This is an architectural building built in the early twentieth century and has been recognized by the state as a cultural and historical relic in 1999. In 2007, the villa was restored and renovated. Now it has become a famous sights of Bac Ha region in particular and Lao Cai province in general.

Hoang A Tuong mansion from the inside - Photo: Phan Phuong

The Hoang A Tuong mansion is a historical evidence of the white highlands. The former owner was Mr. Hoang Yen Tchao and his son Hoang A Tuong. His father and son are the Tay and the company of the Bac Ha region during the French period. People in the area used to call him the King of Cats. Because in the past more than 70% of people in the region are Mong people. Mr. Hoang Yen Tchao has ruled the land of Bac Ha since about 1905 and monopolized the sale of salt and opium, supplies for local people. His father and mother built the mansion thanks to these resources. So it can be said that the mansion is a result, a bloody sweat of the people and ethnic groups of Bac Ha.

According to folklore, the mansion was started in 1914 and completed by the end of 1921. To build the mansion of his father, Hoang Yen Tchao asked the feng shui master to find the proper location, to hire two French architects. and Chinese people to design. So the mansion has a harmonious combination of European and Asian architecture. In addition, he also hired a helicopter to transport iron and steel cement from Hanoi. The bricks and tiles are baked locally by skilled craftsmen. Workers are recruited on the spot and many other places have skilled workers in lowland areas, mainly soldiers, criminals. Especially villages where there are no people must pay money, pigs and chickens instead.

The mansion was designed to be both a residence and a workplace, as well as a fortified fortress. The total area of ​​the residence at that time was 10,000m2. It is surrounded by a wall of earth, 80cm thick and 2.8m high. Soldiers can patrol on it. The four sides of the fence all have apricot holes. The old mansion had 3 gates, including 1 main gate, 2 auxiliary gates. In order to protect the royal father and son's mansion, the two guards guarded the guards regularly. There are 36 rooms in the villa. The main block is for owners to stay and work. Two smaller and smaller outbuildings in the back for soldiers and servants. In addition, the palace also has an auxiliary part including stables, food warehouses ... History changed, the army entered Bac Ha in 1950. The Hoang family left France just before the liberation of Bac Ha. .

Since then, it has been a long time with the ups and downs of history, the mansion has narrowed to only 4000m2 but still retains the deep look of an ancient villa unique in architecture, containing history. ... Because of that, it attracted thousands of domestic and foreign visitors to visit and learn about the mansion.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu