Bac Ha: An Interesting Meeting Point in the Highland Region

The route of North East- West is an interesting journey not only because of challenges from the rolling paths in the top of the pass but also seasons in the year – each season forms a new route such as travelling with buckwheat flowers, going to the stone plateau of Dong Van – Ha Giang, Tua Chua – Dien Bien; travelling along Hoang Lien Son.

Hoang A Tuong Palace

In the region of Northeast and west, there are two famous Cat Kings: Vuong Chi Sinh (Ha Giang) and Hoang A Tuong (Bac Ha). Both of them have superficial mansion, but the mansion of Vuong King in Sa Phin valley is more familiar.

Located on the route from Bac Ha to Si Ma Cai, the mansion of Hoang A Tuong will amazed you from the first sight because it’s hard to imagine how this fascinating Europe Western -style can appear in the remote area.

Known as the Cat King (The King of H’mong people), however, Hoang A Tuong is a Tay person – the descendants of Hoang Si Dan-  rich and powerful patriarch who has settled in Bac Ha over 200 years ago.

With the advantage of his family, Hoang A Tuong and his family owned extensive poppy plantations, got proprietary in trading necessities and local specialties with French.

To show off his huge mansion, King Cat Hoang A Tuong Cat has created special architectures. He hired two French and Chinese architects to design drawings and supervise the construction.

The structure was built in 1914 and completed in 1921 with the total are of 10.000 square meters. Compared to other structures of upland people which were often use wood, the mansion of Hoang A Tuong was designed with sustainable materials such as cement, steel.

Can Cau

From Bac Ha, continue on the way to Si Ma Cai, you will go through Can Cau market. This mountain route is more beautiful and charming if you travel by motorbike. Visiting Can Cau market is the chance for you to explore the rustic beauty of the locals where girls in the high land are beautiful in colorful dresses.

The market takes place right on the roadside in the heart of Can Cau, near terrace fields with rolling mountains in the distance. The different ethnic groups can be easily recognized through traditional costumes which creates a multi-color picture of the mountainous area.

Can Cau market is divided into different stall displaying necessities from farming tools, household appliances to local specialties.

The bustling activities in Can Cau market is the area of exhibition of hundreds of buffaloes. Buffaloes from Bac Ha, Si Ma Cai, Sin Man, Muong Khuong.

The simplicity of Can Cau Market always brings attractiveness for visitors.

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