The beauty bursting with spring energy 

Dong Cao — a highland plateau in Thach Son Commune, Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province — transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece when spring arrives.

The peaceful beauty of Dong Cao plateau.

It blends nature’s vibrant hues with the rhythms of local life, making it an alluring travel destination with its majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

At an average altitude of about 600 metres above sea level, Dong Cao is renowned for its pristine beauty, serene atmosphere, and cool fresh air all year round.

As winter’s chill fades, making way for the warmth of spring, this highland region becomes even more enchanting, adorned with picturesque and poetic scenery.

Lush green meadows stretch endlessly, weaving between rolling hills under drifting clouds. Running up to the hilltop, taking a deep breath of the crisp air, one can truly embrace the pure essence of nature.

At dawn, the meadows of Dong Cao take on a serene and poetic charm. Tiny droplets of dew glisten on flower petals and blades of grass, slowly melting under the gentle spring sunlight.

A new rhythm of life stirs along the winding paths leading into the villages. Waking up in a faraway land, one feels the freshness of spring as Dong Cao is bathed in pure air and lush greenery.

This plateau embraces both the spring of nature and the spring of the soul. The season of nature is one of budding leaves, vibrant shoots, and renewal. The season of the soul is one of kindness, love, and forgiveness, guiding us toward a hopeful future.

Along the path leading to the village, peach blossoms burst into bloom. Their delicate petals sway gently in the spring breeze, spreading a faint fragrance across the highlands.

Dao ethnic children are on their way to school, with their thin jackets barely shielding them from the cool spring drizzle, yet their smiles remain bright. In their deep, sparkling eyes, one can see the warmth of spring reflected.

Across the hills and slopes, the songs of birds’ echo while the morning mist begins to fade. A tender spring breeze caresses the rolling grasslands, and everyone feels the land awakening with new life.

Do Thi Hanh, a native of An Chau Town in Son Dong District, eagerly shared: "I was born and raised in this land. Visitors here have many options for accommodation — they can stay at local homestays, camp overnight on the plateau, or return to An Chau Town."

Dong Cao, nestled in Ga Village, Thach Son Commune, Son Dong District, lies approximately 150 kilometres from Hanoi. From An Chau Town, a 25–30 km journey winds through undulating mountain roads, offering breathtaking views of valleys and an immersive experience in pristine nature.

Few would expect that deep within the forests and mountains lies such a stunningly beautiful highland. Dong Cao is an expansive plateau, home to ancient rock formations sculpted into unique shapes by nature.

At the foot of Dong Cao resides a small community of a few dozen households living in harmony with the land. The locals are known for their warmth, hospitality, and close connection to nature.

Spring in Dong Cao is a vibrant canvas of blooming wildflowers and birdsong, composing a breathtaking symphony of nature. This land, believed to have formed thousands of years ago, is affectionately called the "House of the Wind" by locals.

Here, the wind is ever-present, sweeping in from all directions, creating a mesmerising soundscape — at times, a low hum like a flute, at others, the soaring whistle of a kite caught in the breeze, or even a majestic symphony blending with drifting white clouds.

Visitors are welcomed with specialties of the highlands, such as smoked buffalo meat, com lam (bamboo-cooked rice), colourful sticky rice, and wild mountain vegetables; each dish is a flavourful testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The local community also preserves traditional crafts such as embroidery and bamboo weaving, reflecting generations of skill and artistry.

Children, filled with curiosity and warmth, eagerly guide visitors, fetch water, gather firewood, and share their knowledge of lighting bonfires under the starry sky.

Though life here remains simple, the locals in Dong Cao embrace it with an unwavering spirit of optimism and deep-rooted connection to nature. No matter where you come from, stepping into this land means stepping into a warm embrace, where hospitality and kindness know no bounds.

Rich cultural and spiritual identity 

Dong Cao is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Dao and Tay ethnic minority people, each with its own distinctive cultural features and customs.

The Dao people in Dong Cao are well known for their traditional festivals, which strongly reflect their ethnic identity, such as the Forest Worship Ceremony and the Maturity Ritual (Le cap sac).

The Forest Worship Ceremony is an important ritual in which the local people express their gratitude to the forest gods, heaven, earth, and their ancestors for allowing them to live in harmony with the forest.

The Maturity Ritual is one of the most significant ceremonies, marking the transition of young men into adulthood and binding them to their responsibilities toward their families and communities.

Alongside the Dao and Tay, Dong Cao is also home to the Cao Lan, San Chi, Nung, and Kinh ethnic groups.

As a result, the spring season here is vibrant with numerous festivals, such as Then singing and tinh flute performances (Tay ethnic group), Sloong Hao singing (Nung ethnic group), Sig Ca singing (Cao Lan ethnic group), as well as the field blessing and harvest festivals of the surrounding ethnic communities.

These folk cultural activities carry profound humanistic values, strengthening community bonds and expressing aspirations for a better life.

Tourists often liken Dong Cao to a “sleeping princess in the forest” thanks to its untouched tourism potential. Only a handful of visitors come here for camping and overnight stays.

Some international tourist groups have ventured to Dong Cao-Khe Ro to admire the breathtaking mountainous scenery and experience the local way of life.

Beyond its poetic and pristine beauty, Dong Cao is also associated with legends rich in spiritual elements. According to some locals, there is a cave known as "Hang Vua" (King’s Cave) linked to the tale of three talented generals from the Ly Dynasty who came here to strategise against foreign invaders.

Visitors often choose to explore King’s Cave, which the locals consider a sacred relic nestled in the mystical forests of Son Dong. A temple dedicated to the three kings who defended the people has been erected, further enhancing the spiritual depth of the region’s cultural heritage.

Leaving the village behind and immersing ourselves in nature, we set up camp, lit a fire, and brewed a pot of lotus tea that someone had thoughtfully packed in a small bag.

Sipping a cup of fragrant lotus tea, its golden hue shimmering in the firelight, while watching the mist descend over the grasslands — what could be more wonderful?

The scent of lotus, the smoke from the firewood, and the fragrance of the earth, sky, and wildflowers intertwine effortlessly.

We came to listen to the pure melodies of birdsong, to the echoes of voices calling each other from behind the mountain cliffs. We came to immerse ourselves in the aroma of the earth and the forest, to hear the wind breathe, to watch the clouds drift, and to listen to the stones shifting against the mountainside as night falls.