Sao Va - the "beauty" of Muong Que

(Baonghean) - Everyone says, "There's nothing strange about beautiful waterfalls in the mountains!" Well, waterfalls aren't strange, but the emotions they evoke sometimes leave people mesmerized every time they visit. That's Sao Va - a pristine, poetic waterfall that seems to have come to life a legend bestowed upon humanity by nature.

Sao Va Waterfall. (Image from the Internet)

Just a few kilometers from National Highway 48 at Phu Phuong Junction, you'll reach the waterfall. There's no roaring cascading, no arrogant, pretentious clinging to the mountainside. Sao Va suddenly captivates visitors with its gentle beauty, like a "beauty." Here, in this dreamy little valley, the waterfall shyly nestles, whispering the words of the streams and trees. The waterfall's edge traces a graceful horizontal line across the blue sky, white clouds, and vibrant mountain peaks. Sometimes indifferent, sometimes passionate, the waterfall cascades softly over the rocks. The waterfall is magical, a kaleidoscope of tiny mists glistening in the autumn sun. The waterfall returns to the river its gentle embrace, the waves caressing the rocks at their base. Climbing to the top of the waterfall, about 20 arm lengths high, reveals before your eyes a shimmering, dreamy mirror of water, like the gaze of a beautiful woman, making you instantly want to plunge into it…

The enchanting Sao Va is brimming with ideas for developing it into a magnificent ecotourism destination in the mountains of Northwest Nghe An. But there's no need to wait for that scenic spot to be fully adorned; just come to Sao Va now, admire the Thai girls with their hands outstretched like umbrellas to shield from the sun, their flowing brocade skirts swaying as they gracefully walk on the rocks at the foot of the waterfall. It's as if Sao Va has transformed, inviting you to wade barefoot through the stream, mesmerized by the waves, parting the mythical curtain of water to enter the ethereal, magical realm of nature; and making you hesitate to kneel down in the shallow, clear river reflecting the green mountains, splashing cool water over your eyes to "awaken" yourself, lest that magical beauty mischievously slips away from you.

The allure of Sao Va also lies in the scenery of lush green foliage embracing the small valley, subtly scented with wildflowers. The orchids swaying by the stream are poetic, the chirping of birds is music, and when they harmonize, their songs sound like lullabies, lulling Sao Va to sleep! But the "beauty" doesn't sleep; instead, she gently and innocently remains awake, offering her pristine, pure beauty to human emotions. Sao Va is also a fairy possessing magical powers, causing the streams and rivers to suddenly rush downstream, tirelessly turning the waterwheels like musical keys for the rich and distinctive melody of life of the Thai ethnic people in Muong Que.

There are also the stilt houses by the waterfall, radiant with the hospitable smiles of the Thai girls and boys. The girls' hands nimbly tear bamboo shoots, the boys skillfully turn the bamboo-tube rice. A meal with the flavors of the mountains and forests awaits us. Why not lie down in the waves, sprawl on the flat rocks, eagerly let the waterfall wash over us with the pleasure of our bodies… so that our half-hungry stomachs can fully experience those flavors of the mountains and forests! And, the wonderful relaxation that Sao Va brings us brings moments of extraordinary lightness and serenity; to stop wondering why nature has created such a miraculous masterpiece, because we understand that Sao Va was born to inspire, soothe, and guide us into an exhilarating integration with nature.

Then, as time goes by, whether you visit the Hang Bua Festival (Quy Chau), the Nine-Room Temple in Muong Que, or, for those who love to travel, venture further in and immerse yourself in the Mong Tri Le market… you simply cannot resist visiting Sao Va. The shimmering beauty contest at Hang Bua, the resonant gong sounds of the buffalo sacrifice festival at the Nine-Room Temple, and the intoxicating corn wine of the Tri Le market will gather countless emotions, lingering in the moments you spend there, happily indulging in the charms of Sao Va – the “beauty” of Muong Que.

Mr. Vu