|
Travelers must visit the field of ancient carved rocks when you
visit Sapa.
Recognized as national cultural heritage in 1994, the ancient rock field is now
proposed by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage and also is one of the must-see
attractions in Sapa. For what it is worth, a trip to
Muong Hoa Valley would be incomplete without a visit to the mysterious ancient
rock field.
Located in Muong Hoa Valley, in the midst of terraced rice paddy fields and
mountain ranges, the ancient rock field covers an area of 8 kilometers. The
ancient rock field was first discovered by Russian-French archeologist-Glubev in
1925. The field is comprised of around 200 rocks with various shapes, carved
with different patterns and graphics. Hon Bo, at the height of 6 meters and the
length of 15 meters, is recorded as the biggest rock found in the ancient rock
field. The patterns and graphics on the surface of each rock symbolize people,
rice terraces, houses and so on. Even though the carvings are simple, it is
still difficult for researchers to accurately identify the origins and meanings
of these carvings. Recently, despite being protected by the local authority, the
ancient rock field is adversely affected by visitors. It is so disappointing
that some visitor even carved or wrote their names on the surfaces of the rocks,
making the patterns disappear in some rocks. It is the ignorance of some people
is the main factor that is spoiling this precious rock field every day.
Since the ancient rock field is situated in Muong Hoa Valley, which is 10km from
the town center, it is recommended to get to Muong Hoa Valley by motorbike and
then trek to the field. Renting a motorbike or hiring a motorbike-taxi (Xe Om)
is fairly easy and affordable. A full day rent for a motorbike is around 10 USD,
which doesn’t cover the gasoline cost. A one-way ride by a motorbike-taxi costs
around 5 USD, but it is negotiable. If going by motorbike sounds dangerous to
you, then you can get to Tram Ton Pass by a taxi or a private car and walk to
Muong Hoa Valley. For those who want to keep fit while traveling, riding a bike
is a sound option; plus, it is easy to rent a bike in Sapa, but you have to
check the bike carefully to avoid unwanted problems during your ride. Another
way is trekking –one of the most favorite activities in Sapa. You can join a
trekking tour or trek with a local guide to the ancient rock field. Just make
sure that you are in a good shape and capable of walking in long hours. |
