Son La Museum

Son La Museum – History and city views that impressed me

When talking about Son La, the province I traveled through on the way from Dien Bien Phu to Yen Bai, one place I highly recommend friends to visit isSon La Museumlocated on a high hill with a panoramic view of Son La city. This museum is situated atNha Tu Cu Cua Phapwhich used to be a French prison during the colonial era.

I arrived in Son La early in the morning and took a taxi to the museum because I didn’t know the walking path up. Actually, it’s not far from my accommodation, but it’s uphill, making the views during the ascent and descent very beautiful. I spent a lot of time taking photos of the city from the high vantage point and lost track of time several times.

Son La Museum is open from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is only 15 baht, which is very cheap considering the rich history displayed inside. This place was once a French prison during the time Vietnam was under French colonial rule. I saw old photographs, documents, and memorabilia that told the hardships of the local people during that time, including the revolutionary events that led to the prison’s destruction.

Another highlight is a Vietnamese guide dressed in traditional Black Thai attire, representing the Black Thai community that is prominent in this province, providing information to tourists. I tried to listen but didn’t understand much Vietnamese. The guide helped by pointing at pictures and giving a brief explanation. It was clear that the locals are very proud of their history.

Strolling around Son La city and the lifestyle of the Black Thai people

After descending from the museum, I chose to walk slowly down the hill to capture different views of Son La city. The city is located about 600-700 meters above sea level, giving it a cool atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. If you want to learn more about this city, try reading my articleSon La Provincefor a more complete overview.

Son La is a quiet city with few foreign tourists, allowing you to truly experience local life. I walked through markets and small streets, seeing Black Thai people wearing their traditional tribal clothes. The Black Thai outfit worn by the museum guide is similar to what locals actually wear. I ate at roadside eateries popular with locals, ordering by pointing at the menu since my language skills are limited.

Local foods you must try

I recommend tryingSon La local cuisineat simple roadside stalls. There is a signature dish called “Vietnamese Stir-fried Tofu” that tastes amazing for only about 30 baht per plate. Additionally, there are sweets like fried vegetables and fried dough similar to Thai-style banana fritters. Vietnamese sticky rice called “Gid Gid” and fried spring rolls are popular snacks you shouldn’t miss.

The atmosphere of roadside eateries in Son La often includes a traditional pipe tobacco set placed in front of the shop, a local custom I also encountered in Dien Bien Phu. Eating this way made me feel closer to the locals and allowed me to taste authentic flavors, not just tourist-adapted food.

Accommodation and transportation in Son La city

I stayed atNha Gghi alibaraa small guesthouse behind Son La market near the public park. It’s very convenient for travel. There are about six hotels around, mostly small and not very luxurious. For more information about accommodations in this city, I recommend reading my articleHotels in Son Lafor good recommendations.

Traveling from Son La bus station to the city center is not difficult because taxi fares start cheaper than in many other Vietnamese cities, and drivers are kind and friendly. I took a bus from Dien Bien Phu to Son La, which took about 3-4 hours. Along the way, the bus stopped for a simple lunch. The scenery on both sides was beautiful, with rice fields and authentic Vietnamese houses. For more travel details, see my articlesSon La Bus StationandFrom Son La Province to Yen Bai Provincethat I wrote.

Summary of experiences and impressions from mr.hotsia

Son La Museum is not only a place preserving the history of French colonialism but also a beautiful city viewpoint and a gateway to understanding the lifestyle of the Black Thai people in northern Vietnam. Seeing the wide city view from the hilltop, strolling around the city, and tasting local food made me feel that Son La is truly worth the trip.

If you are planning a trip to northern Vietnam, I encourage you to visit here at least once. The tranquility, beautiful views, and rich history will make your trip more memorable.

– mr.hotsia, January 2012