Son La has prospered on the back of its lo­cation as a natural transit point between Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu. It may not be one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations

Son La has prospered on the back of its lo­cation as a natural transit point between Hanoi and Dien Bien Phu. It may not be one of Vietnam’s must-seedestinations, but the surrounding scenery is impressive and there are enough diversions to occupy half a day.

The area is populated predominantly by Montagnards, notably the Black Thai, Meo, Muong and White Thai. Vietnamese influence in the area was minimal until the 20th century; from 1959 to 1980 the region was part of the Tay Bac Autonomous Region.

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