At 3,143 metres, Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, reachable by cable car or on a demanding trek.
Fansipan towers over Sapa and is known as the “Roof of Indochina”. Most visitors reach the summit area by the cable car from Sapa, followed by a funicular and a final climb of stairs past pagodas and statues to the summit marker.
Experienced hikers can trek to the top over one or two days through forest and bamboo, a tough but rewarding route that must be done with a licensed guide.
Fansipan is not included in our day tours, but it pairs well with a half-day tour on the same or another day.
Quick answer
Fansipan (Đỉnh Fansipan) The Roof of Indochina. At 3,143 metres, Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, reachable by cable car or on a demanding trek. It is visited on 1 of our Sapa day tours by open-air Jeep or local female-rider motorbike.
Highlights of Fansipan
- Summit marker at 3,143 m
- Cable car over the Muong Hoa Valley
- Spiritual complex of pagodas near the top
Things to do
Take the cable car
The easiest way up, with views over Muong Hoa Valley.
Trek to the summit
A demanding one- or two-day climb for fit hikers with a licensed guide.
Plan your visit
How to get there
The cable car station is a short ride from Sapa Town. Trekking routes start from the surrounding valleys.
Best time to visit
October–April for clearer skies; it can be near freezing at the summit in winter.
Local tips
It can be near freezing at the summit — bring warm clothes.
Combine Fansipan with an afternoon (1:00 PM) half-day tour, or the reverse.
Map
Questions about Fansipan
Can I combine Fansipan with a Sapa Day Tour?
Yes — visit Fansipan in the morning and join a 1:00 PM half-day tour, or book our 3-Day Open-Air Jeep Adventure which includes a free morning on Day 3 for Fansipan.
