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sapa

Fansipan Mountain

Sights - Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan stands as the tallest mountain peak in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, reaching an impressive height of 3,147.3 metres. It’s name likely evolved from Hủa Xi Pan meaning giant unstable rock. Another theory suggests that the name came from the Hmong people, as it means “azalea mountain” in their language. The Hmong also believe that the mountain is the home to many local gods who keep an eye on the villagers below. Special powers are said to be gifted to any who summit the mountain, though the specific details are not clear.

It is affectionately nicknamed “the Roof of Indochina” and forms part of the Hoang Lien Son (Dragon) mountain range in Hoang Lien National Park. This also marks the end of the Himalayas. The mountain is composed of mostly metamorphic and igneous rocks with notable quartzite and granite formations. Annual temperature range: -3°C to 25°C (usually 10°C cooler than Sapa) with occasional snowfall during the coldest winter months. The best time to visit with the clearest views is between October - April.

Climbing

The first recorded climb of the mountain is 1905 by French explorers and local Hmong guides. Further climbs were made in the 1920s and 1930s for mapping of the region. A standard route was established in the 1940s by the newly independent Vietnamese. In 1991, a major Vietnamese-French joint expedition documented the mountain’s flora and fauna.

To climb the mountain, find the Tram Ton Pass trail (at the entrance to Love Waterfall). The 11.2km path will then take you to the summit of Mount Fansipan. The ascent can be made in under 7 hours but you will have to be fit, however no special mountain climbing gear is required. Do take a local guide as a few climbers have found their demise on the mountain in recent years doing it alone.

Cable car

Reaching the top has never been easier or more fun. Since 2016 there has been a 20 minute scenic cable car with a funicular train at each end.

Sun World attraction

The top of the mountain is now an attraction created by Sun World. Constructed between 2013 and 2016, the attraction has many sights, buildings and features including a platform at the summit complete with a flag of Vietnam for patriotic tourists to take a photo with.