Mau Son Mountain

This natural wonder continues to mesmerize those who are adventurous and fortunate enough to reach its peak, where they can witness one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Photo: anhp.vn

Historically, visitors could only access the summit of Mau Son Mountain through hiking or horseback riding. During the colonial era, Mau Son was a favored destination for the French elite in Vietnam. In the early 20th century, a military outpost was established there to safeguard the border of Vietnam. This presence excluded the area's original inhabitants, specifically the Dao ethnic group, forcing them to relocate and leaving the region under the control of the colonial powers. Access to the French base was highly restricted, and only a select few were permitted entry.
Photo: vietnamnet.vn

It wasn't until January 1936 that the site opened to tourists, thanks to Dr. O Pflot, a student of Dr. Alexandre Yersin, who visited Mau Son to gather traditional Vietnamese medicinal herbs. Captivated by the untouched beauty of the mountain, he advocated for the development of tourism in the area to the French governor. His efforts were successful, and construction of tourist villas commenced that same year. It took O Pflot about seven years to realize his vision, resulting in a collection of charming ancient stone villas that can still be found on the slopes of the mountain today.

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