Exploring Mt Phan Xi Pangs Summit

Mount Fansipan, or Phan Xi Păng in Vietnamese, is the highest mountain in Indochina, standing at 3,143m (or 3,147m according to a 2019 statistic). It is located in the Lào Cai province of Vietnam, nine kilometres from the town of Sa Pa.

Mount Fansipan can be climbed independently, without a guide, in one day. However, it is a steep mountain that gets a lot of moisture, so it is recommended that hikers are in good shape and prepared for muddy, wet conditions. The trail is fairly easy to follow, and can be comfortably climbed in one day without a guide, but it is still essential to prepare and climb responsibly and safely.

There are several trails to the summit, but only one is easy enough to follow independently. This is the trail that begins at the entrance to Thác Tình Yêu (Love Waterfall), 15km west of Sapa on road QL4D. Known as the Tram Ton Pass trail, it can be climbed in one day, without a guide, but it is still important to prepare and climb safely.

The ascent takes between six and eight hours, and the descent can be made in about four hours. The hike can be completed in one day if you start in the morning. The cable car is a convenient option for climbers who want to get back to Sapa in one day.

How to get to Mt Phan Xi Pan

To get to Mt Phan Xi Pan, you first need to arrive at Sapa Town. Most tourists come to Sapa from Hanoi by train or bus. The train route between Hanoi and Sapa offers relatively comfortable sleeper cabins for you to relax before the rough journey (if you are climbing up). From Lao Cai train station, it takes an hour to drive to Sapa town. From there, you can take a taxi to the town or reach the Mount Fansipan starting point of the climb or cable car station. The foot of Mount Fansipan is only 2km away from Sapa town, but you would need 30 minutes or more as the roads are narrow and packed with cars or other heavy vehicles sharing the roads.

If you are climbing up, you will need to be assisted by a local guide, who can be found conveniently at Hanoi or Sapa travel agencies. The starting point of the climb is already 1,800m above sea level, to which you will be probably introduced to the guide. The guides mostly come from the hillside tribes, who are true locals with many years of climbing experience. He will help travelers register with security posts before embarking on the climb.

If you are not that much of a trekker but still want to expose your eyes to the view from the top of Indochina, there is now a modern cable car to help you conquer Fansipan Mountain. The 2-3 days trip would change into a 15-minute ride up to the summit. The cable car is a spectacular ride, passing high above the forested valley, in and out of the clouds, going from alpine forests near the top to terraced rice paddies near the bottom. The ride only takes about 15 minutes, even though it’s over 6km long and has an elevation gain of over 1,400m. It’s a smooth, beautiful ride, the cars are large, bright, comfortable and clean, and they operate constantly from 7 am to 6 pm. There’s even a train running from the cable car station at the bottom into Sapa town, or you can easily take a taxi. However, ticket prices for the cable car are high: 700,000vnd ($30) one-way for adults.

The cable car option

The cable car is a very convenient option for climbers who want to get back to Sapa in one day. It is also a good option for those who want to experience the mountain but do not want to hike. The cable car is a spectacular ride, passing high above the forested valley, in and out of the clouds, going from alpine forests near the top to terraced rice paddies near the bottom. The ride takes about 15 minutes, even though it’s over 6km long and has an elevation gain of over 1,400m. It’s a smooth, beautiful ride, the cars are large, bright, comfortable and clean, and they operate constantly from 7 am to 6 pm. There’s even a train running from the cable car station at the bottom into Sapa town, or you can easily take a taxi. However, ticket prices for the cable car are high: 700,000 VND ($30) one-way for adults.

The cable car station is located in the Fansipan Legend tourist area, about 3km from Stone Church in Sapa town centre. You can walk to the cable car station in about 30 minutes, or take a taxi for 10-12 USD.

The cable car ticket price for 2024 is 800,000 VND per adult (35 USD). Children between 1.1m and 1.4m in height pay 550,000 VND (25 USD), and children under 1.1m go free. Tickets are valid for the day of purchase only and can be bought directly at the station. On holidays and weekends, the cable car can be very busy, so you may have to queue for a few hours.

The best time to visit Fansipan mountain is during the dry season from October to May when the weather is mild, with clear skies and less rain. The peak tourist season is from November to February, but the months of March to May also offer pleasant conditions for enjoying the mountain’s natural beauty.

It is essential to stay hydrated on the mountain. Bring lots of water with you. The climb is strenuous, so you will be perspiring all the time, even if it doesn’t feel like it because of the cool weather conditions. Dehydration leads to cramp, which can be a major hindrance, forcing you to stay static for hours at a time. Make sure you bring some warm clothing. The mountain can get very cold, even in the summer months. If you get stuck on the mountain in freezing temperatures, hypothermia is a serious possibility.

