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When it comes to Sapa, the highlight of this incredibly picturesque town must be the Fansipan Mountain. Let’s find out more how to make the most out of your experience.
ABOUT FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN
Fansipan Mountain is located 9 kilometers southwest of Sapa, in the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Fansipan Mountain is not only the highest mountain in Vietnam but also in the Indochina Peninsula with an altitude of 3,143 meters. This is also the reason why it is branded as “the Roof of Indochina”. Located within the Hoang Lien Fansipan is one of the very few eco-tourist spots in Vietnam. It is home to around 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species. Different trees can be found at different attitudes; for example, at the foot of the mountain, there are jackfruit trees, cotton trees… Meanwhile, the area at a height lower than 700m is covered with thick primitive forest with tangled vines. Visit this charming natural attraction yourself to explore the botanical diversity within the area.
HOW TO CONQUER FANSIPAN PEAK FROM SAPA TOWN
There are two methods to reach the highest peak in Vietnam: trekking or riding a cable car.
TREKKING
For adventurous travelers, trekking to the summit shall not let you be disappointed. Pack your hiking boots and expect an unforgettable experience when reaching the mountain peak. Depending on your health condition, time constrain and desire for adventure, you can choose the trails that is most suitable for you:
| Level of difficulty | Name of trail | |
| Easy | Tram Ton | The most popular route for tourists. It’s about 11 kilometers and takes around 10 hours of hiking to complete the trail. This route can be accomplished in 1 – 2 days (depending on your pace and physical status) |
| Medium | Sin Chai | This trail is more challenging than the Tram Ton Trail. It’s shorter (only 9km) but takes longer to arrive at the top (12 hours). Two or three days are needed to make it to the top. |
| Difficult | Cat Cat | This is the route with the most appealing scenery; however, it’s the most difficult and longest one: 20 km (18 hours of hiking is needed). Travellers usually spend 3 – 4 days to complete the route. |
Whether you choose the easy, medium or difficult trail, we strongly recommend that you begin your trip with a professional local guide!
CABLE CAR
If you want to reach the summit at ease or short of time, the Fansipan Cable Cars are there to anticipate your needs. The 6282-long cable car will take you to the summit in just 15 minutes with spectacular view from above of the mesmerizing terraced rice fields and the sublime Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. After arriving at the arrival station, visitors will have to climb 600 stairs to reach the peak or choose the alternative option of riding the climbing train.
Below is some information regarding to the Fansipan Cable Cars:
| Operating time | 7:30 AM – 17:30 PM |
| Ticket price of cable cars | VND 700,000/ round-trip ticket |
| Ticket price of climbing train to the summit | To the summit: VND 70,000/ person/ ticket Back to cable station: VND 80,000/ person/ ticket |
From Sapa town center to Cable Car Station: You can choose either riding a taxi or climbing train to arrive at the station. If you choose to take the climbing train, the train station is located right in the city center, opposite the Holy Rosary Church (Stone Church).
Find out more about the two means of transportation via our comparison table below:
| Means of transportation to cable car station | Duration | Price |
| Taxi | 15 minutes | Varies from VND 50,000 to VND 100,000 |
| Climbing train through Muong Hoa Valley | 5 minutes | VND 70,000/ person/ round-trip ticket |
BEST TIME TO REACH FANSIPAN PEAK
The summit of Fansipan is accessible all year round, but make sure to do research before you reserve your journey to the roof of Indochina ‘cause when the weather turns foggy and rainy, you may not be able to enjoy the alluring beauty of the sea of clouds and lush green mountain slopes from the top of Fansipan.
The best time to make the ascent will be from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is suitable for tourism because of its sunny days and cool nights.
- March – May: Warm and fresh spring weather. Perfect for outdoor activities. Alluring landscape with flowers blooming across the hills and mountains.
- May – August: Hot weather with heavy rains. Outdoor activities are not recommended since the rain may make the hiking route become more hazardous.
- September – November: Pleasant autumn weather. Scenic view of the golden terraced rice paddies – rice harvesting season.
- December – February: Cold winter. Sometimes the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius, the whole Sapa town will be covered in snow. (The coldness may slow your pace when trekking, risk of slippery trail)
