Standing at 10,325.7 ft (3,147.3 m), Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula. As the highest peak in the region, Fansipan has gained the nickname the ‘Roof of Indochina’. Strenuous and steep, the trek to the summit can take days, although an alternate route exists, using a cable car to take visitors to the top.

History

Formed between the Permian and Triassic periods, Fansipan rose from the ground 250-260 million years ago. Further growth during the late Mesozoic era gave this mountain even more height while also creating the Red River Fault.

As a part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, Fansipan is an extension of the famous Himalayas.

fansipan (phan xi pang) mountain – near sapa

Aerial view of Fansipan’s peak. Photo: Cha già José

The origin of the mountain’s name is unknown, although most historians agree with the leading theory that the name evolved from Hua Xi Pan, which means “tottering giant rock”.

An alternate hypothesis traces the name to the Hmong people, while others argue that the name was based on a geographer who helped French colonizers map the mountain during the Nguyen Dynasty. A culmination of all the theories, the mountain is now known as Phan Xi Pang or Fan Si Pan.

Interestingly, it seems that the geography official from the Nguyen Dynasty may not have taken entirely accurate measurements. Last assessed in 1909, Fansipan’s height was determined using a barometric method, which required the placement of atmospheric pressure gauges on the mountain’s base and peak.

Using the Global Navigation Satellite System, the mountain’s data was updated, giving Fansipan a new height of 10,325.7 ft (3,147.3 meters), an increase of 14 ft (4.3 meters). The change in height is most frequently attributed to the French’s limited technology.

Enjoy Vietnam’s scenic views during your hike. Photo: clkao

However, others suggest that the entire Hoang Lien Sin Mountain Range grows by 1.6 inches or 4.06 centimeters each year. Regardless of the various theories, Fansipan has a reputation of being a beautiful, must-see attraction for Vietnam’s visitors.

Those who find themselves in Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province should plan a trip to see Fansipan.

Location

Fansipan is located in northwest Vietnam in the Lao Cai Province. The closest town to the peak is Sapa in the Muong Hoa Valley, about 5 ½ miles (9 kilometers) from the mountain’s base. Most visitors and trekkers use the town as a camp before heading towards Fansipan’s summit.

The metal statue at Fansipan. Photo: Jols.

Other highlights in the area include day hikes in the valley, rice paddy fields, and the nearby villages. Sapa has a small museum in town that tells the history of the area. As a small community, visitors can also expect to interact with the town’s ethnic tribes.

Summiting Fansipan

Hikers who want to walk their way to the summit of Fansipan should prepare for an arduous journey. While climbing experience is not required, people should have a high level of fitness and endurance to reach the peak.

The mountain has year-round access, though the rainy season means that the trail will be muddy. Hiking to Fansipan’s summit takes 1-3 days, although experienced mountaineers can complete the hike in one day.

A guide taking a group on a hiking tour of Fansipan Mountain. Photo: Chan Guanhao

Most novice hikers will complete the trek in 3 days, however, some may be able to summit in 2 days. Those with experience may not need a guide to complete their trip, but it may be helpful to get one anyway.

Guided tours are available for all hikers, regardless of experience. While it may be harder to find a guide willing to book a single-day trip, many of the local guides will lead trios that can be completed in 3 days. Usually, the half-day or day-long excursions are for other local trails, not Fansipan.

Explore the peak’s attractions when visiting Fansipan. Photo: Cha già José

Hikers can arrange a Fansipan guided tour at most of the hotels in Sapa. Resting at 9,190 feet (2,800 meters) on the mountain, there is an overnight camp for hikers to use on their journey.

Cable Car

Breaking two Guinness World Records, Fansipan’s cable car spans nearly 4 miles (6.5 kilometers). The trip from the base to the summit is completed in about 15 to 20 minutes. Up to 2,000 passengers can be transported in one hour using the system with tickets ranging in prices for adults and children.

Beginning construction in 2013, the cable car system cost almost $200 million dollars to complete. Now open, visitors can take the cable cars up or down every day from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

In Sapa, the cable car station is 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the Stone Church. You can ride the mountain tram from Sapa town to the base of the cable car. On the mountain, the cable cars will drop visitors at a station that sits just below the peak, requiring a 30-minute trek to the mountain’s summit.

At the station, there are a few shops and cafes, providing guests with entertainment. In addition to the swing ladder, a popular attraction for visitors, there is also a garden and lookout areas.

The Cable Car to Fansipan’s peak. Photo: Marta Carnero

Visitors who are not hiking to the summit should still expect to spend half or a full day at Fansipan. With the abundance of activities and shops at the top, boredom won’t be an issue for visitors.

The Weather

No matter if you are hiking or taking the cable car, weather can affect your trip to Fansipan. Vietnam has a wet and dry season, with the dry season lasting from late January to June.

Visiting during the dry season is best, but if you end up during the rainy season, be aware that the trails can be muddy and the views from the peak can be blocked by fog.

See The Peak

Fansipan Mountain’s sign at the peak. Photo: Cha già José

As the tallest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan has become a big tourist attraction. An easily accessed summit and a few hiking options have made Fansipan a destination fit for everyday travelers and serious mountaineers.

With beauty and grace, Fansipan will make your trip to Vietnam even more memorable. And if you’re interested in hiking a bit more during your stay, venture out to these other locations to scale a few of the tallest peaks in Vietnam.

Đăng bởi: Nguyễn Hoàng Minh Châu