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Nestled in the heart of Bắc Hà town lies the once most powerful residence in the Northwest region, known by many tourists as the palace of the Mèo King of Bắc Hà. This majestic family home, built in a blend of Asian and European architecture, stands as an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Sapa.
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Visit Sapa and explore the Mèo King's Palace in Bắc Hà – Hoàng A Tưởng
Architectural Significance of the Mèo King's Palace
The Hoàng A Tưởng Palace was constructed between 1914 and 1921, covering a vast area of 1000m², surrounded by strong defensive walls. Situated in the heart of Bắc Hà town, the Mèo King's Palace is a symbol of pride for the entire mountainous plateau, rising magnificently in a region that was once barren, with this grand palace adding unmatched beauty to the landscape.
The Hoàng A Tưởng Palace was built like a grand castle – Illustration
The Hoàng A Tưởng Palace is designed as an opulent castle, featuring an expansive layout and unique architectural details. Every element, from the brickwork to the interior motifs, showcases French architectural influences, such as the spiral staircase, slender columns, corridors with railings paved with tiles, and notably, the laurel wreath symbols, representing happiness and prosperity, adorning the entrance doors.
The Hoàng A Tưởng Palace is designed with a blend of Asian and European architecture – Illustration
The palace served as both a fortress protecting the Hoàng family and their workplace. It features one main gate and two secondary entrances, with defensive loopholes on all sides. Soldiers patrolled the walls day and night, ensuring constant vigilance. The palace grounds consist of 36 beautifully designed rooms.
The Ancient Beauty of the Hoàng A Tưởng Palace
Having stood the test of time for nearly a century, the Hoàng A Tưởng Palace continues to stand proudly in the town, its moss-covered walls adding to its ancient charm. Bathed in the golden sunlight of the highlands, the remaining architectural details of the palace seem to come alive, casting an aura of both beauty and melancholy. Despite its serene appearance, there is a certain somber, almost haunting atmosphere that lingers in the air.
The somber, gloomy atmosphere clings to the Hoàng A Tưởng Palace – illustrative image
Today, although the Hoàng A Tưởng Palace has been renovated and dressed in a vibrant yellow hue to mask its once dark and brooding aura, aimed at attracting domestic tourists, the eerie ambiance still lingers. Despite the cosmetic changes, this place holds the deep sorrow, blood, and tears of the people who lived here, having witnessed and carried many painful memories.
The Hoàng A Tưởng Palace is intertwined with the tumultuous history of the highland people – illustrative image
Nevertheless, over a century of history filled with the ups and downs of the Hoàng family, the Hoàng A Tưởng Palace remains the most vivid symbol of a bygone era of power and continues to be a captivating destination for budget travelers. Visiting the palace offers a chance to experience a completely different side of the Northwest mountains, where one feels transported to an ancient world of highland people, immersed in the vastness of the land and sky, with slow-moving vehicles and the sound of the wind, while hearing stories told in many different versions.
