How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024

Are you planning a trip to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina? Getting to this majestic mountain requires some planning and preparation, but the journey is well worth the effort. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to getting to Fansipan Mountain, including transportation options, accommodation, and tips for making the most of your trip.

Sapa is the closest town to Fansipan Mountain and the starting point for most climbers. To get to Sapa, you have a few options:

  • By Train: The most popular way to get to Sapa is by overnight train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 8-9 hours and arrives early in the morning, giving you a full day to explore Sapa.
  • By Bus: You can also take a bus from Hanoi to Sapa, which takes around 6-7 hours. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and tickets can be purchased online or at travel agencies in Hanoi.
  • By Private Car: If you prefer to travel by car, you can hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi to Sapa. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Step 2: Accommodation in Sapa

There are plenty of accommodation options in Sapa, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Some popular options include:

  • Sapa Legend Hotel & Spa: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Sapa town, with stunning views of Fansipan Mountain.
  • Sapa Eco-Home: A budget homestay located in a village outside of Sapa town, offering an authentic experience of local life.
  • Topas Ecolodge: A luxury eco-resort located on a hilltop outside of Sapa town, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Step 3: Getting to Fansipan Mountain

Once you’re in Sapa, there are a few ways to get to Fansipan Mountain:

  • Cable Car: The easiest and most popular way to reach the summit of Fansipan Mountain is by taking the cable car from Sapa town. The cable car takes around 20 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Hiking: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike to the summit of Fansipan Mountain. There are several hiking trails that start from Sapa town and range in difficulty from easy to challenging. The hike can take anywhere from 1-3 days, depending on your pace and route.

Step 4: Tips for Climbing Fansipan Mountain

Whether you’re taking the cable car or hiking to the summit, climbing Fansipan Mountain requires some preparation and planning. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your climb:

  • Dress appropriately: The weather on Fansipan Mountain can be unpredictable, so it’s important to bring warm clothes, rain gear, and comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Bring enough food and water: There are no shops or restaurants on the mountain, so you’ll need to bring enough food and water for your climb.
  • Acclimate to the altitude: Fansipan Mountain is over 3,000 meters above sea level, so it’s important to spend a few days in Sapa to acclimate to the altitude before starting your climb.
  • Hire a guide: If you’re hiking, it’s recommended to hire a local guide to ensure your safety and to help you navigate the trails.
  • Respect the mountain and the locals: Fansipan Mountain is a sacred place for the local tribes, so it’s important to respect their traditions and to leave no trace.

Conclusion

Getting to Fansipan Mountain may require some planning and effort, but the journey is well worth it for the stunning views and unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to take the cable car or hike to the summit, be sure to prepare yourself for the altitude, bring enough food and water, and respect the mountain and the local traditions. With this guide, you’re ready to embark on your journey to the roof of Indochina and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In summary, Fansipan Mountain is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Getting there requires some planning and preparation, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey to the roof of Indochina. Whether you choose to take the cable car or hike to the summit, be sure to respect the mountain and the locals, dress appropriately, bring enough food and water, and acclimate to the altitude. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to explore the stunning beauty of Fansipan Mountain.

The base resort for Mount Fansipan sits 2km drive up from the town of Sapa. The best way to accomplish this is via the mountainside tram that leads from Sapa town to the ticketing office at the start of the Fansipan Cable Car.

There are three main ways to get to the Sun World Fansipan Cable Car from Sapa town:

  • Car or motorbike taxi
  • 30 minute uphill walk
  • Mountainside Tram

If you are driving your own motorbike, you can leave it parked with your hotel, or drive it up and park it for the day at Sun World Fansipan. Or better yet, consider the awesome tram.

How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Sapa tram at Sun World Fansipan.

Taxi car or motorbike

Depending on your group size, a motorbike taxi may be fine to transport one passenger each. This might be okay for a couple of friends looking for cheap transport. You can hail these via the Grab app, which usually has some cars too available offering rides.

Opting for the slightly pricier taxi offers space for many, vans are usually available and on quick notice. It’s a short, inexpensive trip either way. There are plenty of taxis and people offering rides by just stepping outside in Sapa town.

Take a Walk

In my opinion, save your strength and get a ride. You’ll be hiking once you get to the top of the cable car to reach the summit, many, many steps. If you opt to walk, just ask for directions, it’ll be pretty apparent. Then keep your head on a swivel and one foot in front of the other. It’s a thirty minute trek.

How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Riding the tram up to Sun World Fansipan to take the cable car.

Ride like a boss, you’re in Vietnam for a limited time. Vietnam dazzles up its mountainside resorts, from Bana Hills to Fansipan. These are world class attractions and resorts set around them.

You can buy tickets and board the tram to the cable car in the shops at the base of the 5 star Hotel de la Coupole (affiliate link). This attraction-in-itself, is a spectacularly massive hotel in the center of Sapa town. Consider booking a night here to explore the property, they have a lot of rooms to fill so you might get a deal.

How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Ticket counter for Sapa Tram to Fansipan.

Don’t enter the main hotel door check-in, which is around the back, but enter on the main street down the hill of the hotel, which has an entrance for shops. This indoor market features a slew of clothing and souvenir shops, plus a ticket counter where you’ll purchase the tram passes and wait for the fairly frequent trips. The cost is nominal.

There’s an escalator down to reach the boarding station. Enjoy the journey!

How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Escalator down to the tram boarding.
How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Boarding the tram in Sapa to the cable car.
How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Mounting up for departure.
How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Kicking things off with a tunnel.

We’ll spare you the magnificent ride up to experience for yourself the first time. Once at the top of the Fansipan Station you’ll depart and head on up to buy your ticket to ride the cable car to Fansipan mountain.

There’s a restaurant, gift shop and other amenities at the base village here before you take the cable car up. Once at the top, resources are more limited to a big gift shop and some small vendors.

How to get to the top of fansipan năm 2024
Uptop the Fansipan tram station.

Once you reach the top of the cable car, you’ll have the option of furthering the transportation fun via a funicular to get even closer to the peak of Fansipan. If your conditioning is in question, probably opt for this smooth easy way up. From the top of the funicular it’s a quick walk up. However, a lot of the reward and attractions are found on the trail up by skipping the funicular.

You have to hike a long series of multiple staircases, and trails. It’s uphill at elevation, to 3,143 meters (10,312 ft) at the very top. So take it slow, expect at least an hour. There are some amazing monuments and sculptures along the way. Or opt for the short and I’m sure terrific funicular ride, as icing on the cake to the tram and cable car.

How long does it take to walk up Fansipan?

The altitude change from the starting place to the top is over 2000meter. To get the top, you need to take at least 2days ( with 6-7hrs trekking/day). So Fansipan Trek difficulty is Moderate ( 3/5), which means you should have hiking experience and good physical and condition.

Is Fansipan easy to climb?

Temperature: It can get very cold and it rains frequently even during the climbing season. Warm clothing and rain gears are necessary. Difficulty Level: Climbing Fansipan is tough but anyone with good fitness and hiking experience should be able to cope.

Can you drive up to Fansipan?

As to get to Fansipan Mountain, you have to arrive at Sapa Town first. Most tourists come to Sapa from Hanoi by train or bus. It takes only about 5-6 hours by bus. But the paths are quite stiff, narrow, and slippery, which can break your heart when drivers driving upwards.

Can you climb Fansipan without a guide?

Fansipan (or Phan Xi Păng in Vietnamese) is the highest mountain in Indochina. At 3,143m (10,312ft) it's a real mountain, but can be climbed without any specialist equipment or guides or porters.