Fansipan Mountain - A solemn structure of Vietnam’s pinnacle

A detailed overview of Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan Mountain Vietnam is an alluring site that is known for its high level landscapes and peaks. This mountain has been reported to be the highest in Indochina, as it notably attracts tourists and adventurous people who are fascinated by the beauty of nature.

The mountain can be found on the border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau Province. It is also estimated to have a height reaching about 3,143 meters, which is why it is often referred to as the ‘Roof of Indochina.’ The local name for this Fansipan Mountain is Hua Xi Pan, which means a Huge titled rock slab, commemorating its enormous nature in the midst of other landscapes.

Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan Mountain Sapa is a site of attraction to many tourists throughout all four seasons. You can have an exciting and adventurous tour of the Fansipan Mountain by standing and having a nice gaze at the amazing clouds or rather be in the cable car which gives you a priceless view of the wide Muong Hoa valley which has large rice fields, which together make the tour amazing and exciting.

As an adventurous tourist, when you overcome the Fansipan Mountain Sapa, you allow yourself into the traditional life of the local people, explore their way of life, their values, belief systems, their food, as well as break spiritual boundaries and find peace within the confines of their rich cultural and religious values.

Weather and climate at Fansipan Mountain

The weather around Fansipan Mountain Sapa is usually cool all year round. It has a yearly average temperature of approximately 20 °C, with an annual rainfall estimated to about 1500 millimeters which comes with very strong winds.

Weather and climate at Fansipan Mountain

During winter, the temperature drops to about 0 °C. It is freezing cold around the mountain around this time. A very good thing however is that the mist, fog and snow during this winter period become the highlight of Fansipan Mountain as they decorate and bring out the enchanting and aesthetic nature of the mountain.

Geographical formation around Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan Mountain stretches to a massive 3,143 meters, that is a solid and impressive 10,312 feet above sea level which is almost half the height of mount Everest. With this, Fansipan Mountain is the highest in Indochina.

The mountain is located in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. At the base of this mountain is the valley of Muong Hoa, a stunning valley that has a wide range of rice fields as well as different villages with various tribal denominations and sects.

Climbing the mountain, you will find that it is surrounded by amazing natural landscapes and beautiful scenery such as forests, gorges, waterfalls etc.

How do I get to Mount Fansipan Sapa?

By Hiking

By Hiking

As an adventurous tourist, you can choose to get to Fansipan Mountain Vietnam by taking a hike. There are quite a number of hiking trails to explore. Those trails usually start from Sapa town and are categorized according to their difficulty, and depending on your pace as a tourist, or the route you choose, it can take you up to 3 days to get there.

By Cable Car

By Cable Car

This route is by far the easiest and the most used route to get to Fansipan Mountain. Going by this cable car only takes you about 20 minutes to get to the mountain. The cable car not only takes you there safely, faster and easily but also gives you the opportunity to explore and see the fine and beautiful natural setting while at it. As you move along in the cable car, you explore amazing landscapes such as forests, serene waters, rice fields etc.

Top captivating things to do at Fansipan Mountain, Vietnam

Discover sacred spiritual attachment and attractions

Fansipan Mountain Sapa has taken possession of a spiritual aspect which is the Pagoda Complex that has quite a number of tourists and people who find comfort from the distress of life and seek deliverance as well as blessings for peace and success as they enjoy the breeze and enjoy the enchanting and mesmerizing views.

This pagoda complex is a representation of the ancient Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, depicting the architectural makeup of most of the popular pagodas in various provinces.

The spiritual expedition is one that begins right after getting off the cable car through Bich Van Thien Tu Temple, entered through the Quan Van Dac Lo gate.

Experience Muong Hoa funicular rides

Muong Hoa trains take you on a very enchanting ride with charming and beautiful scenery, accompanied by the Muong Hoa valley that is very peaceful and utterly simple. Moving from the Sapa town, the funicular train is also a very impressive means of getting to the Fansipan cable car station, as it directly connects to the town.

Experience Muong Hoa funicular rides

Get ready for a thrilling riding experience as you take through tunnels, a view of great natural landscapes and from very high altitudes.

Enjoy an exciting and unforgettable hiking experience

As an adventurous tourist, you can choose to get to Fansipan Mountain by taking a hike. There are quite a number of hiking trails to explore. Those trails usually start from Sapa town and are categorized according to their difficulty, and depending on your pace as a tourist, or the route you choose, it can take you up to 3 days to get there.

Try photos and selfies on the mountain top to boost your experience

Try photos and selfies

As a tourist, exploring new places and sites cannot be complete without photos or pictures. As you capture those special moments from the mountain top, you get to experience very captivating and serene views to maximize the experience.

Best things to see in Fansipan Mountain Vietnam

Trinh Pagoda – Bao An Monastery

Trinh Pagoda – Bao An Monastery

As a tourist, you should spend a little time at the Trinh Pagoda, which is the beginning point of the cable car route. It has a height of about 1,600 m and is the property of Hoang Lien cable station complex.

The Enlightenment Path of Thanh Van – a beginning of your spiritual journey on Fansipan Mountain

The Enlightenment Path of Thanh Van

More than a thousand years ago, Buddhism was the national religion of Vietnam and that inspired the building of the Enlightenment Path of Thanh Van - A gate that leads to the spiritual world on the mountain. It is quite beautiful and peaceful scenery that begins your journey to the mountain.

