When it comes to history, culture and tourism, Son La Province in North West Hanoi has a lot to offer. It boasts of 100 historical and cultural relics alone, not to mention its breathtaking natural scenery. That is why in the past few years, it has attracted many visitors to its many spectacular sites.

Son La Museum and Son La Prison are the top tourist destinations in the province because of their interesting story. Son La Prison was known as hell on earth, built in 1908 by the French colonialists to imprison Vietnamese communists. Situated on top of Khau Ca Hill, it covers an area of 500 square metres and made of solid stones for its cells; and barbed wires and broken glass embracing high walls to make sure its prisoners are kept locked inside. But despite the tight security and sadistic tortures inflicted on them, the Vietnamese soldiers still continued to fight for their ideals and make their stand known to their fellowmen. Perhaps it was because of this that the structure was recognized as a national relic in 1962. Today, it has been renovated to become a top notch tourist spot in the North West region.

Son La Museum was also built by the French, in 1908. It houses about 1,000 books, documents, epics, folk tales and songs of the Thai and Dao ethnic groups in the province. It also preserves thousands of artifacts of 12 local minority groups of Son La even before history was written. One valuable book in the museum is about the Thai minority group, one of the 12 ethnic communities in Son La which makes up 55% of the whole province. They are prominent because they are especially skilled in the art of paper making from bamboo fiber as well as other plants. Visitors can learn even more about their history, belief and literature.

The Son La Hydro Plant and Son La Reservoir are also famous tourist destinations in the area. The latter is surrounded by a lush forest and therefore makes a stunning natural sight. The Mong Village in Hua La Commune is also frequented by visitors because of its breathtaking beauty. Located 6 kilometres from the centre of Son La, it is hidden in a mountain range and nurtures a number of amazing hot springs which is even known to be therapeutic. Its authentic Thai food is also something to be proud of.

Peach blossoms, apricot and bauhinia flowers are also wonders of nature that makes Son La an even more beautiful place to visit and relax in. Festivals are also an exciting event in the province which makes tourists look forward to visiting the place. All in all, it is the rich history, culture and nature of Son La that makes it a must-visit from people all over the world.  

Son La Province can be found 300 kilometres North West of Hanoi and covers an area of 14,000 square kilometers.