ℹ️ Useful Information
🚍 How to get there
☀️ When to visit palace
🏡 Where to stay
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips
📸 Photos of the temple
The Palace of the Hmong Kings is a historic site in Ha Giang province.
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- Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam is still one of the most authentic places in this part of the country. It is home to several ethnic groups and minorities, the site of fascinating mountain sceneries and passes, the Dong Van Karst Global Geopark, as well as several historic sites. Many travelers get to know Ha Giang Province on motorcycles, driving through the town of Dong Van around the whole province. And just about 15 km from the town of Dong Van in the far north of the country is the historic site of the Palace of the Hmong Kings in the village of Sa Phin (Dinh Vua Mèo). The location is easily accessible from the QL4C main road in Dong Van district.
- The Palace of the Hmong Kings (Dinh Vua Mèo) is located about 415 km from the capital of Vietnam – Hanoi, if you drive through the city of Ha Giang. From the city of Ha Giang it is about 130 km to the palace through the fascinating Dong Van Geopark, this geopark is on the UNESCO list. The Palace of the Hmong Kings may look like a mere wooden hut, but be aware that you are entering one of the most important historical sites of the Hmong ethnic group in northern Vietnam. The Hmong are an ethnic group that consists of several other ethnic minorities who live mainly in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border.
The Palace of the Hmong Kings is also known as Vuong Chinh Sinh Palace.
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- The Palace of the Hmong Kings was the seat of 2 Hmong kings who ruled in Ha Giang province in northern Vietnam since the beginning of the 20th century (Vuong Chinh Duc and Vuong Chi Thanh). The Palace of the Hmong Kings in Ha Giang was built in 1902 and it was not until 1993 that it was designated a National Historic Landmark and opened to tourism and tourists visit this site almost every day.
- Ethnic Hmong have lived in the area for centuries after migrating from southern China. The first of the Hmong kings was in line with the French colonial powers, while the second supported Ho Chi Minh’s struggle for Vietnam’s independence. The palace of the Hmong kings is built of wood and stone and is designed in the spirit of a traditional Chinese courtyard with four wings surrounding the central atrium.
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- The palace is also surrounded by a massive stone outer wall, which served as a defense against the invaders. The palace of the Hmong kings covers an area of 1120 square meters and was built mostly of solid stone, wood and terracotta tiles. The building was mainly used to protect the Vuong family from enemy attacks. A visit to the palace will offer you a deeper insight into the two-storey structure highlighted by 6 vertical rows and 64 rooms.
- Over the years, the palace has been partially damaged, but it still remains in its original shape and is partly maintained or restored. In front of the palace there is a parking lot for motorcycles, cars and also a small market or stalls with refreshments. From the palace, you can easily ride a motorcycle / scooter to Dong Van or the Lung Cu Flag Tower.
How to go from Hanoi or Ha Giang to the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- First of all, you have to get to the city of Ha Giang or to the distant city of Dong Van and from there go to the palace. The Palace of the Hmong Kings is about 15 km from Dong Van. Ha Giang and Dong Van can be reached by bus, motorbike or private car. There is no railway or flight, so you have to travel by land. It is good to combine the visit with a survey of Ha Giang province, such as riding a motorcycle from Ha Giang to Dong Van and visiting the Royal Hmong Palace on the way. Some buses from Sapa also run to Ha Giang.
- From Hanoi to Ha Giang – various tourist buses, private minivans or cars or ride a motorcycle.
- From Ha Giang to Dong Van – local small buses, private minivans or travel on a motorcycle.
- From Dong Van to the Palace of the Hmong Kings – motorbike / scooter or private taxi / car.
Bus Tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang ➜
What is the best time to visit the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- Be aware that you are going to a mountain province, where the weather can change very often and quickly. It is therefore advisable to choose a rather dry period, when there is no danger of larger monsoons. The best time to visit the Palace of the Hmong Kings in Ha Giang Province near Dong Van is, for example, autumn or spring. In the winter, the province can be very cold, foggy, and in the summer, unfortunately, there can be a risk of landslides on the roads, which complicates traffic. Winter is also a dry season, if you come here in winter, pack warmer waterproof clothing.
- In autumn, the temperatures are optimal and can average around a pleasant 20-25 °C, in the evening they can be lower. Even in this province, temperatures can be high in summer, eg up to 35 °C. Temperatures are lower in the higher areas of Ha Giang. So if you go on a motorcycle exploration of Ha Giang Province – choose a dry season, it is safer to move on the roads, fewer landslides than during the monsoons. Read carefully this article if you will be traveling on motoribke in Ha Giang: Weather in Ha Giang.
Where to stay in Dong Van and what are the options?
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- If you want to visit Dong Van other than the Royal Palace, such as Lung Cu Flag Tower, you can stay in Dong Van town. This city offers a number of accommodation capacities, mostly cheaper hotels, guest houses, but also some tourist and classic homestays. Prices for accommodation in Dong Van are mostly lower, there are no luxury expensive resorts. Some accommodations in Dong Van can also rent motorbikes, scooters.
Accommodation in Dong Van town:
▶ Plum Homestay
▶ Lam Tung Hotel
▶ Ly Hoan Guesthouse
▶ Dong Van B&B
❓ FAQ + Tips – The Palace of the Hmong Kings in Ha Giang:
1. Where is the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- The palace / house of the Hmong kings is located in Ha Giang province, about 15 km from Dong Van city and about 130 km from Ha Giang city. The palace is located in the village of Sá Phin (Xà Phìn), which is part of Dong Van district.
