At 3,143 metres, Fan Si Pan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and even mainland Southeast Asia. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure, everyone can go up to the top for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and wild landscape.
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You can hike up Fan Si Pan on your own in a multi-day trek, but it requires a guide and is quite physically demanding. The alternative is a comfortable cable car ride that takes you to the top from the tourist town of Sa Pa.
Cable car to Fan Si Pan
The cable car to the top of Fan Si Pan runs from Muong Hoa station just outside Sapa town. A panoramic train can be taken directly from the centre to the lower station. Tickets for the cable car can be purchased at the shopping centre at the train's starting station in Sapa, or online in advance.
A ticket for the cable car costs 850 000 vnd for an adult and 500 000 vnd for a child, check the current prices directly at the ticket window in Sapa.
From the top station of the cable car you have 600 steps to climb to the top, alternatively you can use the small tourist train.
The cable car and train run up every day from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends). The last cable car down then runs at 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. on weekends). Lift opening times change frequently, so it's best to check locally.
Walking up Fan Si Pan
If you want to conquer Indochina's highest mountain on foot, you can take part in one of the organised trekking expeditions to the summit. It is not possible to climb on your own. The trek on foot usually takes two days, but some companies may offer up to a five-day trek through villages.
Walking up Fan Si Pan is quite challenging, expect an eight-hour climb on the first day, the second day is a slightly shorter uphill trek, but again you'll face a steep descent.
What to see at the top of Fan Si Pan?
With crowds of tourists heading to the top of Fan Si Pan, there's some very good infastructure waiting for you at the top, as well as lots of fun. The views of the surrounding area are of course the most popular, just the cable car ride over the valley is a great experience.
Right at the top of the mountain you will see a large statue of a seated Buddha, there is also a Buddhist pagoda a little below the top. At the top station of the cable car you will find a panoramic restaurant.
What to see around
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