Fansipan is known as the highest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina peninsula. In the past, climbing Fansipan mountain was only for those who liked adventure because the journey was extremely hard and arduous. However, nowadays, tourists can conquer the roof of Indochina much easier. For a safe and convenient trip, do not forget to "pocket" the super detailed Fansipan climbing experiences below!
Where is Fansipan?
Fansipan (also written as Phan Si Pang or Phan Xi Pang) - The highest mountain in Vietnam, dubbed the "Roof of Indochina". The mountain possesses an altitude of 3,143 m above sea level. Located in the center of Hoang Lien Son range, on the border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces in the Northwest, Fansipan is a destination that not only attracts climbers but also Sapa travel enthusiasts want to conquer and discover once in a lifetime.
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam
Which season should we conquer Fansipan?
Climbing is not a simple thing, especially climbing Fansipan, so before deciding to conquer this great mountain, visitors need to choose the appropriate day and month. According to the experience of those who went before, the best season to conquer Fansipan is from the end of September to the end of April next year. The most beautiful, most suitable months are October and November. At this time, the weather is cool, there is light sunshine, and it’s not too cold.
Therefore, if tourists come to Sapa just with the desire to conquer Fansipan, then go in October and November. If you combine to visit and learn about other places in Sapa, go from the end of September to the end of April next year.
October and November is the right time to conquer Fansipan
What to prepare for the journey to conquer Fansipan?
Mentally and physically prepared
This is the most essential and important element for any trip, especially climbing. To have good health and endurance when climbing, you should spend 30 - 60 minutes a day for exercise such as jogging or climbing fake mountains. Besides, the mental factor is also very important, because the journey to conquer Fansipan is very tiring and difficult, there will be times when you want to give up. Therefore, an important experience to conquer Fansipan is that tourists need to have a strong spirit, steadfast will and good physical strength to be able to achieve success.
Need to improve physical and mental health before the trip
Essential items
Essential items indispensable for a climbing trip are clothes, hiking shoes, raincoats, backpacks... Although the temperature in the mountains is often low, for the whole trip, visitors only need a T-shirt and windbreaker outside. Visitors should also wear many thin layers of felt, windproof, water-resistant, quick-drying materials. Wearing multiple layers will keep warm better, convenient for changing depending on weather or body temperature.
With climbing shoes, you should prioritize choosing water-resistant, high-heeled shoes to protect your ankles. It’s important to have a pair of shoes with strong soles, many spikes, good friction to be able to climb easily and safely. Choosing the right backpack for your trip will help you easily move on a long road. In addition, an indispensable item in a backpack to avoid sudden rains is a raincoat. Choose a thin, light raincoat so you don't get entangled when climbing.
Things to prepare for the journey to conquer Fansipan peak
Some other items that tourists should also bring when hiking, such as plastic gloves, pillow covers, trouser bundles, climbing sticks, etc. These items will help you avoid getting hurt while climbing and make the conquest process go more smoothly. Visitors should also carefully prepare items such as tents, heat sheets, and warm items when traveling on Cat Cat or Sin Chai roads because this section is very difficult to climb.
Food and drink for energy
Preparing for good health before the trip is essential, but even with practice, the loss of strength, hunger, and thirst on the way is inevitable. Prepare some foods such as cookies, chocolate, cereal concentrates, sip in each break to replenish energy. In addition, visitors should also bring salt, glucose or C effervescent or some kind of energy drink to recharge as fast as possible.
Bring food to replenish energy
Choose the road to Fansipan?
Depending on the time, physical strength, weather… visitors can choose for themselves the most suitable routes. Currently, there are 3 trails with different paths to help you reach the top of Fansipan. Or you can choose to conquer Fansipan by cable car to admire the beautiful natural scenery of Sapa at an altitude of thousands of meters.
Climbing Fansipan by Tram Ton Road
This is the most popular trail, often chosen by many tourists. From Tram Ton to the top of Fansipan, visitors will take about 11km and will go within 1 to 2 days. Although it is the most popular and easiest route, it still takes a lot of effort to reach the top.
Conquering Fansipan peak by Tram Ton road
Climb along Sin Chai - Tram Ton road
The average time to complete the Sin Chai - Tram Ton road is about 2-3 days. This section of the road is quite steep, with few trails. You will have to go through many hills, so pay close attention during the climbing process. In return, the road has very beautiful scenery, extremely suitable for those who love adventure and discovery.
Climbing Fansipan from Cat Cat village
This route has a lot of obstacles in terms of terrain, it has the longest, steepest slope and the most difficult of all 3 routes. Visitors will have to move with constantly changing terrain and obstacles that are not easy along the way. Therefore, climbing Fansipan from Cat Cat village will be suitable for those who have had extensive experience in climbing.
Climbing Fansipan from Cat Cat village is suitable for those who have climbing experience
Conquering Fansipan by cable car
Sun Group inaugurated a three-wire cable car to the top of Fansipan on January 13, 2011. The cable car has a height of 3,143m, starting from Muong Hoa valley to the top of Fansipan, each cabin has a maximum capacity of 30-35 guests, transport capacity up to 2,000 guests/hour. Therefore, the way to conquer Fansipan peak now only takes about 15 minutes.
Necessary notes when participating in climbing Fansipan
+ You should hire a porter to guide: A native speaker and familiar with the way to Fansipan will be the best choice. They will carry your belongings, as well as handle emergencies that may arise along the way.
+ Do not separate the group: You must definitely follow the group, do not leave any member alone in the middle of the forest, that is the only way to ensure the best safety.
+ Always carry the necessary things with you: phone, power bank, flashlight, multi-purpose knife, snacks, ribbons, drinking water. The purpose is to be in case you get lost.
+ Pay attention to dangerous roads: Visitors need to be calm, move carefully, put their feet firmly and use both hands to cling to rocks, trees or anything that can be attached nearby to move. In particular, remember to go up in a Z and move down to stoop, bend your knees, and check the stability of the objects you intend to cling to.
Watch out for dangerous roads along the way
The journey to conquer Fansipan will have many obstacles but not lack interesting and attractive experiences. This is a journey of determination and perseverance to conquer the roof of Indochina. Hopefully, the information that The Pepper King has shared will help visitors' conquering Fansipan peak be convenient and safe.
