From Mường Lay ward, it takes more than 30 minutes by motorbike to reach the Pú Vạp site. Built around 1948 with architecture marked by French influence, this was once the resort of “King of the Thái people” Đèo Văn Long.

In the memories of the elders in Mường Lay, the resort once had a spacious yard and stage for traditional dances such as xòe, nón, and sạp. Besides being a leisure destination, Pú Vạp was also used by the French colonialists as a place to imprison and torture patriotic revolutionaries.

Over time and through the turbulence of history, the Pú Vạp site no longer retains its original state. The roofs of the houses have collapsed, leaving only traces such as foundations, walls, and water tanks. Notably, in the second room of the main house, a European-style fireplace still remains intact.

Despite its ruins, along with written records and oral histories of the elders, Pú Vạp continues to embody historical, cultural, and scientific values. It is not only of interest to researchers and a “red address” for educating the younger generation about patriotism, but also a site with strong tourism potential for Mường Lay ward.

Yet for years, this potential has remained untapped. Although it is only about 12km from the ward center, the road is difficult. The paved road only extends 6km to Nậm Cản village; beyond that, the path is narrow, slippery, winding through mixed forests, and can only be traveled by motorbike. Without a guide, reaching Pú Vạp is challenging. As a result, many visitors to Mường Lay either do not know about this site or hesitate to visit due to the difficult access.

According to Mr. Lù Văn Ánh, Vice Chairman of the Mường Lay ward People’s Committee: in the past, the old Mường Lay town surveyed the site several times with the intention of restoring it into a tourist and resort destination. However, due to limited local funds, this plan could not be realized.

In 2018, Pú Vạp was recognized as a provincial-level historical site. Nevertheless, since its recognition, the relic has not been properly restored or promoted due to a lack of investment.

With the aim of reviving Pú Vạp into a tourist and resort site, in October 2024 the provincial People’s Committee approved a project to restore and embellish the Pú Vạp resort site, including the Cao Hill - Pú Vạp - Nậm Cản road. With a total investment of more than 76 billion VND, the project covers both restoration and new facilities such as parking areas, guard houses, souvenir shops, exhibition halls, and scenic viewing pavilions. It also includes the construction of an 8km asphalt road connecting Cao Hill - Pú Vạp - Nậm Cản.

Mr. Lê Hồng Nam, Director of the Project Management and Land Development Board for Zone 4 (the project investor), said that land clearance is being actively implemented and is expected to be completed in about a month. Once the site is cleared, contractors will begin leveling the roadbed to the relic site and then proceed with the restoration of Mansion Area I, followed by Mansion Area II, and road finishing.

“The completion of the project will not only contribute to preserving and promoting the site’s historical and cultural values but also protect the relic from environmental and social impacts, preventing land encroachment. It will also create an opportunity for Mường Lay ward to develop new tourism products and boost the local economy,” said Mr. Lù Văn Ánh.

With its natural beauty, cool climate, and profound historical significance, there is hope and confidence that in the near future, the Pú Vạp Resort will become an attractive new destination in the tourism chain of Mường Lay, the cultural capital of the White Thái people.