Fansipan: The Roof of Indochina

Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak (3,147.3 meters) and the tallest in the Indochinese Peninsula, is a must-visit destination near Sapa. Known as the "Roof of Indochina," it offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural attractions, and adventure opportunities. Here’s a detailed guide to exploring Fansipan:

Key Highlights
1. Elevation & Location
- Height: Officially measured at 3,147.3 meters (10,326 feet) using modern satellite technology, surpassing earlier estimates.
- Location: Part of the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, straddling Lai Châu and Lào Cai provinces, 9 km southwest of Sapa.

How to Reach the Summit
- Cable Car:
- Inaugurated in 2016, it holds two Guinness World Records: longest nonstop three-rope cable car (6.3 km) and highest elevation gain* (1,410 meters).
- Takes 15–20 minutes to ascend; operates daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- 2025 Ticket Prices:
- Adults: 800,000–850,000 VND (weekdays/weekends)
- Children (1–1.4 m): 550,000 VND; under 1 m: Free.
- Optional Muong Hoa Mountain Train (200,000 VND) connects Sapa town to the cable car station, offering scenic valley views.
- Trekking:
- Routes:
- Tram Ton Pass (easiest, 12 km, 1–2 days).
- Sin Chai (steeper, 9 km, 2 days).
- Cat Cat Village (most challenging, 20 km, 3–4 days).
- Guides: Mandatory for safety; permits required.