The picturesque King Meo palace

The magnificent palace of the Vuong family in Sa Phin, Dong Van commune, located around 125 kilometers from Ha Giang City, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ha Giang province.
The palace belonged to Vuong Duc Chinh, who was named King of Meo people in Dong Van commune, and is nearly 100 years old. It was used as a fortress to defend Vuong and his subordinates as they drove out the French forces in 1940.
The regime of Vuong became prosperous thanks to his trading of opium from China and surrounding regions into Vietnam.
He was then persuaded by Ho Chi Minh, leader of Communist party in Vietnam to fight against the French and to protect the far north region of Vietnam.
The stone palace backs onto the mountainous borders with China while viewing Sa Phin market, where local minority people, mostly H’Mong, trade agricultural products.
Its architectural design is a mixture between ancient Chinese and Western architecture. In addition to the living space, the construction has a warehouse for food, gold and opium products.