Bich Van Zen Monastery

Bich Van Zen Monastery

After the Enlightenment Path, you will encounter an architectural masterpiece with a height of about 3,000 m on the mountain. It is a complex of three shrines, the main of which is Bich Van Zen Monastery. The rest are the three mother temples and the Saint Tran Hung Dao Temple. This structure has a very unique and intricate architectural setting which is a reflection of the Tran Dynasty.

The Grand Belfry

The Grand Belfry

This Grand Belfry is right opposite Bich Van Zen Monastery. A five storey building with a height of about 35 m. The bells have specific times they are toll each day.

The giant Buddha statue

The giant Buddha statue

There is also a giant Buddha statue right outside the area of Bich Van Zen Monastery. This magnificent work of art is made of bronze and located at about 3000 m on the mountain with a height of approximately 21m. The statue has three floors. The first floor serves as a resting area for fatigued tourists who would like to enjoy some food while the second floor is a lecture hall.

The stupa and 9-storey waterfall

The stupa and 9-storey waterfall

The statue of Buddha has on its sides the Stupa and the 9-storey waterfall. The stupa is a reflection of a typical Northern Vietnamese architecture with 11 floors and has been modeled like some popular ancient Vietnamese stupa such as Pho Minh (Nam Dinh), Binh Son (Vinh Phuc) etc. The other side also has the 9-storey waterfall which is opposite the face of Buddha’s statue. The waterfall has a height of about 30 m and has 150 stone steps with a column that has sculptured Buddhist scripture on it.

Alahat (Arhats) Path

Alahat (Arhats) Path

After the statue of Buddha, there is the Alahat Path to the Guanyin statue and Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda. It is an eight hundred meter long road with 18 Alahat statues. These statues stand at a height of 2 and a half meters each with weight between 500 and 600 kg.

Guanyin statue

Guanyin statue

As a tourist, you should definitely spend some time at this Guanyin statue as it is perceived as a Buddha of kindness and optimum benevolence and favor. You can tap into favor and blessing for you and your entire family by praying at this statue.

Mountain God shrine

Mountain God shrine

Right behind the Guanyin statue is the Mountain God Shrine. There is an ancient Vietnamese belief that each mountain has its separate and specific god to be worshiped at their individual mountains.

Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda – Van Phong Zen Monastery

Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda – Van Phong Zen Monastery

The Kim Son Bao Thang is reported to be the biggest Pagoda on the Fansipan Mountain with 2 major shrines. On the 1st and 15th of each Lunar calendar, a significant number of people gather around the Pagoda to pay homage to Buddha and seek wealth, good health and prosperity.

A fast track hiking guide for Fansipan Mountain

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Suggested best time to hike on Mount Fansipan

The most comprehensive and more appropriate time for a mount Fansipan hike is between mid September and mid December, as well as between mid March and mid May. This is so because during these times, the weather is usually dry and cool with the sky being clear with very good visibility.

It is important however to note that the weather at Fansipan isn’t a stable one, and so be sure to always monitor weather forecasts and prepare accordingly.

Suggested hiking routes in Fansipan Mountain Vietnam

Suggested hiking routes in Fansipan Mountain Vietnam

Fansipan Mountain Vietnam has different hiking routes with different levels of difficulty. These are some suggested hiking routes to Fansipan Mountain.

Tram Ton Pass - Fansipan peak: 15 km away from Sapa town is the Tram Ton Pass, which is the most popular among the routes. It usually takes about 2 days to get to the mountain if you use this route while enjoying amazing sceneries and landscapes.

Sin Chai - Fansipan peak: 4 kilometers from Sapa is the Sin Chai village, which starts this route. It only takes about 9 hours to complete if you have experience in trekking. It is usually less crowded compared to the first suggested route.

Cat Cat - Fansipan peak: This route begins right from the Cat Cat village, about 3 kilometers from Sapa. It takes 3 days to complete this route and is also less popular.

Some notes for your first-time Fansipan Mountain trekking

As a first time tourist going to Fansipan Mountain, it is important to note these tips down for an easier and better experience.

Physical preparation: It will be quite helpful to you if you engage in some physical exercise prior to your trip because the Fansipan mountain trekking is a very challenging ordeal.

Proper gear: You need to prepare for the most appropriate gear like clothing, hiking shoes etc in order to make your task easier.

Weather check: It is very important to always be abreast with the weather forecast or check before embarking on such a trip, as the weather at Fansipan can be quite unstable and unpredictable.

Acclimatization: If you can spend at least a day or two in Sapa before your trekking trip, it will be of great help to you. This will help to adapt properly to all the conditions before going for the trek.

Local guide: It is very important to hire a local guide to help you navigate the area on your trekking experience.

Leave no trace: This means that you need to remember to take all your trash with you.

Conclusion

A trip to Fansipan gives you the most exciting and captivating experience of your life. It doesn’t matter whether you are an adventurous tourist, you will still find the experience worthwhile.Thinking of visiting Fansipan Mountain? Don’t miss out on Asia Tour Advisor Prepare your luggage and get ready to go on a Vietnam tours package to one of your best destinations!