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The Changing Seasons of Dong Van (Tuyen Quang): When Rocky Mountains Become a Unique Tourism Asset

The Dong Van Karst Plateau in Tuyen Quang forms a dramatic landscape that shifts with the seasons. From the steep rocky slopes of Dong Van to the deep valleys of Meo Vac, the plateau offers a mix of grandeur and untouched beauty. The cool climate, frost and occasional ice have shaped a distinct ecosystem where peach blossoms, plum trees, buckwheat flowers, cardamom and mint honey thrive. Herds of cattle, goats and horses braving the cold, along with the mint-flower honey season, have become signatures of Vietnam’s northernmost region.

The area’s limestone terrain, which covers 90 percent of the plateau, is layered with mountain ranges and historic landmarks such as Lung Cu Flag Tower, the Vuong Family Mansion, the Dong Van Old Quarter and the Happiness Road. Ethnic communities including the Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo and Pu Peo continue to preserve their heritage, traditions and attire, creating a richly diverse cultural landscape.

Local leaders such as Tran Duc Chung, Chairman of Lung Cu Commune, affirm that the landscape and cultural identity are priceless assets. Communities work closely with local authorities to protect earthen houses, stone fences and spring festivals, ensuring visitors can experience the authentic spirit of the northern frontier. In spring, the mountains brighten with peach and plum blossoms, while mustard fields in Pho Cao, Sủng Là and Lung Cam create an almost fairy-tale backdrop. Traditional spring festivities bring music, dance and vibrant cultural exchanges to life.

Autumn marks the bloom of buckwheat flowers across Quan Ba, Dong Van and Meo Vac, painting valleys in soft pink and purple. Soon after, mustard flowers return in the early winter chill. Each season reveals a different charm, making the plateau a place travelers want to revisit.

Visitors often express how the region opens a new world of raw, meaningful beauty. Community voices, such as those from Lo Lo Chai, emphasize the importance of preserving traditional drums, clothing and ancestral houses to maintain the soul of the village, no matter how many tourists arrive.

Tuyen Quang continues to strengthen its position as a gateway to the northern karst plateau. As of November 2025, the province welcomed more than 3.56 million visitors, including over 485,000 international travelers, generating tourism revenue exceeding annual targets. Accommodation and travel services have expanded significantly, reflecting the province’s rapid tourism growth.

Digital transformation plays a major role. The smart tourism portal mytuyenquang.vn has recorded nearly seven million visits, while many households in Na Hang and Lam Binh now use smartphones to promote homestays, manage bookings and handle online payments, becoming community-based information points that support sustainable tourism growth.

From 2026 to 2030, Tuyen Quang aims to further develop tourism as a key economic sector. The province prioritizes cultural preservation, eco-tourism, community-based tourism and historical exploration, while strengthening regional tourism routes with Cao Bang and Thai Nguyen. Sustainability, responsibility and cultural innovation form the backbone of long-term development.

In this ever-changing landscape, seasonal flowers, the Khau Vai Love Market and traditional spring festivals continue to preserve the soul of the mountains. Tuyen Quang is entering a new phase of growth and connection, where each experience invites travelers not only to explore, but to return to something pure and enduring. It is a place where flowers bloom on stone, and warmth grows quietly in the hearts of those who visit.