Lai Châu

Lai Châu Thành phố Lai Châu
City
Lai Châu City Lake Lai Châu City Lake
Location in northern Vietnam (tiny red mark) Location in northern Vietnam (tiny red mark)
Lai Châu Location in Vietnam
Coordinates:
Country	Vietnam
Province	Lai Châu

File:Lai Châu Town Square Monument (2014).jpg

Lai Châu Town Square Monument, as seen in April 2014.

Lai Châu (<phonos file="Lai_Châu.ogg">listen</phonos>) is the capital city of Lai Châu Province in the Northwest region of Vietnam.

History

File:Laichautown.jpg

Lai Châu town square in 2006

Lai Châu, or Muang Lay (Vietnamese Mường Lay) was the seat of lords of the White Tai who were dominant over other Tai peoples of the area, though there was rivalry between the White Tai rulers of Muang Lay and Muang So. During the 1870s Muang Lay was the base of lord Đèo Văn Trị of the White Tai who sought to unite and become chief of the 12 mường (Sino-Vietnamese Châu 州) making up the Sip Song Chau Tai. This he partially achieved, with the help first of Chinese Black Flags, then later the French. His authority, and the autonomy of the area was recognised by the French in 1890.