ℹ️ Information – Fansipan
🚠 How to get to Fansipan
🏔 What You Can See
🌄 When to Go to Fansipan
❓ FAQs + Travel Tips
📷 Photos from the trip
🎫 Book a Tour in Sapa
🎫 Book Ticket to Sapa
Travel to Fansipan Mountain by Train + Cable Car.
Explore Vietnam’s Tallest Peak: Fansipan Mountain in Sapa.
-
- Discover the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan (Vietnamese: Phan Xi Păng), nestled in Northern Vietnam near the enchanting city of Sapa, Lai Chau province. Rising to an impressive height of 3,143 meters, Fansipan has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination, drawing visitors with its accessibility and breathtaking vistas. Since the inauguration of a modern cable car in 2016, travelers can easily ascend Fansipan from Sapa and relish panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and surrounding landscapes. Fansipan stands as a pinnacle attraction in Sapa, attracting a myriad of tourists to its slopes, making it one of the most frequented mountains in Northern Vietnam.
Embark on a Mountain Train Adventure from Sapa to Muong Hoa Station.
-
- But wait, there’s more! You can now journey directly from Sapa’s heart to Fansipan Mountain. Since 2018, a mountain train departs from Sapa town, whisking passengers to the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car station, also known as Muong Hoa Station. From Muong Hoa Station, embark on a captivating 6.3 km cable car ride through Hoang Lien Son National Park, offering unparalleled views en route to Fansipan Mountain. The mountain’s peak has been transformed into a vibrant tourist hub, complete with a café-restaurant boasting breathtaking panoramas next to the modern cable car station. Additionally, visitors can explore a grand seated Buddha, a pagoda, and a secondary cable car leading to the summit, attracting numerous tourists seeking an unforgettable experience.
You can go to the Fansipan mountain by train + cable car or go with a guide.
-
- So there are 2 ways to get to Fansipan from Sapa. Either you get your own private guide and go on your own or you take a cable car from Fansipan Legend station. The trek certainly has its charms too, but most tourists will still choose to take the train + cable car from Sapa town via Muong Hoa station. The mountain train leaves from the city centre, the station is at the main square in the Sunplaza commercial centre (next door is the BB Hotel Sapa). You can buy your ticket here, it is possible to buy a ticket just to the Fansipan Legend cable car station (Muong Hoa station) or a combo ticket for the train + cable car up the mountain together.
BOOK your HOTEL / STAY in Sapa ➜
-
- The ride to the cable car station is short, the length of the route is about 2.6 km and the ride time is about 10 minutes. From here you can also see a piece of the Muong Hoa Valley and Hoang Lien Son mountain range near Sapa town. Then you get off at the Fansipan Legend station and just change to the cable car which will take you to Fansipan Mountain (it takes approx. 20 minutes).
- At Fansipan Legend station (Muong Hoa station) there is also a restaurant, cafe and even shops, it’s kind of a small commercial centre. The journey from Sapa to Fansipan Mountain by train + cable car will definitely take about 1 hour, unless you get stuck somewhere. Tickets for adults cost about 100,000 VND (4 USD) for the mountain train and about 750,000 VND for the cable car to Fansipan mountain. Please note that prices can vary over time and by season.
What can you see and visit or use on your way to Mount Fansipan?
-
- If you choose to travel to Fansipan mountain by train + cable car, you will firstly enjoy fantastic views of the mountain area. But that’s not all. Sapa has also undergone great changes over the years. The Sunplaza, where the mountain train departs from, is a new commercial centre, quite nicely architecturally done and where there are various shops selling souvenirs, clothes and so on. So if you want to buy shoes, you can try to buy them here 🙂 On the way by train you will have a view of Muong Hoa valley – a very famous place where tourists flock to visit tourist villages and use homestay accommodation with ethnic minorities – Black Hmong.
TRAINS to LAO CAI – SAPA (+Tickets) ➜
Fansipan Legend cable car station is also a popular tourist site with restaurant.
-
- Around the Fansipan Legend cable car station, where the cable cars leave from, various tourist photo corners and selfie spots and often rather kitschy imitations of everything possible (e.g. the Eiffel Tower, etc.) have been created. It’s a place where more tourists congregate. There are also restaurants, cafes and even smaller shops near the station. The length of the cable car route to Fansipan is about 6.3 km and from here you can again see the Muong Hoa valley, Hoang Lien National Park and another huge number of mountains and mountain ranges around Sapa town, with good visibility you can see all the way to China or at least the border. It is also possible to see Tram Ton Pass (O Quy Ho), it is located north of Fansipan mountain.
