Sapa in the North West of Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of the trekking hotspots of Southeast Asia. This is one of the poorest areas in Vietnam and is also one of the most beautiful. It has, for whatever reason, remained something of an unclaimed jewel for years. Nowadays, many people head out from Hanoi, by train to Lao Cai, moving on to Sapa town by minibus. It is a land of terraced hillsides and ethnic tribal people that has remained unchanged for centuries.
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Hoa stream flows along the Muong Hoa valley, extends throughout the Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hau Thao,... It is a place, along through the mountains is a strange carved stones. Spread over 4 kilometers length, 2 kilometers width with at least 159 stones, Muong Hoa have mysterious graphics. This place was researched by scientists of Vietnam, Russia, France, Australia, etc.
Both populations of ancient stones with beautiful carving are located in Ban Pho. With the big stones, it has many different sculptures on the surface. Especially, there have various postures and 11 motifs strange shape. Most scientists evaluated that it is the great heritage of mankind.
People found many similarities with the Dong Son culture, which has date from 2300 to 3000 years. The mysterious graphics of the Sapa’s ancient stones can be of many ethnic groups living in different ages. They draw a primitive picture or sophisticated picture to express many different cultures. They can be either Dao or Mong.
On the main road leading to Muong Hoa valley, tourist will have opportunities take photos and sight Sapa’s views. This valley has terraced fields which is the most beautiful terraced fields of Sapa. Cross the suspension bridge, you will be visiting the village of weaving and dyeing cloth of the Hmong and exploring Muong Hoa valley. Exploring the magnificent Muong Hoa valley to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes, you will also paying visit to small and isolated hamlets and villages meet the Black H’mong, Zay and Red Zao at home and at work.
Every year on Dragon’s first lunar month, Ta Van commune, Sapa district, they open the festival to welcome a new year for bumper harvest. The Giay, H’mong, Dao ethnic… and a large number of tourists come here, which makes Muong Hoa valley becomes more vibrant and colorful. Previously, Ta Van Giay was called Roong Pooc festival. Although it is the traditional festival of Ta Van ethnic, many years it has spread to become the festival of the whole valley of Muong Hoa. Tourists from Sapa attend and festival ambience spreads throughout the valley of Muong Hoa
Travel to Muong Hoa valley you will see terraced rice fields which is the most beautiful terraced rice fields of Sa Pa. Cross the suspension bridge, you will be visiting the village of Black H’mong minority where you may see people do weaving and dyeing clothing. Exploring the magnificent Muong Hoa valley to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes, you will also paying visit to small and isolated hamlets. You may have a chance to meet the Black H’mong, Zay and Red Zao people and chat with them in their Village.
Superb scenery and epic views
Sapa sits at one end of the Muong Hoa Valley. Where the river of the same name cuts through the mountain terrain, it does so with stunning effect. This is a well irrigated lush green valley with terraced rice paddies providing a very picturesque back drop as you walk along the road. Small ethnic villages crop up along the way, Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Giang Ta Chi and Su Pan.
It generally takes about two decent days trekking to walk the whole valley. The ethnic tribes here are a wonderful addition to the local picture. Black H’Mong, Giay and Red Dao have lived here for centuries. Not a lot has changed for them, they still live a very frugal existence.
The weather in this region is a lot cooler than in Hanoi. It really ideal for walking. The air quality is superb and the whole place has a clean fresh feel aand look about it. It can actually get quite cold in the winter, especially in the early mornings. This is one of the most picturesque places in Vietnam and all so easily accessed. Tour guides are generally from one of the ethnic minority groups. It is quite an experience sharing the land that they love in their company.