Some 20 ancient carved sandstone slabs were recently discovered scattered in fields and around villages of Tang Ghenh, Hu Tru Lin and Hong Nhi Pa in Lao Chai commune, Mu Cang Chai district, the northern province of Yen Bai.
The 2-by-50 cubic-metre volume stones are shaped in pyramids, mountains, turtles and pages carved with various features such as terraced fields, cranes, heavenly horses and astronomical maps, among others.
According to experts from the provincial museum, the ancient carvings belong to the Mong ethnic group who lived in the area around the 16th - 17th century.
The museum is currently holding six stones with outstanding carvings for further study.
Mu Cang Chai district, some 1,000 meters above sea level, has long been a favourite destination for discovery tourism.
Besides its well-known awe-inspiring terraced fields, the district is among a few areas where local cuisine, festivals and songs and dances are kept almost unchanged through the years.