UNESCO geopark Dong Van Plateau to collect fees from tourists for overnight stay

Hoang Xuan Don, head of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark management, said the province is finalizing a plan to collect VND30,000 ($1.27) per night for adults and VND15,000 for children.

The money would be used to improve infrastructure and fund conservation efforts, he said.

Stretching over 2,356 square kilometers in four districts, Quang Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac, the geopark has towering limestone formations, jagged cliffs and captivating karst peaks.

It has popular tourist destinations such as Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dong Van ancient town and Ma Pi Leng mountain pass.

Ha Giang has long been popular with western backpackers who seek to brave the elements and winding roads to conquer the 350-kilometer-long loop that takes three to five days to complete, depending on the weather.

Earlier this year the New York Times newspaper in the U.S. named Ha Giang one of the 52 best places to visit this year.