Văn Bàn

Văn Bàn lies in the highlands southwest of the upper Red River. Forested slopes and narrow valleys lead towards the mountains of Hoàng Liên, while routes descend to the river at Bảo Hà. The old district formed part of Quy Hóa in the Hưng Hóa country. Historical accounts mention deposits of silver and sulphur around Khánh Yên, among the mineral resources of these northern hills.