When to go to Fansipan mountain? What is the best time for visit?
-
- Sapa also has, of course, recommended periods for visiting, like other places in Vietnam. However, since it is a high mountain place, and you will go to the mountain, you have to take into account that even outside the recommended periods there can be rapid changes in the weather, e.g. sun in the morning – rain in the afternoon, fog… So it’s important to choose the right day if you want to see something, and watch the weather in advance if you don’t want to see just fog and rain. The recommended periods to visit Sapa and Mount Fansipan are from March to May and from September to October. September and October can be ideal as it is also a good time to see and visit northern Vietnam. Read this article: Weather in Sapa or this article: Weather in Fansipan.
| Month | Weather | Detailed Description |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cool and Dry | January on Fansipan brings cool temperatures with averages around 5-15°C. The air is dry, and it’s an excellent time for trekking. The visibility is usually good, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. |
| February | Cool and Dry | February continues the cool and dry weather on Fansipan. Temperatures remain similar to January, and it’s an ideal month for outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the mountainous terrain. |
| March | Mild and Pleasant | March sees a gradual increase in temperatures, ranging from 10-20°C. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it a popular time for trekking enthusiasts. The blooming flora adds to the scenic beauty. |
| April | Mild and Pleasant | April is characterized by mild temperatures, ranging from 15-25°C. The weather is pleasant, and the mountain landscape is adorned with colorful flowers. It’s a great time for nature lovers and photographers. |
| May | Warm and Increasing Rainfall | May brings warmer temperatures, averaging 20-30°C. However, the rainfall starts to increase as the monsoon season approaches. It’s advisable to be prepared for occasional rain during outdoor activities. |
| June | Rainy Season Begins | June marks the beginning of the rainy season on Fansipan. Rainfall is frequent, and temperatures range from 18-28°C. The lush greenery becomes vibrant, but outdoor activities may be limited due to rain. |
| July | Rainy Season | July continues the rainy season with high precipitation. Temperatures remain mild, but the humidity is high. Fansipan’s landscapes are at their most picturesque, but trekking conditions may be challenging. |
| August | Rainy Season | August maintains the rainy weather, although the intensity may decrease slightly. Temperatures remain mild, and it’s a good time to witness the lush vegetation. Outdoor activities may be affected by occasional rain. |
| September | Rainy Season | September is one of the wettest months on Fansipan. Intensive rainfall can lead to floods, affecting trekking routes. However, accommodation prices may be lower, and indoor attractions are still accessible. |
| October | Rainy Season |
October continues with rain, but precipitation gradually decreases. Temperatures are still warm, and it’s a suitable time for budget travelers looking for lower prices and fewer tourists. |
| November | Mild and Pleasant | November sees improving weather conditions with milder temperatures and reduced rainfall. It’s a pleasant time for trekking and exploring Fansipan’s natural beauty. The landscapes are lush and rejuvenated. |
| December | Cool and Dry | December brings cool and dry weather back to Fansipan. Temperatures range from 5-15°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. It’s a great month for trekking and enjoying the mountain scenery. |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa ➜
-
- The most rain falls in the summer months and the most fog and cold weather in the winter months. If you go in autumn, be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing just in case, it can get very, very cold on Mount Fansipan. The average temperature on Mount Fansipan is around 10°C. Mount Fansipan has seen frosts to freezing temperatures and even snow (but no drifts) several times in the fall.
- Caution: despite the recommended seasons, there is no guarantee anywhere that it will be clear, beautiful and rain-free on Mount Fansipan, unfortunately this can never be guaranteed. So I recommend to come to Sapa town, for example for 3 days, and observe how the weather in the area will develop and then buy a ticket and go. I would skip the monsoon season in northern Vietnam and focus on autumn. People with cardiovascular or respiratory health problems are not recommended to go to the mountain.
Where to stay in Sapa? You can stay at the town center or stay in the village.
