Inside the Hmong King Palace, a must-visit stop on the Ha Giang Loop

The Hmong King Palace (Dinh Vua Meo) is an early 1900s mansion in Sa Phin village, Dong Van District, Ha Giang, built for the Vuong family, the Hmong leaders of the region during the French colonial era. It blends Chinese, Hmong and French styles with stone walls and carved wood. It is open daily from about 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the entrance fee is around 30,000 VND, and it is an easy stop on the Ha Giang Loop on the way to Dong Van.

Hmong King Palace at a glance

Vietnamese nameDinh Vua Meo
LocationSa Phin, Dong Van District, Ha Giang
BuiltEarly 1900s
StyleChinese, Hmong and French
Opening hoursAbout 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance feeAbout 30,000 VND
Stone gate of the Hmong King Palace in Sa Phin, Ha Giang
The Hmong King Palace in Sa Phin.

History of the Hmong King Palace

The palace was commissioned by Vuong Chinh Duc, recognised by the French as “King of the Hmong” in the early 20th century. The family built the residence with local stone and timber and craftsmen from China, and held strong influence over the Dong Van highlands.

His son, Vuong Chi Sinh, later allied with Ho Chi Minh and was honoured for supporting Vietnam’s revolution.

Courtyard and wooden buildings of the Hmong King Palace
Inside the palace courtyard.

Architecture

  • More than 60 rooms
  • A layout said to resemble a turtle shell
  • Chinese, Hmong and French influences
  • Stone walls, carved wooden interiors and quiet courtyards

Legends of the Vuong family

Locals tell stories of hidden tunnels and treasure buried under the stone floors. Nobody has ever found anything, but the legends add to the atmosphere of the moss-covered courtyards.

Carved wooden details at the Hmong King Palace
Carved wood details.

Why visit

Culture and history

Learn about the Hmong ruling family and life in the highlands during the colonial era.

On the loop

A quiet, interesting stop between mountain passes on the way to Dong Van.

Local crafts

Hmong vendors outside sell handmade crafts and herbal medicine.

Visitor information

Where

Sa Phin village, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province

When

Open about 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tickets

Around 30,000 VND per person

Opening hours and prices can change, so check locally on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Hmong King Palace?

In Sa Phin village, Dong Van District, Ha Giang, on the Ha Giang Loop before Dong Van.

How much is the entrance fee?

Around 30,000 VND per person.

What are the opening hours?

About 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Who built the Hmong King Palace?

Vuong Chinh Duc, the Hmong leader recognised by the French as “King of the Hmong”, in the early 1900s.

Explore Ha Giang with Zgo Travel

Visit the Hmong King Palace on the Ha Giang Loop

Our tours stop at the palace on the way to Dong Van. Send us your travel date and we arrange the rest.