Fansipan Mountain in Sapa
14/04/2024Fansipan Mountain in Sapa is The Roof of Indochina
Fansipan (Vietnamese: Phan Xi Păng) is a mountain in Vietnam. Its height was 3,143 metres (10,312 ft) in 1909, and it presently stands at 3,147.3 metres (10,326 ft). It is the highest mountain on the Indochinese peninsula (comprising Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), hence its nickname, “the Roof of Indochina”. It is located in the charming town of Sapa in the Northwestern region of Vietnam. nine kilometres (5+1⁄2 miles) southwest of Sa Pa, in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Administratively, it is shared between Tam Đường District, Lai Châu and Sa Pa town.
Fansipan Mountain is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the area. Fansipan Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, verdant forests, and traditional hill villages. Whether you are an avid trekker or just want to reach the mountain top, Fansipan promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in complete awe.
There are two ways to reach the summit of Fansipan Sapa: using the Fansipan cable car service or hiking to explore Fansipan Mountain.
*** 1. By hiking:
Hiking to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in the Indochina Peninsula, unveils breathtaking landscapes, ranging from terraced rice fields to enchanting forests. The allure of Hoang Lien Son Mountain surrounding Fansipan adds an extra layer of splendor to the trek, with mist-shrouded peaks and diverse ecosystems creating a visual feast for every trekker. If you decide to trek somewhere, you will have a hard-walking journey there without any means of transportation for several days. You need to prepare the proper protective gear, have enough physical condition and mountain climbing experience. Professional mountain climbing gear is a must-have to face the terrain and Fansipan weather.
The adventure of hiking Fansipan Mountain can take from 1 to 3 days, and the climbing path is quite challenging. However, you will have moments of breathtaking scenery throughout the journey.
*** There are 3 great trails for trekking to Fansipan
1. Sin Chai Village is the thrilling but shortest trail
If you have more experience of trekking, you can raise the hard level for trekking Fansipan by choosing Sin Chai. This trail is very sloping but full of beautiful landscapes, especially many yellow bamboo hills.
With this way, you have to spend around 9 hours coming to the peak. Concretely, it takes 3 hours from the starting point at the altitude of 1290 meters in Sin Chai village to the 2200-meter landmark, then 4 hours to the 2800-meter landmark. The final section to Fansipan peak takes 2 hours. The hardest of this trail is the first section from Sin Chai village to the point with an altitude of 2200 meters.
2. Tram Ton is the most popular and best for beginner trail
If you want to find a trail that is short and easy to go for trekking Fansipan, Tram Ton is the best choose. This trail is also known as the most popular one and best for beginners with flatter tracks and being guaranteed by many trekking or climbing service providers.
Your departure point is at Tram Ton forest entrance with an altitude of 1900m. From here, your journey is divided into 3 sections and usually starts in the morning. There are camps for taking rest at the altitudes of 2200m and 2800m. The first section (from the starting point to the 2200-meter landmark) takes 6 hours and the second (from the 2200-meter landmark to the 2800-meter landmark) takes 3-4 hours to conquer. You will stay overnight at the camps on the 2800-meter landmark and go on your trekking the next morning for 2 hours till the 3143-meter peak, Fansipan.
This trail takes 2 days and one night to conquer, or just one day if you are strong enough or have much experience of trekking.
3. Cat Cat – The longest trail with a magnificent view
According to many experienced insiders, this trail is the hardest which is not only the longest but also has the most magnificent view. Your journey will start at Cat Cat valley at an altitude of 1245 meters. It ends at Tram Ton or Sin Chai. You have to set up your trek yourself when choosing this trail because there are mostly no service providers exploiting it for tourism.
When is the best time for Fansipan trekking?
Generally, it is between late September and mid-December, when you can enjoy the amazing views here in their entirety. During these months, Fansipan has cooler weather and clear skies, which are best suited for such an expedition. Spring also provides good weather with blooming flowers that give color to the beautiful surroundings.
The summer months from June to August bring warmer temperatures but are accompanied by increased rainfall, making the trails slippery. Therefore, to ensure a safe Fansipan trekking experience, the autumn months remain a prime choice for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.
*** 2. By cable car:
The Fansipan Mountain cable car tour is the most convenient, a fast and safe solution that many people choose. You can take the cable car from Muong Hoa Valley to the peak of Fansipan Mountain. A cable car ride takes about 15 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. With the cable car operating from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.
Fansipan Mountain boasts a unique and captivating beauty in every season:
– In Spring: Fansipan is enveloped in a thick layer of mist, creating a mysterious atmosphere. The blooming cherry blossoms and plum blossoms add a touch of Japanese charm to the surroundings.
– In Summer: The vibrant red color of climbing roses replaces the cherry blossoms and adorns fences and rooftops along the roads.
– In Autumn: Fansipan’s enchanting beauty is highlighted by rolling clouds. Looking down from the peak, you can see a beautiful strip of clouds. Sometimes, the clouds dissipate, revealing the dreamy scenery of Sapa.
– In Winter: Fansipan’s freezing cold temperature freezes everything, yet the winter beauty is particularly attractive on days when the temperature drops below -9 degrees Celsius. The mountain is covered in a blanket of glistening Fansipan snow.
