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 cooking, gold and opium products.

SGT