Fansipan an awakening paradise of Vietnam

Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina. Photo by Le Viet Khanh

Vietnam may not have a mountain that stands as a national symbol like Fuji in Japan or the Matterhorn in Switzerland. However, if there is a mountain that the Vietnamese people could boast of, it would undoubtedly be Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in former French Indochina.

Fansipan, a familiar stranger

Rice terraces in Muong Hoa Valley. Photo by Sun Group

Fansipan, known as Hua Xi Pan in the local language, means “tottering giant rock.” According to Vietnam Institute of Geological Sciences, the mountain was a majestic granite rock that rose from the ground over 250 million years ago.

Northwest Vietnam is renowned for its treacherous terrain, ranking among the most challenging in Southeast Asia. Nestled within this rugged landscape, Fansipan stands as a part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, the southeastern terminus of the Himalayas.

When the French first set foot here for exploration 120 years ago, they likened Sa Pa to the Alps of Europe. A Vietnamese, immersed in the rich tapestry of folk tales, believes that Fansipan is the gateway connecting the sky and the earth. An adventurous traveler assumes that the beauty of Fansipan evokes a slight resemblance to the Himalayas. Regardless of interpretation, Fansipan not only embodies grandeur but also evokes a sense of connection and familiarity for all who greet her.

Awakening a hidden paradise

The conquest of Fansipan peak was once a challenging endeavor exclusive to people who have the courage and physical stamina to trek through dense forests for days.

Many travelers have regarded it as a distant dream.

The Fansipan cable car. Photo by Sun Group

In 2016, Sun Group introduced the Fansipan cable car, which was designed by the world-renowned cable manufacturer Doppelmayr Garaventa.

It opened up the opportunity for travelers of all ages to conquer the highest peak in Indochina. This innovation has shortened travel time from a two-seven days to a 15-20-minute ride.

Embarking on the journey to Fansipan on a day shrouded in clouds, visitors can catch a glimpse of spiritual structures that embody the essence of ancient Vietnamese temples in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Fansipan is also known as “Gateway to the Sky”. Photo by Nguyen Minh Tu

Sun World Fansipan Legend was honored as the World’s Leading Natural Landscape Tourist Attraction 2020 at the World Travel Awards.

The tourism developer has taken on the role of carefully selecting and nurturing a diverse array of flowers on Fansipan, which has four distinct seasons, each unveiling a kaleidoscope of vibrant blooms.

The largest rose valley in Vietnam in Fansipan. Photo by Sun Group

In the spring, flowers bloom above the clouds, forming a “gateway to the sky.” Nestled amidst mountains, the forests of cherry blossoms and Himalayan cherry blossoms create a scenery with beautiful birdsongs in the early morning mist.

Spring is also the time when the 300-to 400-year-old rhododendrons showcase their splendor, weaving a floral tapestry upon the foundations of this land.

When summer comes, in Sun World Fansipan Legend, the largest rose valley in Vietnam adorns itself in the red hues of the climbing roses found only in Sa Pa. Along the hillsides, the fields of verbenas come into full bloom, exuding a beauty akin to purple clouds in the sunlight.

Autumn is the “cloud-hunting” season of Fansipan. At an altitude of 3,143 m, fluffy clouds roll over the summit. The terraced rice fields on mountain slopes look like golden waterfalls descending from the sky. At any corner of Sun World Fansipan Legend, visitors are treated to the sight of crocosmia flowers drenched in brilliant red, gracing the mountainous landscape.

A snow blanket on the summit of Fansipan. Photo by Vu Minh Quan

During winter, the temperature at the summit of Fansipan can drop to as low as minus 9 degrees Celsius, offering a rare opportunity to experience snow in Southeast Asia. Sometimes, over half a meter of snow blankets the mountain, creating a landscape reminiscent of a Nordic fairy tale.

Fansipan culture

Choosing Fansipan as your destination is not just about visiting a place; it’s about embarking on a journey to explore Sa Pa – a melting pot of ethnic groups.

There is a song that perfectly describes the people of Sa Pa: “The sun shines on your face,” capturing the radiant smiles of the northwesterners and their rosy cheeks flushed by the sun’s warmth.

At the Northwest Cultural Space, which is akin to a small village at the foot of Mount Fansipan, visitors can see colorful traditional costumes of the indigenous highland communities, such as the H’Mong, Giay, Tay, Dao, and Xa Pho.

The rhythms of Cheraw dances and the melodies of the Khen instrument create the distinct soundscape of Sa Pa. These spiritual elements linger in the hearts of visitors, evoking a longing for this northern land long after they have left.

A Red Dao house in the Northwest Cultural Space. Photo by Sun Group

Visiting Sa Pa is also an opportunity to bond over unique culinary experiences. Delight in the flavors of wild forest vegetables, indulge in the traditional dish called ‘Thang Co’, and share a toast with the friendly locals.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Rose Festival, the Golden Season Festival, and the Winter Festival, where you can witness the rich cultural traditions of the region. And don’t miss the thrilling horse race known as the “Race Through the Clouds.”

With every visit to Fansipan or Sa Pa, travelers will discover that no experience is ever repeated. Each moment or each season unveils a distinct and extraordinary beauty that sets Fansipan and Sa Pa apart. Hence, Fansipan is known as a once-in-a-lifetime destination, beckoning travelers to return time and again.