Hà Giang Province

Hà Giang province is located at the northern border of Vietnam towards China. It contains Vietnam’s northernmost point. The provincial capital is also named Hà Giang. The major rivers of the region are the Lô River and Miện River. Hà Giang is a highly mountainous region and one of the poorest provinces of Vietnam. The two highest peaks are the Tây Côn Lĩnh (2,419 m asl) and the Kiều Liêu Ti (2,402 m asl). It has impressive limestone and granite peaks and outcrops. The limestone forms mostly tropical tower karst, is heavily karstified and has numerous huge karst caves. Neverthless, there is only one show cave, mostly a result of little tourism.

The province is rich in minerals, 28 different categories of minerals are mined in 149 mines. The most important are antimony, iron ore, manganese, ferrite, zinc, tin, copper, bauxite, gold, gemstones, kaolin and mineral water.

The Dong Van Karst Plateau, is a UNESCO Global Geopark and member of the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network since 2010. It covers an area of about 2,356 km² and has an average elevation between 1400 and 1600 m asl. The area is home to more than 17 different ethnic minority groups, each with its own distinct culture and traditions. A permit is required to visit the Dong Van Karst Plateau, which can be obtained in Ha Giang city. The only show cave of the province is in the park, other highlights are Mã Pí Lèng Pass, Tu San Canyon, and Lũng Cú Peak.