Buzz
Abandoned in the heart of the wilderness, the Red Villa in Cao Bang, a structure built by the French, now lies in ruins but ignites the adventurous spirit of those who seek exploration.
A Villa Hidden in the Mountainous Forest
Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang, is one of the areas still dotted with remnants of French colonial architecture. The Phia Oắc – Phia Đén region spans 24,631 hectares across four communes and towns. This area is rich in iron, manganese, lead-zinc, tin, and gold ores. Consequently, the French constructed numerous residences and villas to facilitate mining operations.
At the foot of Phia Oắc Mountain, along Provincial Road 212, lies the Red Villa in Cao Bang. This site is part of the Phia Oắc exploration route within the UNESCO Global Geopark of Cao Bang. The climate here remains cool year-round, averaging between 18 – 25°C. Painted in red, the villa was owned by a man named Phăng-Ten and served as a retreat and operational hub for managing mineral mining activities.
The sturdy stone villa features 50 cm thick walls, five large rooms, and multiple living spaces, constructed in 1939. The two-story house has two staircases on either side, two fireplaces, red brick walls, and tiled roofing. Its total usable area is approximately 300m². Isolated on the mountainside, the villa is now covered in moss and creeping vines. Known as the Red Villa due to its original red paint, the color has faded over time.
A Unique Exploration Destination for Travelers
Local residents often share eerie tales about the Red Villa in Cao Bang, though none have been substantiated. After years of neglect and lack of maintenance, the villa has fallen into ruin, exuding a desolate and chilling atmosphere. At times, fog envelops the villa, adding to the spine-chilling experience for visitors.
Since the early 20th century, the Phia Oắc – Phia Đén mountain range was chosen by the French as a retreat due to its cool climate and unique biodiversity of the primeval forest. Remnants of holiday homes still scatter across the mountain slopes. Nearly a century later, these structures are now ruins. While most roofs and wooden parts have vanished, the sturdy foundations and walls remain, standing resilient amidst the foliage. These ruins retain their unique charm, attracting curious travelers.
Beyond the Red Villa in Cao Bang, Nguyen Binh District offers other fascinating sites to explore. These include the ancient coral reef of Lang Môn, Phai Khắt Fort, the embroidery workshop of the Dao Tien people, the Tran Hung Dao Forest Museum, and the Tĩnh Túc Tin Mine.
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour.vn
Mytour.vnAugust 21, 2024