-
- Sapa has grown quite a lot with more hotels and is very wide. So you will find there various hotels, guesthouses, hostels, but in the surrounding villages also homestays with minorities. I would also recommend trying a homestay somewhere in the countryside further away from the city. Accommodation here you can find cheap (homestay and hotels) but also very expensive for example luxury 5-star hotels and resorts even with swimming pool. It’s also good to know how you will move around here, some accommodation, e.g. homestay are even a few kilometers away from the city center, e.g. in the villages of Tavan, Thanh Kim, Ban Ho.
🏡 A selection of the best rated accommodation:
▶ 15 Best Local Authentic Homestays in Sapa
▶ 15 Best Cheap Hotels / Resorts in Sapa
▶ 15 Best Luxury Hotels / Resorts in Sapa
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Train + Cable Car from Sapa to Fansipan:
1. Where is the highest mountain of Vietnam – Fansipan?
-
- The highest mountain of Vietnam – Fansipan (3143 m) is located near the town of Sapa in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range (it is a part of Lai Chau province).
2. How to get to Mount Fansipan from Sapa?
-
- The most convenient and popular option is to travel by mountain train from the downtown station (Ga cáp treo Sun World Fansipan Legend) and the cable car via the Fansipan Legend – Muong Hoa station (Cáp treo Fansipan). Another option is to use a guide and take some private trek. Most tourists already use the train + cable car route to the Fansipan mountain via Muong Hoa station. The train + cable car trip takes a total of just over 1 hour with a transfer at Fansipan Legend Station.
3. How to buy train + cable car tickets to Fansipan Mountain?
-
- You have 2 options: buy tickets on the spot (recommended) or online at the official website of the train and cable car company: Sunworld or you can book them with KLOOK. Tickets to Fansipan Mountain are also offered by various travel agencies or other resellers. The ticket (magnetic card purchased officially on the spot) is valid for the day you bought it, the ticket cannot be used for another day.
4. What is the price of train + cable car tickets to Fansipan Mountain?
-
- A ticket to Mount Fansipan costs about 750,000 VND for adults and 550,000 VND for children, children up to 1 m high get it for free. It is a round trip ticket, that means, from Fansipan Legend Station (Muong Hoa Station) to Fansipan Mountain and then back.
- A train ticket from Sapa town to Fansipan Legend station (Muong Hoa station) costs about 100,000 VND
- A ticket from the station on Fansipan Mountain to the top of the mountain costs about 70,000 VND
- Visitors coming from Lao Cai province have a lower ticket price
- Please note: prices are subject to change, official prices on Sunworld
5. How long does it take to get to Mount Fansipan by train + cable car?
-
- It takes about 10 minutes by mountain train from Sapa town to the Fanispan Legend Cable Car station. After that, transfer to the cable car and ride up Mount Fansipan – about 20 minutes. If there are no major delays it could take about 1 hour. I would reserve at least half a day for the trip.
6. How long is the cable car route to Mount Fansipan?
-
- The cable car from Sun World Fansipan Legend Station in Muong Hoa Valley to Fansipan Mountain is 6292.5 m long. It is one of the longest cable cars in the world (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records).
7. Is it possible to buy food or drink on Mount Fansipan?
-
- Yes, it is possible, there is a restaurant/cafe and even a shop on Fansipan Mountain. I personally tried the food and drink and it wasn’t bad, but expect higher prices. You can also buy food at the Fansipan Legend cable car station, as well as at the commercial center in Sun Plaza.
8. What is the best time to visit Fansipan mountain?
-
- The best time for visit Fansipan mountain is autumn and spring, September – October or March – May. It is better to avoid the monsoon season (summer months). Be aware that the weather can change quickly on the mountain, it can be very cold and even foggy in winter, so be prepared with warm waterproof clothing. As far as visitors go, yes it is a top tourist spot and lots of tourists come. The most visited days are weekend days.
9. How to get and travel to the peak of Mount Fansipan?
-
- After you arrive by cable car to Fansipan, you have to climb another 600 steps to the peak of the mountain. You can also use the high altitude small train that takes you there from Do Quyen station (Ga tàu hoả leo núi), a ticket can be bought on the spot.
10. What are the opening hours of the train + cable car to Mount Fansipan?
-
- This train from Sapa town to Fansipan Legend Station operates from 8am – 5pm and the cable car to Fansipan Mountain 7.30am – 5.30pm throughout the week. Please note that the times have changed several times in the past and may therefore vary in the future, they may also vary on some public holidays. Just come during the day.
