Historical tourism has become popular among young people in Vietnam, with many relic sites, especially military bases in northern Ha Giang Province’s rock plateau, attracting explorers.

Recently, a group of three – two Vietnamese and one American –  took a motorbike tour to a stunning military post and other relic sites in Ha Giang.

After traveling for 70 kilometers from Ha Giang City along National Highway 4C, the trio reached Can Ty Citadel in Can Ty Commune under Quan Ba District.

Built in the French colonial period, the ancient citadel stands 686 meters above sea level and features two one-meter-thick walls.

Can Ty Citadel, built by the French from 1935 to 1940, lies near National Highway 4C in Can Ty Commune under Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province. Photo: Thanh Nguyen

To continue their journey, the group left Can Ty Citadel en route to Dong Van Town to explore the Cao (High) Military Post, located atop the town’s highest peak at 1,213 meters above sea-level.

The post overlooks Tu San Mountain, where a French fighting military base was built, Si Phai Pass, and numerous relic sites.

Visitors explore Cao (High) Military Post in Ha Giang Province. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

The trio’s next destination was Lung Ho Fort in Lang Qua Village in Lung Ho Commune under Yen Minh District, some 65 kilometers from the Cao Military Post.

Lung Ho Fort is one of Ha Giang Province’s must-visit relic sites. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Constructed in 1935, Lung Ho Fort sprawls across high flat land. In the past, the fort was used to control goods transportation and the movements of people and horses.

Over the years, the fort has deteriorated and is now covered by trees and moss.

Lung Ho Fort sprawls across high flat land. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

Children in Yen Minh District, Ha Giang Province. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

The next day, the trio left the popular Dong Van Rock Plateau, which spans across Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac Districts. 

The group’s next stop was the Cang Bac Me military base on Rong (Dragon) Mountain in Yen Cuong Commune under Bac Me District.

Cang Bac Me was built by the French before 1938 while Ha Giang was under occupation.

Measuring 190 meters long and two meters tall, the base was converted into a political prison from mid-1939 to late 1942.

A visitor scans a QR code to learn about the Cang Bac Me military base on Rong (Dragon) Mountain in Yen Cuong Commune under Bac Me District, Ha Giang Province. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre

After completing a nearly 400-kilometer journey, they realized that the upkeep of these relic sites seems to be lacking.

The group shared their hopes that local authorities would preserve and renovate the sites to ensure they remain attractive to local and international tourists.

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