
| Ha Giang Loop corridor | Road network linking Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba. | Open to motorbikes and cars (where road permits). |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates taken from official park site; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry ticket | ₫50,000–70,000 (≈ US$2–3) | person | Covers main trails; price varies by season (check). |
| Hmong King Palace (Sa Phin) | ₫20,000 (≈ under US$1) | person | Separate ticket, not included in park entry. |
| Lung Cu Flag Tower | ₫20,000 (≈ under US$1) | person | Separate ticket, not included in park entry. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ₫50,000–70,000≈ US$2–3
- ₫20,000≈ under US$1
- ₫20,000≈ under US$1
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on UNESCO Global Geoparks – Dong Van Karst Plateau before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from park authorities.check
- Camping
- Only permitted in designated homestays; wild camping prohibited.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; no open fires.
- Wildlife approach
- Approaching wildlife, especially the rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, is prohibited; observe from a distance.
Where to stay
Near the park
Dong Van homestays
Simple rooms in ethnic villages; meals often included.
Near the park
Ha Giang town hotels
Range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Near the park
Meo Vac homestays
Basic accommodation in Hmong villages; herbal baths offered.
Safety
Motorbike crashes high
Landslides / mudslides medium
Altitude sickness low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main gate and information centre reachable by car.
- High-altitude trails are steep and uneven; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Buy locally made linen and honey to support village economies.
- Use permitted boat routes on the Ha Giang Loop; avoid littering.
- Stay in homestays that include meals to benefit local families.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
Entry tickets are about 50,000–70,000 VND per person (check for seasonal variations). Separate tickets are needed for Hmong King Palace (20,000 VND) and Lung Cu Flag Tower (20,000 VND).
What are the best hikes in Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
Top hikes are the Sky Path (7 km high-altitude trail), the Ma Pi Leng Pass viewpoint walk, and the multi-day Ha Giang Loop for experienced motorbike riders.
When is the best time to visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark?
The dry months November to April offer clear skies and safe trail conditions; October is also good. May-October brings rain and mud.
Do I need a guide for the Ha Giang Loop?
A guide is not mandatory for the road itself, but hiring a local 'easy rider' is strongly advised for safety and navigation.
Are there any wildlife restrictions?
Approaching wildlife, especially the rare Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, is prohibited; observe from a distance.
Can I visit the geopark without a motorbike?
Yes. Buses run from Ha Giang city to Dong Van town, and you can hire a car with driver for the loop. Some sections are too narrow for large vehicles.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
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