Buzz
Introduced for trial operation just over a year ago, the Cat Cat - Vung Rong - Fairy Well - Sin Chai tourist route in the Hoang Lien National Park is loved by many tourists for its beautiful landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
Exploring the New Path of Hoang Lien Son
Located at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, the Hoang Lien National Park consists of intertwined primeval forests and dense tropical mountain forests, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. The rugged terrain of the Hoang Lien National Park has formed many magnificent natural landscapes such as the summit of Phan Xi Păng, the Vang stream, the Love Waterfall, and the Seventh Fairy Waterfall... Among them, Vung Rong and Fairy Well are two scenic spots that remain pristine and relatively unknown.
From Cat Cat village (San Sa Ho commune, Sapa district), travelers trek along the Muong Hoa stream towards the direction of Phan Xi Păng summit for about 8km to reach the emerald-green Vung Rong. Although not large, the water reservoir at the foot of this mountain is very picturesque with its clear water and rocky shores of various shapes. Along the way, thousands of red azalea flowers and Tibetan rhododendrons embellish the romantic mountainous scenery.
Legend has it that in ancient times, the Dragon was tasked by the Jade Emperor with regulating nature to ensure harmonious weather conditions. One day, mesmerized by the beautiful scenery of the forests and mountains in the mortal world, the Dragon forgot its duties, leading to floods and natural disasters. As a punishment, the Jade Emperor sentenced the Dragon to be confined in a deep water reservoir with an area of about 800m² located at the foot of a waterfall originating from the Hoang Lien Son. From this legend, the locals call this place Vung Rong.
Starting from Dragon Pool and trekking against the current of Muong Hoa stream for approximately 1 kilometer, visitors will reach Fairy Well, a place of serene natural beauty. The Fairy Well area boasts two waterfalls cascading day and night, creating a picturesque scene with frothy white foam cascading into the deep waters below. According to legend, ancient celestial maidens often descended here for leisure and refreshing baths. Continuing upstream along the Muong Hoa stream to an elevation of about 1,400 meters above sea level, travelers will arrive at Sin Chai village (Sapa town, Sapa district).
Sin Chai is home to nearly 1,500 Black Hmong ethnic people who predominantly engage in farming activities such as cultivating rice, corn, hemp, and herbs, as well as animal husbandry. Additionally, the villagers are skilled in the art of weaving, embroidery, and notably, creating intricate patterns on fabric using beeswax. Handcrafted items including trousers, shirts, dresses, pillows, and blankets, crafted by the villagers, are intended solely for personal use rather than for commercial sale.
Despite being only about 5 kilometers from Sapa town and adjacent to Cat Cat village – a renowned tourist destination, Sin Chai does not attract a large number of visitors. Consequently, the village has retained its pristine beauty amidst the mountainous landscape, preserving the authentic lifestyle of the local Hmong people. There is a lack of hustle and bustle, with no street vendors aggressively soliciting tourists. Along the narrow path traversing the village from beginning to end, travelers will encounter houses with roofs made of pomu wood, hemp fabrics drying in front of houses, and agricultural tools yet to be stored away.
By Tuong Linh/Businessperson Saigon
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOctober 27, 2017
