There is another "Ba Vi" in the heart of Ba Vi.

Strolling through historical ruins

During their survey of the Ba Vi mountain area, the French assessed that the region had a pleasant climate, less humidity than Tam Dao, and an agricultural production area at the foot of the mountain, making it more convenient for food supply than the Sa Pa area. Therefore, even today, we still find many remnants left by the French in this mountainous region.

Governor-General's Palace of Indochina

The Governor-General's Palace served as a retreat for the Governor-General of Indochina during the 1930s. It is a spacious mansion spanning nearly 1,000 square meters.²Located at an altitude of 600 meters, it occupies a relatively isolated position from other areas to ensure tranquility.

The mansion is divided into several smaller rooms, including a living room, a music room, a dining room, a large bedroom for the Governor-General, and bedrooms for his entourage, all fully equipped for rest and entertainment. The remaining traces of a French-style fireplace, the design of six symmetrically arranged entrances, and the distinctive decorations using materials imported from France show that this was one of the most luxurious locations in the Ba Vi mountain resort area.

Helicopter landing pad

According to the French military plan of 1937, a helicopter airfield, also known as a field airfield, was built at an altitude of 635 meters with the purpose of connecting to the nearby military zone to transport soldiers, food, ammunition, confidential documents, and even the bodies of French soldiers. The Ba Vi helicopter airfield had a capacity of up to 5 helicopters and offered strategic views over the Son Tay, Hoa Binh, and Hanoi areas. Therefore, it was considered a key military assembly and transportation point for the Ba Vi mountain area and the Hanoi military zone.

The French also constructed an observation bunker protruding about 1 meter above ground. Inside, it was designed like a labyrinth with many narrow passageways connecting to different rooms and providing escape routes. Loopholes were also designed for defense.

After the battle at Ba Vi Mountain, the tunnel roof collapsed, along with the walls and pillars. To serve tourists, the tunnel roof and war-damaged parts such as the stairs, pillars, and walls have been restored.

French villa area

In 1937, Mr. Regimbaud, the owner of the Tong Hotel, was the first to build a small terrace on a 600-meter area as a summer retreat and to experiment with growing vegetables and fruit trees. Gradually, a complex of villas formed on the 600-meter terrace, with 11 villas situated side-by-side along the western slope of the hill.

These villas are a testament to the transitional period between traditional Vietnamese architecture (wooden architecture) and modern architecture. The houses perfectly blend European technology and aesthetics with traditional architecture to create a resort space reminiscent of their homeland. Most villas are built of brick, with thin Acdore stone roofs and thick stone walls (60-120 cm), and interiors featuring fireplaces, wine cellars, large windows, etc., in the French style. To build this resort, the French brought in many Annamese laborers from the provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Hung Yen, and others to work in the mountains. Today, only remnants of steps, railings, foundations, and walls remain of the villa complex.

Enjoy these unique and charming "specialties".

Nestled peacefully at an altitude of 600 meters is the Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, which opened in late 2018. Here, in addition to accommodation, restaurants, spa, gym, swimming pool, etc., all meeting international 5-star standards, you can also discover unique "specialties" at the resort's restaurants – skillfully prepared by creative chefs and bartenders, and served by friendly and attentive local staff.

First and foremost are the dishes made from figs – from traditional Vietnamese dishes like salads, spring rolls, and fresh rolls, to Western-influenced dishes such as salads, pizzas, and cocktails. Fig trees are planted throughout the resort grounds, so it seems easy for any visitor to enjoy these dishes at any time of year.

Figs have a tart, nutty flavor, and when combined with other fruits and vegetables, along with suitable sauces or dips, they create unique and delicious combinations. The first bite might surprise you with its tartness, but after one or two more bites, a hint of richness and sweetness emerges on your tongue. Salads and appetizers made with figs are even more addictive, perfectly blending the refreshing tartness with a lingering sweetness without being cloying.

Cocktails/mocktails made with figs are also a unique "specialty" only found at Melia Ba Vi. Along with rum, martini, and other fresh fruits, you'll be completely surprised at how these seemingly bitter ingredients combine to create sweet, refreshing, and energizing drinks.

If Ba Vi is famous for its fresh cow's milk, then Melia Ba Vi's 1902 Lounge is no exception. But here, no one serves you a glass of... fresh milk. They only offer the freshest, seasonal fruits, combined with their "secret weapon" - fresh Ba Vi milk - to create the most refreshing and nutritious mocktails. Rarely does a customer stop at just one smoothie or mocktail - I am an example.

Once your exploration of "a different Ba Vi" is complete, you can spend a few extra days at Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat to pamper yourself and recharge. Not only does it offer lush, ancient, and peaceful surroundings, but its 5-star services, along with activities like yoga, fitness, spa treatments, karaoke, and entertainment, will surely make you want to... forget your way home.

Lan Oanh