Discover TOP 8+ Historical Landmarks in Ha Giang

08:03 - 11/12/2024

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The historical landmarks in Ha Giang tell tales of heroic patriotism, ancient civilizations, and ongoing customs. Investigating these places provides a special window into the past of the area and a better awareness of the cultural fabric of Ha Giang. Let MOTOGO Tours explore.

Dong Van Old Quarter | One of famous historical landmarks in Ha Giang

As one of Ha Giang’s main tourist destinations, Dong Van Old Quarter is located in Dong Van Town, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province. In the past, the area that is now Dong Van Town belonged to Dong Quan Commune, Nguyen Binh District, Tuyen Quang Province, and has a history of architectural and cultural development spanning hundreds of years.

When the French colonized the area in the 1880s, they carried out major planning and left architectural highlights—particularly the Dong Van Market constructed from stone in the 1920s, which is practically unaltered now. Built between 1925 and 1928, the market is a famous monument on the plateau with a distinctive mix of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural forms.

Dong Van Market is a social center as well as a trading center for nearby ethnic groups. Young women from the Hmong, Pu Peo, Lo Lo, and other groups dress traditionally on market days in order to meet friends, shop, and trade items. The distinctive character and the beauty of traditional multi-colored culture and architecture in Dong Van Old Quarter create a unique and impressive highlight in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

Pho Bang Town

Pho Bang Town, an ancient village near the Chinese border, is one of historical landmarks in Ha Giang that appears to have been frozen in time. With houses that are over a hundred years old, this village showcases a distinctive blend of Chinese and Vietnamese architectural styles, echoing the cultural exchange that occurred here over centuries.

Pho Bang’s origins date back to the 19th century when it served as a trade hub due to its proximity to the border. The village was a key trading post where Vietnamese, Hmong, and Chinese traders exchanged goods. Its history reflects a cultural melting pot where different traditions and lifestyles intertwined, creating a unique social fabric that persists to this day.

The village’s architectural charm lies in its ancient houses, featuring thick clay walls, wooden beams, and tiled roofs. These structures, built to withstand the harsh climate, have intricate carvings and decorative motifs that reflect both Chinese and local influences. As you stroll through the narrow, winding alleys of Pho Bang, you can’t help but feel as though you’re stepping back in time.

The Hmong Kings’ Palace | One of famous historical landmarks in Ha Giang

Located 145 km northwest of Ha Giang Town and 24 km southwest of Dong Van District Center, the imposing stone gate of the Hmong Kings’ Palace of Vuong Chinh Duc in Sa Phin stands atop a hill, beyond a road lined with tall sa moc trees. Vuong Chinh Duc, the leader of the Vuong family of the Hmong people in Ha Giang a century ago, had the site recognized as a historical monument in 1993.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Vuong Chinh Duc, appointed as a Bang Ta (local official), transformed his residence into a grand and unique mansion for living and working. The estate is designed in a traditional Chinese style (late Qing Dynasty), with three main areas: the front palace, middle palace, and rear palace, comprising four horizontal and six vertical structures with two floors and 64 rooms, covering a total usable area of 1,120 square meters. The mansion is encircled by a stone wall, 0.6 to 0.9 meters thick and 2.5 to 3 meters high.

Rare in the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, the palace boasts a tiled roof, finely constructed wooden window frames, elegant architectural elements, and intricate stone carvings. Offering amazing natural settings, cool air, and large landscapes appealing to visitors visiting Ha Giang, the estate is both a cultural legacy site and an artistic marvel.

Cam Son Mountain

Cam Son Mountain, in the hamlet of “Cam Son,” is blessed with natural beauty and resembles a grand natural marvel attracting many tourists from all throughout the nation. With its tough terrain and resemblance to a strong lion, the mountain invites visitors to conquer and investigate along the Ma Tim slope.