11. What will you see on your way to Mount Fansipan?
-
- If you take the train and cable car, you can see the Muong Hoa valley and Hoang Lien Son National Park, the mountain scenery around Sapa and in good weather you can see all the way to China from the mountain. Around the Fansipan Legend cable car station, a number of photo spots and even kitschy commercial attractions have been built.
12. Is it possible to use a tour guide and walk up Fansipan Mountain?
-
- Yes, it’s possible, it’s another way to reach Fansipan, probably a different experience. You should take some private tour guide from Sapa. There are different length treks to Hoang Lien Park and to Fansipan, e.g. 1-3 days.
13. How you can travel to Sapa from Hanoi?
-
- There are various travel options how to reach Sapa from Hanoi. There are sleeper trains to Lao Cai (about 30 km from Sapa town), tourist buses or minivans and also various private cars / taxi. Sapa has no airport, it is not possible to travel by plane. Read this article: How to reach Sapa from Hanoi?
14 How to travel solo in Vietnam?
-
- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa ➜
How and where the train from Sapa goes to the cable car:
(it is about 2.6 km from Sapa town to Muong Hoa station, then change to the Fansipan Legend cable car – 6292.5 m)
Travel by train + cable car from Sapa to Fansipan mountain — Photos:
| Interesting Facts about Fansipan Mountain: | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. The Tallest Peak in Indochina: |
Fansipan Mountain, often referred to as the „Roof of Indochina,“ stands as the highest peak in the entire Indochina Peninsula. With an elevation of 3,147.3 meters (10,326 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking views and is a coveted destination for trekkers and mountaineers. |
| 2. Majestic Landscape: |
Fansipan’s landscape is nothing short of majestic. The mountain is part of the Hoàng Liên Son Range, which is known for its stunning vistas, lush forests, and diverse flora and fauna. The trek to the summit takes you through a range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. |
| 3. A Geological Wonder: |
Fansipan’s geological formation is a marvel in itself. The mountain features a complex structure of igneous and sedimentary rocks, as well as karst formations. This geological diversity has contributed to the unique beauty of the mountain and its surroundings. |
| 4. Cultural Significance: |
Fansipan holds great cultural importance for the local ethnic communities, particularly the Hmong and Dao peoples. They consider the mountain sacred and believe it to be the home of deities. Treks to Fansipan often include visits to local villages, providing travelers with an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural tapestry of the region. |
| 5. Trekkers‘ Paradise: |
Fansipan is a paradise for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The journey to the summit can be a challenging but rewarding adventure. Various trekking routes cater to different levels of hikers, and along the way, you’ll encounter lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the chance to spot rare wildlife. |
| 6. Varied Climatic Zones: |
Fansipan boasts diverse climatic zones due to its considerable elevation. As you ascend, you’ll traverse through subtropical and temperate zones. This variation in climate contributes to the mountain’s rich biodiversity and is a fascinating aspect of the trek. |
| 7. Spectacular Panoramas: |
The summit of Fansipan offers panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, you can see the vast Vietnamese landscape, including the picturesque terraced rice fields of Sapa, neighboring peaks, and even glimpses of Laos in the distance. The sense of accomplishment at the summit is complemented by the awe-inspiring scenery. |
| 8. A Flora and Fauna Haven: |
Fansipan is a haven for biodiversity. The mountain is home to numerous plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the region. While trekking, you might encounter rare orchids, bamboo forests, and perhaps even the elusive red-shanked douc langur, a critically endangered primate species. |
| 9. Historical Expeditions: |
Throughout history, Fansipan has been the subject of numerous expeditions and explorations. From the French colonial period to contemporary mountaineers, it has drawn adventurers seeking to conquer its summit. The mountain’s rich history adds an extra layer of intrigue to any trek. |
| 10. Conservation and Preservation: |
Fansipan’s ecological importance has led to conservation efforts and the establishment of the Fansipan Conservation and Cultural Heritage Center. These efforts aim to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystems, support local communities, and ensure sustainable tourism practices. When you visit Fansipan, you become part of a movement to safeguard this natural wonder for future generations. |
BOOK your HOTEL / STAY in Sapa ➜