Tua Chua Karst Plateau is a growing tourist attraction for its awesome rock formations. But it is also known for several other things, just another proof of Vietnam being a historically and culturally rich country.
Tua Chau Karst Plateau is located at Tua Chua District, North Western Dien Bien Province. It is 1,500 metres above sea level and made up of three-fourths rough rocky terrain. The rocky plates are positioned on top of the other, formed into citadels and mountains. It is also recognized as Vietnam’s second “Dong Van Karst Plateau” although the rocks in the latter are positioned higher than in the former. Nonetheless, the rocks at Tua Chua Karst Plateau are magnificently spread along Provincial Road 129, creating a breathtaking sight.
While the rocks at Tua Chau Karst Plateau are already a beauty all on their own, the place has even so much to offer. Van Long Citadel is a two-century old structure which was built manually by hands, positioning stone plates scientifically without using any cement. Large stones serve as the base while the smaller stones are placed on top. The citadel is three metres high and more than one metre wide. Like the karst plateau, it is regarded as an elite level of architecture especially with its historical and cultural significance.
In the area, the Mong Si or Red Mong ethnic people can also be found, a one-of-a-kind cultural group that also has a unique form of architecture. Their houses are built with a stone roof that can only be found at the Da River Region. Aside from this distinct material, transporting it is a whole other story of its own. Not only is it difficult to transport such rocks, but it also takes so much time to do, and generally expensive. One Mong Si member constructed such a house and spent 90 million dong to do so, the value of three buffaloes.
Image by: http://vietnam.vnanet.vn
The weather at Tua Chau District is fair, an ideal destination for tourists who are looking for a nice climate outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Moreover, the area is lush with a variety of fruits and vegetables, a guarantee that food is served fresh everyday.
The residents of Tua Chau District are mostly farmers, but take extra caution in preserving the rock structures when they are plowing or doing other agricultural work. With such awareness and dedication from the people, nature can be protected for everyone to enjoy for a long time.