Fansipan Cable Car: Worth Visiting! Conquering the Roof of Indochina

Fansipan is the tallest mountain on the Indochinese peninsula and home to a record-breaking cable car. Called 'The Roof of Indochina,' it's located near Sapa, in the mountainous Lao Cai Province of northern Vietnam.

Trekkers love the region for its rice terraces and ethnic villages, and the Fansipan Legend Cable Car is another way to get stunning views of the landscapes.

Fansipan Cable Car Is the Longest 3-rope Cable Car in the World

Since its construction, the Fansipan Cable Car system has held two Guinness World Records. It's the world's longest nonstop, three-rope cable car and has the largest elevation difference for a nonstop, three-rope cable car.

Before it opened in February 2016, trekking was the only way to the top of Fansipan Mountain at 3,147m. Now, visitors can take the 6.3km long cable car ride that ascends 1,410m and enjoy breathtaking views from a unique vantage point.

From Fansipan's peak, the 360-degree viewing deck offers broad vistas of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. You can also see neighboring peaks and distant villages.

The Fansipan Cable Car

8-hour Train Ride from Hanoi and 1-hour Drive from Lao Cai

The best to get to Fansipan from Hanoi is first by train to Lao Cai, then by car to Sapa. Overnight express trains depart from Hanoi usually between 21:00 and 22:00 daily and arrive at Lao Cai Station between 05:00 and 06:00.

Train operators such as Victoria Express and Fanxipan Express offer the choice of four-berth soft sleeper cabins or two-berth VIP cabins. Soft sleeper tickets cost around 34 USD, and VIP tickets are around 68 USD. Meals can be purchased on the train, and complimentary snacks and tea are served before arriving at Lao Cai Station.

Sapa is 35km away from Lao Cai. A private car or taxi can take you to Sapa in about an hour. Traveling by taxi will cost around 37 USD. A public bus is also available. It travels from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa Town center, taking 1-1.5 hours. Tickets for the bus cost 1.7 USD.

Hanoi to Lao Cai overnight train

October to May Is the Best Time to Visit Fansipan Mountain

The best time to visit Fansipan Mountain is between autumn and spring. In October, the weather is cool, with clear skies, and the rice fields start to turn golden as the harvest season approaches.

December is the beginning of winter. The temperature can be a little cold, particularly at night. Winter landscapes around Fansipan can be shrouded in mist, giving an ethereal beauty prized by photographers.

Spring, from March to May, gets warm again. From the cable car windows, you will see a lush landscape with blooming flowers everywhere.

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There Are 3 Sections of Cable Car and Funicular When Ascending Fansipan

The Fansipan Cable Car has three sections covering the trip from the base of the mountain to the summit.

Sapa Funicular Station to Muong Hoa Funicular Station
The funicular station is accessed through Sun Plaza near the ticketing counter. The Muong Hao Mountain Train travels up the mountain through two tunnels and arrives at the cable car station in six minutes. The two spacious cabins can each hold 300 passengers and have wide windows for viewing the scenery. Funiculars leave roughly every 15 minutes.

Hoang Lien Cable Car Station to Fansipan Cable Car Station
Fansipan Cable Car Station is a short walk after exiting the funicular. Cable cars depart regularly from morning until evening daily. Each car can hold 30 people, so waiting times for a seat are not usually long. It takes 15 minutes to reach the top station, with amazing views of the landscapes along the way.

Do Quyen Funicular Station to Truc May Funicular Station
The funicular at the top of the mountain travels the remaining 1km to the summit in about 2 minutes. Alternatively, you can climb the 600 stairs to reach Fansipan's summit on foot.

Muong Hoa fanicular station

$35 Can Take a Round Trip Fansipan Cable Car via Online Booking

Buying Fansipan cable car tickets in advance online helps to avoid waiting in line during busy periods. The Sun World Fansipan Legend official website sells tickets for the cable and funicular rides. Prices vary depending on when you go and age (adult/child).

It's Hard to Catch Sunrise or Sunset during the Operating Time

The operating hours of the cable car make it difficult to see the sunrise or sunset from the cable car. On Saturdays and public holidays, the cable car has the longest operating hours from 07:30 to 16:30.

The last cable car down is at 18:00. Sunrise and sunset times in Sapa don't vary much throughout the year. The sun rises between 05:39 to 06:24 and sets between 17:57 and 18:30.

Between May and December, it's possible to see the sunset from the cable car if you take the last car down on a Saturday or holiday. It can be difficult to secure a seat, however, as other visitors may have the same idea.

Cable Car Operating Hours

1-day or 2-day Trekking to Fansipan Is Highly Recommended for Adventure Lovers

Trekking Fansipan is a great adventure. A two-day trip starts in Sapa, with a climb to a point around 2,200m before camping on the mountain. Day two continues to the summit of Fansipan at 3,147m, arriving by noon.

The descent goes through Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 2,100m. The route includes incredible views of Sapa Town, primeval forests, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers.

A one-day trekking adventure is also possible. You'll start the day early, transfer to a point like Tram Ton Pass, and ascend the mountain. The summit can be reached in the afternoon after 7-8 hours of trekking.

Descent is usually a little faster, and you'll arrive back in Sapa Town by evening. The one-day trek is more physically challenging, so make sure you're in good health.

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Packing List for Fansipan Cable Car Ride & Fansipan Climbing

One of the keys to packing for visiting Fansipan is clothing in layers. Weather conditions can change throughout the day, and you need to be able to adapt to stay comfortable. Bring lightweight, breathable clothes, a warm jacket or sweater, and a waterproof outer layer.

In addition to clothing, make sure to pack the following:

- hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
- map and phone with GPS for trekking
- snacks and water for the cable car ride or trek
- sturdy shoes or good-quality hiking boots
- first aid kit and any personal medication
- flashlight or headlamp for trekking 

Conclusion

Fansipan, by cable car or trekking, shouldn't be missed on any trip to Sapa. From its summit, you can see incredible views of the natural landscapes.

The cable car gives visitors a unique vantage on the journey to reach the top, and it is a treasured experience. Check out our Sapa and North Vietnam tours for more information, or contact us to book your tour today.