The hike option

Getting There

You can get to the trailhead for the hike by taking a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, and then a minibus to Sapa. From Sapa, it's a 10-20 minute taxi ride to the trailhead at the entrance to Thác Tình Yêu (Love Waterfall).

The Trail

The trail is known as the Tram Ton Pass trail and is the only one that can be followed independently and safely without a guide. It's fairly easy to follow, but it's important to prepare and climb responsibly and safely. The trail is 11.2km long and can be completed in one day if you start in the morning. The hike takes between 6-8 hours depending on your pace, and there are two permanent camps along the trail to the summit, one at 2,200m and the other at 2,800m.

The first half of the trail is well-marked and of moderate steepness, but the second half is rocky and very steep at times, involving metal ladder and peg-ladder climbs. The trail goes through forests and over streams, and as you climb higher, the forest cover disappears and you'll be hiking along the top of an exposed ridge.

What to Bring

Although you don't need any specialist equipment, it's important to carefully consider what to wear and what to bring with you. The mountain weather is unpredictable, so conditions can be very hot and very cold on the same day. It's best to dress in light but warm and windproof clothing, with the option to strip off a layer if you get too hot. For footwear, standard hiking shoes are perfect, but decent trainers will also do. Take a small backpack with food and drink supplies, and remember to bring lots of water.

Safety

Although Mount Fansipan can be climbed independently, it's important to treat the ascent seriously by preparing sensibly and climbing responsibly. There have been deaths on the mountain, and the risks of climbing alone should not be underestimated. It's best not to climb alone—go with a companion or a small group. Bring your mobile phone, and make sure you have a local SIM card with plenty of credit.

When to Go

The best times of year for climbing Fansipan are spring (March, April) and autumn (September, October). During these months, there's a good chance the sun will shine for at least some portions of the climb, and temperatures are fairly mild.

Permits and Guides

Although it's possible to climb Fansipan independently, there have been reports of people being stopped by park authorities and told that a guide is required. There have also been reports of fines for those climbing without a guide. However, other hikers have said that they were not asked for any tickets or permission to scale the mountain independently.

What to pack

When packing for your trip to Mount Fansipan, it's important to consider the unpredictable mountain weather and the possibility of large temperature fluctuations. Here is a list of essential items to pack for your journey:

• Waterproof clothing: The weather on Fansipan can change quickly, so it's best to dress in layers that can be adjusted as needed. A waterproof outer layer is essential to protect against rain and wind.
• Sturdy footwear: Standard hiking shoes or decent trainers will suffice for the climb. Avoid flip-flops or any shoes with poor traction, as the trail can be slippery.
• Backpack: Bring a small backpack to carry your food, water, and extra clothing. Remember to leave room for layers you may need to remove as you warm up during the hike.
• Food and water: There are no shops or kiosks on the trail, so pack enough food and water to last the duration of your hike. Dehydration can lead to cramp, which can be dangerous, so bring plenty of water. Local snacks such as bánh sữa (milk candy bars) and lương khô (Vietnamese energy bars) are good options.
• Warm clothing: It can get very cold on the mountain, even in the summer months, so pack warm clothing, including a sweater or jacket.
• Mobile phone and power bank: There is phone signal for most of the ascent, so bring your mobile phone for emergencies. Make sure you have a local SIM card with plenty of credit, preferably Viettel, as they have the widest coverage in the mountains. Bring a power bank to recharge your phone on the climb.
• Flashlight: If you plan to hike during early morning or evening hours, bring a small flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your path.
• Trekking poles: These can provide extra support and stability during the hike, especially on steep or slippery sections.
• First aid kit: Assemble a basic first aid kit to address any minor injuries or blisters that may occur during the hike.
• Sun protection: Don't forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays, especially if you'll be hiking during the day.
• Camera: The views from Fansipan are stunning, so bring a camera to capture the magnificent landscapes and scenery.

What to see at the summit

The summit of Mt Phan Xi Pan is a bit of a tourist trap these days, with temples, souvenir shops, photography booths, and a giant seated Buddha. There are also cafes, restaurants, and food stalls.

The cable car to the peak of Mt Phan Xi Pan was inaugurated in 2016, and the summit has been transformed by the influx of tourists. The cable car ride offers wild views of the rice terraces from above, and the cable car passes through clouds on the way up to the mountain.

Once you get off the cable car, you can either take a train or walk to the summit. The walk is long but there are many things to see along the way, including Buddhist temples and statues. There are hundreds of stairs to climb to the summit, but there is also a train that can bring you to the top.

The views from the summit are spectacular, with a sea of clouds and mountain peaks. The steps to the summit are steep and exhausting, but the view is worth the effort.

The summit can be crowded, and it is very cold, even in the summer months. It is important to bring warm clothing and good shoes.

Frequently asked questions