Dong Van Karst Plateau “consists of narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges,” writes Atlas Obscura. Located over 1,000 metres above sea level, more than 80 per cent of the surface is covered with limestone, “including a high concentration of rocky peaks sitting over 2,000 metres above sea level,” and the rock of Dong Van is believed to contain “fossils from 400 million to 600 million years ago.”
The drive along the Plateau, from Yen Minh to Meo, is “simply incredible,” says Dangerous Roads. “The road is very curvy, with several hairpin turns and loose gravel on some sections,” and it goes through landscape that contains “both geological and archaeological wonders.” There are “sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy … the area has many gigantic beautiful sceneries, special beautiful sites, diverse and endemic geological system, various groups of valuable and rare animals and vegetables, geological heritages at regional and international levels.”