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Possessing wonderful wild natural landscapes with majestic rocky mountains, Ha Giang Province has welcomed many adventure seekers every year. Here are some must-see places in Ha Giang Vietnam!
Dong Van high karst plateau
The high limestone Dong Van is a limestone plateau extending over the four districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. On October 3, 2010, the Dong Van plateau was officially recognized as one of the geoparks of the world by the Advisory Board of the World Network of Geological Parks of UNESCO. It is the first geological park in Vietnam.
The Dông Văn plateau is known not only for the beautiful natural landscape, including steep limestone rocky cliffs and various systems of flora and fauna but also for the traditional culture of the indigenous inhabitants. This wild and virgin land deserves to be the top tourist destination for many tourists around the world.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Speaking of the symbol of the country’s territorial sovereignty, all Vietnamese immediately think of the flag tower at Lung Cu – the northernmost point of the country. Visitors must climb 286 stone steps equivalent to 1,700 meters before reaching the top of the tower.
The tower is located at the top of Lung Cu Mountain, also known as Dragon Mountain, about over 1400 meters above sea level. The top of the tower offers panoramic views of the peaceful and natural surroundings, suitable for those who want to relax and escape the stress of everyday life. In addition, you can see two ponds that never dry out located on either side of the mountain. The ponds are equated as the eyes of the dragon and it is the source of water for the local inhabitants.
Lung Cu Tower has a very long history and has undergone many reconstructions and embellishments. And the new octagonal tower, inspired by the one in Hanoi, with a height of more than 30 meters was inaugurated on September 25, 2010.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ma Pi Leng is an obligatory trail for travelers to the Dong Van karst plateau. The pass is one of the 4 best passes in northwestern Vietnam, besides Ô Quy Ho, Khau Pha and Kha Din. Although shorter than the others, it is the most difficult and dangerous and considered the “king” of passes in the country. Ma Pi Leng, in the language of the natives, that is to say upper right nose bone of the horse. This name means it is too high for a horse to ride.
In recent years, with modern machinery, the road to the pass has been rebuilt and improved to become more easily accessible. The work demanded a lot of contributions and efforts from young Vietnamese. After several years, the road was finally completed thanks to the sacrifice of many people. President Ho Chi Minh named it the Road to Happiness in the hope that it will bring happiness to everyone. At the top of the Ma Pi Leng pass (also the highest place on the Route of Happiness), there is a stone stele standing at a stop for tourists who enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
On November 16, 2009, Ma Pi Leng Pass was included in the list of the most famous national monuments. Situated in the middle of the limestone plateau with the rocky and steep mountain on one side and the peaceful Nho Que River on the other, Ma Pi Leng Pass is the unique landscape hidden behind large gray limestone stones.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Co Tien Mountain
With a height of 1,500 meters above sea level, Quan Ba Heaven Gate is a must-visit destination when traveling to Ha Giang Vietnam. From Ha Giang Province, travelers must travel 46 km to access the Gate of Heaven – the first and most important gate on the Dông Văn Plateau. The Quan Ba Heavenly Gate had a large portico built in 1939 of ironwood with a thickness of up to 1.5 meters. However, this door is not available today due to the harsh climate (heat, wind, rain …). Continuing to climb solid concrete stairs, visitors will reach the top of the mountain and this is also the legendary gate.
Quan Ba Mountain, also known as Co Tien Mountain or Twin Motagne, is a famous site in Ha Giang Province. It is a monument comprising two adjacent mountains in the Quan Ba valley. This mountain is special because of its round shape similar to the deep-sleeping fairies. For the locals, this doubled mountain has given many good things to the Quan Ba people. And for tourists, admiring the masterpiece is also an unforgettable moment in the trip to Ha Giang Vietnam.
The palace of the king of Meo
The Palace of the King of Meo (or the Palace of the Vuong Family) is located in the Sa Phin Valley. Covering an area of nearly 3,000 m2 and built in 1919 and completed 9 years later, in 1928, the Vuong Palace cost 15,000 white Indochina money, or 150 billion VND today.
The palace belonged to Vuong Duc Chinh, king of the Meo people in the commune of Dông Văn. Vuong’s regime is maintained through planting, processing and cross-border opium trade with China and Burma. Besides the influence of native architecture, this house also has an influence on Chinese and French architecture. Up to now, the Vuong Family Palace is still well preserved and becomes a historical monument at the national level.
(Read Part 2)
