Muong Hoa Valley is one of the most destinations in Sapa, also the tourist place attracts many people. Cross the majestic mountains of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, you will be lost in Muong Hoa Valley – the heaven on earth with the unreal and magical beauty of nature. If you fell in love with the beauty of terraced fields in the ripe rice season or the clean stream flowing in the middle of the village, Muong Hoa Valley will make you love more than that.
1. Where is Muong Hoa Valley
Muong Hoa Valley is located in Hau Thao commune, about 10km from the center of Sapa town to the southeast. This is the land of the ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, Giay…
To get to Muong Hoa Valley, you have to cross the high mountains of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Even though the road is not easy to go but the result you receive is extremely wonderful. With a fresh and cool climate and lush green forests, the valley marks in the hearts of many tourists who visit here.
With many people who love Sapa town, Muong Hoa valley is like a specialty with a brilliant highlight. Visitors always want to fly high and choose a fulcrum halfway up the mountain to enjoy the whole panorama of that magical green scenery.
2. The speciality of Muong Hoa Valley
2.1. Muong Hoa Stream as a giant python
Sapa Flower Stream is about 15km along the valley, similed as a giant python winding in nature. Along the stream, you will see unique terraced fields. In the ripe rice season, the water surface reflects the glittering golden color, enhancing the magical beauty of the valley. You can get an overview of Muong Hoa Valley through Sapa Rattan Bridge – that is why Rattan bridge is the preferred bridge of visitors.
2.2. The mystery of Sapa’s ancient stone field
Sapa Ancient Rock Field is situated in the vicinity of respective communes Ta Van, Su Pan, and Hau Thao of Sapa District. The field is about 4km long and 2km wide. The ancient rock field was discovered by a French archaeologist in 1925. In 1994, it was recognized as a national historic site and is one of the valuable natural heritage.
The field consists of nearly 200 multiform rocks scattered in the municipalities of Ta Van, Hau Thao and Su Pan, separated into 2 parts. The first was found near Pho village – the village of H’mong people. The rocks are not remarkable for numbers but for their size. Some rocks are up to 13 meters long, with complicated parallel and horizontal lines.
The rest is located near the borders between Hau Thao ward and Lao Chai ward. The part of the field crosses the terraces leading to the Hau Chu Ngai village of the Hmong. It consists of a hundred rocks with very varied inscriptions.
You can’t help being surprised when seeing ancient rocks interspersing among the trees and the terraced fields of Muong Hoa Valley. On those, there are engraved many strange signs and characters such as human figures, writing, sun, steps, roads… Some people think the characters are the signals of the books left by their ancestors. Some opinions that it is a map of ancient people… Until now, the meaning of the drawings which have lasted for nearly 3000 years is still a mystery that no one cannot be deciphered.
Read more: Ta Van Rattan Bridge (Cau May): The simple bridge is famous just through a picture
2.3. Terraced fields
Terraced fields appear almost in Sapa but in Muong Hoa Valley, there are the largest and most beautiful. When watching those terraced fields, you will understand why they are chosen as the best terraced fields in the world. The terraced fields in Muong Hoa valley are curving along the hillsides, forming a beautiful inclined pan. In the pouring water season or in the ripe rice season, the beauty of the terraced field will also make you unforgettable.
2.4. The special festivals
Sapa is also famous thanks to some unique festivals. In Muong Hoa Valley, you can join some special events of ethnic communities such as New Year Celebration (Roong Pooc festival) of Giay people, the dance festival of Dao Do people… In those events, there are many community activities imbued with the ethnic identity of the Northwest ethnic groups.
3. The great time to visit Muong Hoa Valley
The beauty of Muong Hoa Valley in four seasons has its own distinction, such as:
From March to May: Sapa weather is stable and very convenient for visitors to explore. During this time, Muong Hoa Valley is always shined by This is warm temperature and bright sunshine in the early morning. At night, the weather turns a bit cold but is still perfect for ecosystem development. The terraces in the valley are covered with lush green color.
From September to November: This is a favorite time for many tourists because the terraced fields are in the ripe rice season with a brilliant yellow. The whole valley seems to brighten up and fragrant rice blends into a peaceful space to make a magical scene that everyone should admire once.
From December to February: Visitors can enjoy the snowfall in the valley and enjoy the 4. cold of the Northwest highlands.
Read more: Thac Bac Waterfall: The violin of water in the middle of Sapa mountain range
4. What foods you should try when visiting Sapa’s ancient rock field
In Sapa, the cuisine is not as diverse as the other areas in Northwest Vietnam but so unique and eye-catching. Made from natural ingredients with special recipes of ethnic people, the dishes have the unique taste of the highlanders. The simple ingredients can be found around their inhabitation such as vegetables, bamboo shoots and mushrooms growing in the forests.
The steamed lean meat, smoked buffalo meat and grilled fish are cooked with a mixture of natural spices grown by ethnic people and taken from the forest. Combined them with the corn wine – the soul of people in the highland, you never forget.
5. Things to do
5.1. See Muong Hoa Valley in the sunrise, sunset
Many tourists want to see Moung Hoa valley from above to catch the whole beauty so the Muong Hoa mountain – climbing train will be the best choice. The train will make your path shorten and easier. The trains are decorated like classic European carriages that help you more so excited. You can have the panoramic and majestic beauty of Muong Hoa Valley and the northwest forests and mountains from the trains. The price of the two-way ticket is suitable for everyone.
5.2. Motorcycling
Motor cycling is also an activity you should try. Some local companies arrange cycling tours or provide mountain bike rental. But to conquer the mountain, the suggestion here is you have to be good at health and mountain biking experiences before. The cycling trip in Sapa always brings an exciting feeling and you can stop on the half – way to admire the terraced fields whenever you want and communicate with the rich ethnic people on the way.
5.3. Trekking
Trekking is another way to explore Sapa but takes you more time and energy. While trekking, you can stop at any place to take pictures of terrace rice fields and with locals. If you are tired, you can stay at the local villages rent for hours and enjoy special dishes and talk to ethnic people. If in the festivals, you can take participate in cultural activities with them.
Find out more about Sapa tours here: Northern Vietnam Tours
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