Dong Lam Grassland

Dong Lam is a basin of open grass among karst hills in Huu Lung district, and its character depends on the season: for much of the wet months a shallow lake forms across part of the floor, so the grass stands in water and the horses and cattle that graze there wade through it, which is the image the place is known for. When the water drains through the limestone the basin is dry grass and the same animals graze it normally. It has become a camping destination for Hanoi weekenders, informally - there are no facilities of any kind and the ground is common grazing.

What you actually see

• Grass standing in shallow water - through much of the wet season.
• Horses and cattle wading - the image the basin is known for.
• Karst hills around the floor - enclosing the basin.
• Dry grass when it drains - the other half of the year.

When to go

May to September for the flooding; year round for the grass. A full day.

Honest expectations

There are no facilities at all - no toilets, no water, no shelter. The track in is difficult in wet weather. Camping has left litter and the ground is grazing land, not a park. Sun and rain are both unmitigated.

Nearby

Huu Lung is south; Lang Son is north-east.