Ha Giang, Vietnam
Nestled in the far northeast of Vietnam on the border with southwest China, lies the timeless world of Ha Giang. North Vietnam tours
Until recently, it has been cut off from visitors by the Vietnamese government, and has therefore escaped the relentless march of civilisation that has changed so much of the planet.
Landscape and scenery
Terraced rice paddies, primary forests, winding mountain paths that climb through vertiginous passes to reach colourfully-dressed minority tribes, some of whom have never been documented: Ha Giang offers visitors a glimpse of Vietnam from a bygone era. Starlight Cruise
Local markets
This fascinating province remains almost completely unaffected by the tide of commerce, industry and tourism that has swept over so many other places, and so retains an air of authenticity unsurpassed in Indochina. The lively local markets form the lifeblood of the province and villagers in traditional dress gather from miles around to trade, eat and gossip.
Accommodation
Our itineraries are designed around these events. Hotels in the region are very basic, so we have set up a number of excellent homestay opportunities: these give visitors the chance to fully experience the life of the local people.
For those interested in minority cultures, local markets, textiles, stunning scenery and wonderful photographic opportunities, Ha Giang is an immensely rewarding experience.
Often dubbed Vua Meo (king of H’mong), the palace’s official name is Vuong Chinh Sinh. The Hmong king ruled over a vast territory from Dong Van Plateau to Meo Vac Town. During his reign, the charismatic king attracted a lot of attention when he and other Meo residents joined forces with Ho Chi Minh to gain national freedom.
HMONG KING PALACE
The palace is in Sa Phin valley in Lung Phin Commune, Dong Van District at the base of a mountain, backed by cliffs and topped by a mass of clouds.
Tall sa moc trees surround the palace that is built from stone, fir wood and terra-cotta tiles in the Chinese architectural style of the Man Qing era.
Covering a total area of 1,120 square meters, the palace was used as a residence and fortress during the Vuong Dynasty.
The two storey, 50 meter long palace that took eight years to build has four long houses and six wide houses with 64 rooms for the king’s wives, children and soldiers.
All the walls are 50-60 centimeters thick. Surrounding it is stone barrier which is 2 meters high and 80 centimeters thick.
The palace is divided into many areas such as dining room, bed room, kitchen, marijuana store, rooms of his wives, a prayer altar and an area for criminal executions.
No one lives at the palace anymore but it has been well maintained by the provincial government. It contains wardrobes, fireplace, beds, flour-mill, crossbow and pan-pipe.
Still largely un-restored the palace is a great place to learn about the province’s interesting history
