A day off to explore the Đồng Cao "grassland".

Dong Cao is a small grassland, approximately 600 meters high, located in the mountainous communes of Thach Son and Van Son in Son Dong district, 150km from Hanoi. It is the highest point in Bac Giang province, boasting a cool and fresh climate year-round, with fluffy white clouds and glimpses of villages in the distance. All of this creates a dreamy, picturesque hilltop in Bac Giang.

Getting to Dong Cao from Hanoi is easy and convenient. You can travel straight along National Highway 1 to Bac Giang city and then turn towards Son Dong. However, please note that the approximately 10 km stretch of road from Dong Cao downwards is still under construction, consisting mostly of dirt roads with many curves and steep inclines. Therefore, you need to be a skilled and confident driver when navigating these sections.

The best time to explore and camp in Dong Cao is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather in Bac Giang is dry, cool, and slightly chilly, ideal for setting up tents and having bonfires at night. You should avoid going from June to August as there are frequent heavy rains, floods, and dangerous landslides.

When you visit Dong Cao, don't forget to capture the most beautiful moments of the day in this "mini Sapa." That's at sunrise, when the sun slowly rises from the distant horizon, the first rays of the new day illuminating everything, and the mist gradually dissipating, forming incredibly beautiful crystal-like droplets.

Or when the sun sets, the grassland is bathed in a brilliant light as the sun is about to set. The cost of a trip to Dong Cao is not much, because you only need to pay for gas, while tents and food are very economical if you go in a group! For just over 200,000 VND, you can head straight to Dong Cao!

Here are some tips for you.

Check the weather forecast before going to Dong Cao to avoid the possibility of thunderstorms or heavy rain.

Prepare a good tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, flashlight… because the temperature here drops low at night.

While the locals are hospitable, price gouging is still common, so you should prepare most of your necessary supplies at home.

You should bring mosquito repellent and insect spray.

Lam Tue