2. What makes the Palace of Hmong Kings interesting?
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- It is an important historical site, inhabited by 2 Hmong kings from the early 20th century. The Hmong ethnic group migrated for hundreds of years from southern China to northern Vietnam. You can see the preserved palace building, various artifacts, historical photos and objects.
3. When was the Palace of the Hmong Kings built?
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- The Hmong Royal Palace in Ha Giang Province in northern Vietnam was built in 1902.
4. How to get from Hanoi / Ha Giang to the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- From Hanoi to Dong Van, you can take a bus or minivan via Ha Giang City. You can also take a bus to Ha Giang, rent a motorbike and travel on your own axis to Dong Van and stop on the way to visit this palace. There is no railway or airport in Ha Giang, so it is necessary to travel by land.
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- From Hanoi to Ha Giang – you can use tourist buses, fast minivans, private cars
- From Ha Giang to Dong Van – local small buses, private minivans or motorbikes
- From Dong Van to the Hmong King’s Palace – you can ride a motorcycle, scooter or private car / taxi.
5. What are the opening hours of the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- The opening hours of the Palace of the Hmong Kings near Dong Van are from 7.30 am – 17 pm, Monday to Sunday. On public holidays, the opening hours of the palace royal complex may vary.
6. What is the entrance fee to the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- Admission to the Palace of the Hmong Kings is 20,000 VND/pp. This price may vary over time.
7. When is the best time to visit the Palace of the Hmong Kings?
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- The palace of the Hmong kings is worth visiting in the dry season (eg autumn, spring), if there is no danger of monsoons and rain. The palace is part of Dong Van Geopark, it is a mountainous area where the weather can change quickly, and during landslides there is a risk of limited and more complicated traffic around the province. Check this article > Weather in Ha Giang.
8. How to get from the Royal Hmong Palace to the Lung Cu Flag Tower?
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- If you would like to travel from the palace to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, you must travel on motorbike / scooter if you do not have your private transfer or taxi from Dong Van town. The travel distance between the palace and the Lung Cu Flag Tower is 30 km.
9. Where to stay in Dong Van or surroundings?
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- The town of Dong Van offers cheaper hotels or guesthouses or even a homestay. The offer is quite wide and the prices are low. For the town of Dong Van you can try, for example, homestay – Plum Homestay and at the Lung Cu Flag Tower, for example, the authentic and minority-run Lolo Ancient House. It is also possible to stay on the historic square in Dong Van in the form of a homestay.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
Route map from Hanoi to the Palace of the Hmong Kings:
(Palace of the Hmong Kings – Dinh Vua Mèo, is located in the village of Sà Phìn, Ha Giang Province).
Palace of the Hmong Kings in Sa Phin (Ha Giang) – Photo:
| Facts about The H’Mong King’s Palace: | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. A Unique Cultural Heritage: |
The H’Mong King’s Palace, also known as Vương’s Palace, is a unique cultural heritage located in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. It is an exceptional representation of H’Mong ethnic architecture, culture, and history, providing insights into the customs and lifestyle of this indigenous community. |
| 2. Home of the H’Mong King: |
Built in the early 20th century, the palace served as the residence of the H’Mong King, who was a revered leader among the H’Mong people in the region. The palace is a testament to the rich history and traditions of the H’Mong ethnic group, offering a glimpse into their royal legacy. |
| 3. Architectural Marvel: |
The architecture of the H’Mong King’s Palace is a stunning blend of indigenous H’Mong design and Chinese influence. The structure features thick, earthen walls, wooden beams, and a layout that includes a central hall, bedrooms, and living areas. The palace showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the H’Mong people, who meticulously built this remarkable edifice. |
| 4. A Living Museum: |
Today, the H’Mong King’s Palace is a living museum that allows visitors to explore the H’Mong culture, customs, and history. The palace has been preserved in its original state, and its interior is furnished with artifacts and items that were once used by the H’Mong royal family, offering a unique and immersive experience. |
| 5. Cultural Significance: |
The palace is of great cultural significance to the H’Mong people. It serves as a place for traditional ceremonies, festivals, and gatherings. The rich cultural heritage of the H’Mong community is celebrated and shared with visitors, making it a site of cultural exchange and understanding. |
| 6. Traditional Festivals: |
Visitors to the H’Mong King’s Palace have the opportunity to witness and participate in traditional H’Mong festivals and events. These celebrations often involve music, dance, rituals, and the wearing of colorful traditional clothing, creating a vibrant and authentic cultural experience. |
| 7. A UNESCO World Heritage Site: |
The H’Mong King’s Palace is part of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the exceptional geological, cultural, and historical value of the region, including the palace itself. It attracts visitors interested in exploring the unique geological features of the karst plateau and the cultural aspects embodied by the palace. |
| 8. Traditional H’Mong Clothing: |
The H’Mong people are known for their distinctive clothing, which varies by sub-group and region. Visiting the H’Mong King’s Palace provides an opportunity to see these traditional outfits up close and even purchase handmade textiles and clothing, often intricately embroidered and reflecting the H’Mong culture’s deep-rooted symbolism and artistry. |
| 9. Scenic Location: |
The palace is situated in a picturesque area surrounded by rolling hills, terraced fields, and lush landscapes. Its location within the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark provides not only cultural experiences but also stunning natural beauty. Visitors can take in breathtaking views while learning about the local culture. |
| 10. Preserving Cultural Heritage: |
The preservation of the H’Mong King’s Palace is a testament to the commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage of the H’Mong people. Efforts have been made to maintain the authenticity of the palace while providing sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit the local community. It stands as a symbol of pride and identity for the H’Mong population. |
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