Nestled in the picturesque Sa Phin Valley, at the heart of the Dong Van district, the Palace of the Hmong King, also known as Vuong Chinh Sinh Palace, is a historical and architectural gem that deserves a special place on your itinerary in Ha Giang.

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Also known as Vuong Chinh Sinh Palace, this iconic architectural masterpiece in the province of Ha Giang was built between 1898 and 1907. The construction of the palace was initiated by Vuong Chinh Duc, an influential leader of the Hmong ethnic group, and was completed at a staggering cost of 15,000 Indochinese piastres. In 1930, one Indochinese piastre was equivalent to 10 French francs, a considerable value at the time. The current value of the mansion is estimated at around 6,360,000 USD.
Built by Chinese workers from Yunnan province in collaboration with Hmong artisans, the palace covers an area of over 1200 m².

Born in 1865 into a poor family in Sa Phin, Vuong Chinh Duc (picture on the left) became the leader of the feudal mountain regime of the Hmong ethnic group. Due to his role as a political and social leader, he was referred to as "Vua Mèo" (King of Mèo), or "Hmong King". His influence was such that he ruled the region with an iron hand, and his title reflected his power and status. His son, Vuong Chi Sinh (also known as Vuong Chi Thanh), played a key role in the opium trade, thus consolidating the family's influence in the region. He also carried on the family legacy by participating in the revolutionary movement. Making a significant contribution to Vietnam, he was elected to the National Assembly in the first two legislatures.

The palace was the center of power for the Hmong leaders until the death of Vuong Chi Sinh in 1962, when the monarchy was abolished, marking a turning point in the region's history.

The Palace of the Hmong King is a harmonious blend of Chinese, French, and Hmong architectural styles. Designed as a traditional Chinese courtyard house, the palace consists of 10 buildings spread across 3 zones, including 64 rooms. The stone walls, wooden pillars, and tiled roofs bear witness to the craftsmanship of local artisans and the attention to detail.

The palace interiors are adorned with sculptures depicting dragons, phoenixes, and other symbols of prosperity. The original furniture is remarkably well-preserved, offering a unique glimpse into the daily life of the Hmong royal family.

In addition to its impressive architecture, the Palace of the Hmong King is surrounded by captivating legends. One of them recounts that the choice of the palace's location was the result of a feng shui consultation guided by Truong Chieu, a Chinese expert. According to this tradition, the Sa Phin Valley, shaped like a tortoise shell, was considered a gathering place for heroes, a harbinger of wealth and prosperity for the Vuong family.

Another anecdote tells of the misfortunes of the royal lineage, marked by a curse that hindered succession. In fact, Vuong Chinh Duc suffered from chronic back pain. Despite numerous medical consultations and treatment attempts, his condition did not improve. According to popular belief, this ailment was due to the fact that his father's grave had been placed on the back of a dragon, considered an act of guilt requiring punishment. Influenced by this belief, Vuong Chinh Duc decided to move the grave, suspecting that this story was a ploy by his Chinese enemies to curse his family. Indeed, his first wives had been unable to conceive children. Eventually, his fourth wife gave birth to a son, Vuong Duy Tho.
 

Palace of the Hmong King :Aerial view - Internet

To get to the Palace of King Hmong from the center of Ha Giang city, rent a motorcycle for the Sky Gate of Quan Ba, in the pine forest of Yen Minh. Prices range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day. In addition to the motorbike, you can also go to the palace by bus with 16 or 19 seats, or by taxi from the city to the palace.
Today, the palace is open to visitors every day from 7:30 am to 5 pm, with an entrance fee of 20,000 VND (about 1 USD). It is recommended to visit the palace in the morning to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere. The palace was recognized as a national monument in 1993 and remains a popular tourist site for its history and unique architecture.

Best time to visit: Mornings are recommended for a quieter experience.
Combination of visits: Take advantage of your visit to the Palace of the Hmong King to explore other nearby attractions, such as the Pao house, Sung La Valley, and Lung Cu flag tower.

Recognized as a national monument in 1993, the Palace of the Hmong King has become a popular tourist site, attracting history and architecture enthusiasts.

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