Hidden deep in the misty mountains of Cao Bang, Vietnam, the Red Villa (Biệt thự đỏ) stands as a haunting reminder of the French colonial era. Though now abandoned, this ruin has become an alluring destination for adventurous travelers drawn to eerie history and untouched nature.
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🌲 A Forgotten Mansion in the Forest
Located in Nguyen Binh District, this historic villa is tucked away at the foot of Phia Oac Mountain, along Provincial Road 212. It sits within the Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, a protected area famed for its diverse ecosystems and rich mineral resources like tin, zinc, gold, and iron.
Built in 1939 by the French, the Red Villa was once a residence and base for mining operations in the region. Its original owner was believed to be a man named Phăng-Ten, a mining executive who used the villa for both living and overseeing mineral exploitation.
🏠 The Architecture of Decay
The Red Villa is a sturdy stone house with 5 spacious rooms, 2 floors, and twin staircases. Its walls are 50cm thick, and the house originally featured two fireplaces, red brick walls, and a red-tiled roof.
- Total area: ~300m²
- Style: Colonial French
- Setting: Surrounded by pine forest and mountain fog
Though time has worn away its vivid red paint, the name “Red Villa” remains. Now draped in moss and vines, it exudes a ghostly charm.
👻 A Destination Shrouded in Myth
Locals whisper of eerie tales surrounding the Red Villa, although none have been verified. With its secluded location, crumbling walls, and dense mist, it’s easy to imagine the villa as the setting of ghost stories.
Visitors often report a chilling atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late evening when fog envelops the ruins. Despite (or because of) the spooky vibe, the site has become a magnet for thrill-seeking tourists and photographers.
🏔 A Colonial Retreat Lost in Time
In the early 20th century, the French selected the Phia Oac – Phia Den mountain range as a summer retreat. The area’s cool climate (average 18–25°C) and unique biodiversity made it an ideal getaway.
Today, remnants of colonial homes still scatter the mountainsides—mostly stripped of roofs and timber but with stone foundations and brick walls still intact. These ruins paint a vivid picture of a forgotten past, sparking curiosity among modern-day explorers.
🗺 What Else to Explore in Nguyen Binh, Cao Bang
Beyond the Red Villa, Nguyen Binh District offers several hidden gems:
- 🏝️ Fossil Coral Site at Lang Mon: A unique prehistoric geological site
- 🏯 Phai Khat Outpost (Đồn Phai Khắt): A former military base
- 🧵 Traditional Embroidery Workshop of the Dao Tien Ethnic Group
- 🌳 Tran Hung Dao Forest Museum: A tribute to Vietnam’s revolutionary history
- ⛏️ Tinh Tuc Tin Mine: One of Vietnam’s most significant mining sites
Each of these sites adds a unique layer to the cultural and historical tapestry of Cao Bang.
🚗 Travel Back in Time with HaNoiTravelBug
The Red Villa in Cao Bang is more than just a ruin—it’s a portal to another time, a place where nature and history intertwine in haunting harmony.
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