The Yellow Flag Army, under Hoang Sung Anh, invaded Ha Giang between 1870 and 1875 in order to loot the territory but encountered strong opposition from local ethnic groups known as the “White Flag Army.” In 1875, Hoang Sung Anh’s forces were cornered and retreated to Cam Son Mountain to make their last stand. With supplies dwindling and surrounded on all sides, the Yellow Flag Army, including their leader, jumped into the deep cave on the mountain, choosing death over capture.

Many lives were lost and sacrifices done here following the opposition against the French colonial conquest. The residents created a little shrine to pray for the unlucky individuals to reach peace in order to demonstrate compassion and empathy. Cam Son Mountain has hence acquired a holy and enigmatic atmosphere. On the summit, a big television tower and several cultural tourism attractions have been built nowadays.

Lung Cu Flag Tower: A Symbol of Patriotism

Lung Cu Flag Tower, standing at Vietnam’s northernmost point, is a site of immense historical and cultural importance in addition to a monument of territorial integrity. The tower reminds us of the national unity and sovereignty. The history of the flag tower begins in ancient times, when the site was utilized to define the national boundary. It has been rebuilt and enlarged over the years; the present building towers as a monument of national pride. Above the tower, the big Vietnamese flag flying in the breeze represents the attitude of the people and their relentless loyalty.

Designed with a hexagonal basis, the construction reflects Vietnam’s six ethnic groups existing in the area. From the top, guests may see the surrounding mountains and valleys in panoramic perspective as well as catch a glimpse of the China border. Lung Cu Flag Tower is among must-see historical landmarks in Ha Giang because of its breathtaking views and patriotic attitude.

Ma Pi Leng Pass | One of famous historical landmarks in Ha Giang

Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province is a challenging 20 km mountain pass that crosses Ma Pi Leng Peak, which rises about 1,200 meters above sea level, situated on the Happiness Road connecting Ha Giang City, Dong Van, and Meo Vac Town. This approximately 200 km long road was constructed over six years (1959-1965) by tens of thousands of young volunteers from 16 ethnic groups across eight northern provinces, with more than two million labor days invested.

Together with O Quy Ho Pass, Khau Pha Pass, and Pha Din Pass, Ma Pi Leng is sometimes referred to by visitors as one of the “Four Great Passes” in northern Vietnam. Considered one of Vietnam’s most distinctive tectonic valleys, the Ma Pi Leng landscape comprises the Ma Pi Leng Pass, famed for its unique geological features and breathtaking views, the peak’s spectacular panoramic vantage point, Nho Que River and Tu San Alley, considered one of Vietnam’s most unique tectonic valleys.

Nam Dan Ancient Rock Field

Nam Dan Ancient Rock Field, located in Nam Dan Commune, Xin Man, is one of famous historical landmarks in Ha Giang. Recognized as a national heritage site, it attracts hundreds of visitors annually. From a distance, one can observe rock formations of various strange shapes.

There are about seven big boulders and two quite gigantic ones on the site with about eighty shallow round holes with average depths of 5-6 cm and engravings. These engravings, according to archaeologists, were produced thousands of years ago using iron chisels and hammers over. Apart from being a historical monument and a visitor destination, Nam Dan Ancient Rock Field is considered as a holy site for honoring gods and ancestors.

Cang Bac Me relic

The historical site of Cang Bac Me relic was built by the French in Yen Cuong Commune to control the main transportation routes connecting Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang Provinces. The camp consisted of prison cells, guard posts, and communication facilities established by the French colonial force.

Originally serving as a military post, it became a prison in 1938, used to detain revolutionary cadres when the movement in Vietnam reached new heights. Many political prisoners from Son La, Hoa Lo, and Phu Tho were transferred here. By late 1942, fearing the growing revolutionary movement in the border provinces and the influence of political prisoners on the local population, the French decided to close down Cang Bac Me relic.

Historical landmarks in Ha Giang offer more than just picturesque scenery; they are gateways to understanding the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy. From the royal Hmong King’s Palace to historic towns like Pho Bang, every location recounts resiliency, strength, and cultural blending. Discovering these sites lets guests experience the customs and architecture that have molded the nearby towns for millennia and journey back in time.

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