Tua Chua Karst Plateau is a booming tourist destination in Tua Chua District, North Western Dien Bien Province because of its interesting terrain of rocky plates placed on top of the other and shaped into citadels and mountains. It is also known as Vietnam’s second “Dong Van Karst Plateau” and acknowledged by UNESCO as a global geo-park in 2010.

The famous plateau is elevated at 1,500 metres above sea level and composed of three-fourths rugged rocky surface. Although it is quite challenging to get there, the view is all worth it. The karst rocks may not be as high as those in Dong Van, but they are amazingly formed into hills and beautifully scattered along Provincial Road 129. The weather is favourable and the surroundings are rich in agriculture.

The ethnic group Mong Si or Red Mong also reside in the area, with a unique culture that is as much a tourist attraction as the karsts are. They live in a one-of-a-kind house that is designed with stone roof that can only be found at the Da River region. The transportation of such materials are difficult and time-consuming and can cost up to 90 million dong or equivalent to three buffaloes. But the overall architecture is so outstanding that the Mong people take all the necessary risks and challenges in building their own houses, and tourists the time and guarantee to appreciate their work of art.

Vang Long Citadel is another must-visit at the area, built over two hundred years ago by mere hands without any cement. The stone plates are mysteriously yet systematically arranged with the large ones at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. It is three metres high and over one metre wide. It is considered as another “architectural work of art, with cultural and historical value.” because of its extraordinary manner of construction.

Tua Chua Karst Plateau is just one of the wonders of nature, a showcase of true beauty especially when it is preserved, a harmonious co-existence with man.