The Dong Van karst plateau in northern Ha Giang Province.— Photo baotintuc

HA GIANG  (VNS) — Scientists from the Viet Nam Archaeology Institute have found more traces of early human settlement in the Dong Van karst plateau in northern Ha Giang Province.

Trinh Nang Chung, head of the excavation team, said the discoveries were made in the beds of ancient rivers and a cave in Dong Van, Meo Vac, Yen Minh and Quan Ba districts.

Hundreds of objects, including highly polished stone tools dating back 4,000 to 20,000 years, have been found, further indicating a long and continuous history of human habitation.

Chung said the scientists had been examining the karst plateau since 2005. They have discovered more than 20 sites with traces of humans from the Palaeolithic Age (20,000 years before the present) to the Iron Age (2,500 years ago). In 2010, the plateau was recognised by UNESCO as one of 77 outstanding geological parks in the world and the second in Southeast Asia.

A master plan to develop the Dong Van Geopark by 2020 has already been drafted. It will span more than 2,300sq.km in the four districts. — VNS