Muong Hoa Valley. Photo: ivivu

PANO - The Sa Pa Stone Church and Muong Hoa Valley in Lao Cai province have been nominated by the Vietnam Records Book Centre (VietKings) as one of the top five over 100-year-old churches in Vietnam, and one of the top five most beautiful and largest valleys in Vietnam, respectively.

On the website “kyluc.vn”, the Sa Pa Stone Church is introduced as a unique and attractive spiritual tourism destination. Located in downtown Sa Pa, with Ham Rong Mountain behind it, this Roman Gothic architecture church was built with distinct pyramid rooftop, belfry, and arches. Covering 6,000sq.m, the stone church includes 7 compartments, a 20m belfry with a 1.5-meter bell, weighing 500 kilograms.

Besides the Sa Pa Stone Church (1895), 4 other nominees for the Top 5 over 100-year-old churches in Vietnam are the Hanoi Cathedral (1887), Phu Nhai Church (1886) in Nam Dinh province, Phat Diem Stone Church (1875-1899) in Ninh Binh province, and the Notre Dame Cathedral (1863-1865) in Ho Chi Minh City.

10 km away from Sa Pa town, Muong Hoa Valley, with the charming Muong Hoa stream flowing through it, is home to many ethnic minority groups.

In addition, the valley has an ancient rock field with mysterious carving patterns that have lured both domestic and international scientists.

Along with Muong Hoa Valley, 4 other nominees for the Top 5 most beautiful and largest valleys in Vietnam are Muong Thanh Valley in Dien Bien province, A Sao Valley in Thua Thien Hue province, Mai Chau Valley in Hoa Binh province, and Love Valley in Da Lat city, Lam Dong province.

Translated by Tuan Anh