The award is one of the most prestigious categories of the World Travel Awards, honouring destinations with outstanding achievements in preserving indigenous culture, developing sustainable tourism, and protecting natural ecosystems.
Previously, the Dong Van Karst Plateau had been honoured as “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2023” and “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2024” by the WTA for two consecutive years.
Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark from above. (Photo: mia.vn)
Situated at an altitude of 1,000–1,600 metres above sea level and covering an area of over 2,354 square kilometres, the Dong Van Karst Plateau is one of Viet Nam’s most remarkable limestone regions, featuring unique landscapes and rich biodiversity.
According to scientists from the Viet Nam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, the Dong Van Karst Plateau consists of 11 geological formations, including Chang Pung, Lutxia, Sika, Lang Xang, Si Phai, Toc Tat, Lung Nam, Bac Son, Dong Dang, Song Hien and Hong Ngai. Of which, Chang Pung is the oldest geological formation, dating back more than 500 million years.
Apart from the geological value, Dong Van Karst Plateau is home to 17 ethnic minority groups whose diverse cultural traditions have been preserved and intertwined through generations. The stone-clad mountain villages, ancient rammed-earth houses, highland markets, Hmong panpipe festivals, Dao maturity rituals, and the famous Khau Vai love market are all vivid proof of the enduring cultural vitality amidst the majestic nature.
The “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2025” award once again affirms Tuyen Quang’s position on the regional and international tourism map. It also demonstrates the province’s strategic vision in promoting the values of UNESCO heritage, turning geological and cultural resources into driving forces of developing green economy, sustainable tourism, and community livelihoods.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are among the most prestigious awards in the global tourism industry, honouring outstanding achievements of organisations, enterprises, and destinations in the fields of aviation, hotels, resorts, golf tourism, destinations, rail transport, and among others.
