H'Mong King's Palace

Historic Building and Palace in Ha Giang

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Khánh Hmoong

Located in the picturesque Sa Phin Valley in Dong Van District, Ha Giang, the H’Mong King’s Palace, also know as the Vuong Mansion is a significant historical site that attracts visitors to Vietnam’s northernmost province, which borders China. The H’Mong King’s Palace often forms part of the Hà Giang Loop.

A Royal Legacy: The Story of Vuong Chinh Duc

The mansion was originally the residence of Vuong Chinh Duc, head of the Vuong family, which was once the most powerful Mong ethnic family in the region over 100 years ago. Duc proclaimed himself “Vua Meo” (King of the Meo, the former name of the Mong ethnic group), and ruled the northern mountainous region with authority.

In 1913, during the reign of King Khai Dinh of the Nguyen Dynasty, a royal proclamation was issued officially recognizing Duc as the ruler of the frontier region. The royal decree can still be seen hanging in the mansion’s main room today.

Legacy of Vuong Chi Sinh

Following in his father’s footsteps, Vuong Chi Sinh, Duc’s son, took over leadership of the region in the early 20th century. Later, he became a deputy in Vietnam’s first and second National Assembly, and was renamed Vuong Chi Thanh by President Ho Chi Minh.

Vuong Chi Sinh was also a patriot who donated much of his wealth to the Vietnamese resistance during the war against French colonialists (1946–1954).

Approaching the Mansion

Visitors to the mansion must climb a series of stone steps, nestled between ancient pine trees, before arriving at a small wooden gate set within a round stone wall. This pathway leads into the mansion’s 64 rooms, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of its past.

Architectural Design and Symbolism

Vuong Chinh Duc commissioned a Chinese fengshui master to select an auspicious site for the mansion’s construction. The location, Sa Phin Valley, is shaped like a tortoise—symbolizing longevity and prosperity. The surrounding eight mountains were believed to act as a protective belt.

The mansion’s design follows the Chinese character “wang” (王), symbolizing wealth, with four horizontal and six vertical blocks. The construction features iron wood, green stone, and yin-and-yang double tiles, blending Chinese Qing dynasty architecture with distinct Mong ethnic elements.

The mansion’s pillars are intricately carved with symbols of wealth, such as dragons, phoenixes, and bats, while every roof tile bears the Chinese character “shou” (寿), meaning longevity.

Inside the Mansion

Completed after eight years of construction, the two-storey mansion spans 1,200 square meters. It includes living rooms, workspaces, bedrooms, servant quarters, storage for food and weapons, a kitchen, and a cattle stable. Due to the area’s water scarcity, a large stone tank was built to collect rainwater, which still serves as the primary water source for the valley’s residents.

Family Tomb and Memorial

The mansion complex also houses the family graveyard, where visitors can pay respects at the tombs of Vuong Chi Sinh and his father. The epitaph inscribed on the tombs reads, “Tan trung bao quoc, bat thu no le” (A life devoted to the nation, never accepting of being a slave), a tribute given by President Ho Chi Minh.

Conservation and Visitor Experience

Recognized as a national architectural and artistic relic site in 1993, the mansion has faced challenges from neglect and the loss of valuable artifacts over the years. However, it remains a must-visit attraction in the Dong Van Karst Plateau, with local cultural researchers collecting historical items related to the Vuong family. Plans to transform the mansion into a small museum are underway.

Today, the mansion not only welcomes increasing numbers of tourists but also attracts professional photographers who are drawn to its unique architectural features and scenic location.

The H'Mong King's Palace appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ha Giang!

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