Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. Credit: Tran Bao Hoa

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Viet Nam may not have a mountain that stands as a national symbol like Mount Fuji in Japan or the Matterhorn in Switzerland. However, if there were to be a mountain that the Vietnamese people can proudly boast about, it would undoubtedly be Mount Fansipan - the highest peak among the former French Indochina (including Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos). It’s not just by chance that the Vietnamese people have a saying: “Everyone has their own Fansipan to climb”, as a metaphor for their greatest dreams in life.

The Allure of Fansipan - A Familiar Stranger

Fansipan, also known as Hủa Xi Pan in the local language, carries the meaning of ‘the tottering giant rock’. According to the records of the Vietnam Institute of Geological Sciences, the mountain is a majestic granite rock that rose from deep within the earth 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, which boasts the most complex topography in the Northwestern region. As stated in various sources, the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range is also regarded as the southeastern terminus of the magnificent Himalayas.

Sa Pa in the season of canola flowers

Throughout the four seasons, the swirling clouds and treacherous terrain have bestowed upon Fansipan a breathtaking and surreal beauty. It's fascinating how, for each individual, that beauty manifests itself in unique ways. When the French first set foot here for exploration 120 years ago, they likened Sa Pa to the renowned Alps of Europe. A Vietnamese, immersed in the rich tapestry of folk tales, believes that Fansipan is the mystical gateway connecting the sky and the earth. An adventurous traveler assumes that the beauty of Fansipan evokes a slight resemblance to the spectacular Himalayan range. Regardless of the interpretation, Fansipan not only embodies grandeur but also evokes a profound sense of connection and familiarity for each person.

The Awakening of Hidden Paradise

The challenging nature of the journey has made the conquest of Fansipan peak an endeavor that was once exclusive to the adventurous souls, who have the courage and physical stamina to trek through dense forests for days to finally reach the top. When it comes to Fansipan, many travelers have regarded it as a distant dream. Like a hidden paradise, Fansipan stands as a coveted destination that has stolen the hearts of countless travelers who visited Sa Pa. However, climbing to its summit remains beyond reach for many due to the considerable travel time required.

The Fansipan cable car

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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 significantly shortened the travel time from a 2-to 7-day journey to a 15–to 20-minute route through the ethereal clouds.

“With its origins rooted in a dream and a legend, Fansipan has transformed into a destination that beckons foreign travelers with the allure of exploring its wonders within a day.”

As the doors of the cabins swing open, visitors are instantly immersed in a breathtaking panorama where the lines between land and sky blur with the rolling sea of clouds. Bathed in the resplendent glow of the sun, this destination surpasses the splendour found anywhere else in Viet Nam. Embarking on the journey to Fansipan on a day shrouded in clouds allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the mysteries and legends of the past. In the mist, 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”. Credit: Le Hoang Vu

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“Sun World Fansipan Legend was honoured as the World’s Leading Natural Landscape Tourist Attraction 2020 at the prestigious World Travel Awards – The Oscars of the Travel Industry”

Fansipan, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is also celebrated for its four distinct seasons, each unveiling a kaleidoscope of vibrant blooms that embellish the landscape all year round. In this captivating realm, the tourism developer has taken on the role of guardian, carefully selecting and nurturing a diverse array of flowers.

In the spring of Fansipan, flowers bloom above the clouds, leading the way to ‘Gateway to the Sky’. Nestled amidst the magnificent mountains, the forests of cherry blossoms create an enchanting scenery with beautiful birdsongs in the early morning mist. Spring is also the time when the 300-to 400-year-old rhododendrons showcase their vibrant splendour, weaving a floral tapestry upon the ancient foundations of this mystical land.

The crocosmia flowers field in Sun World Fansipan Legend

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When summer comes around, Fansipan becomes a symphony of blossoms and gentle breezes. In the grandeur of Sun World Fansipan Legend, the largest rose valley in Viet Nam adorns itself in the captivating red hues of the exclusive climbing roses found only in Sa Pa. Along the hillsides, the flourishing fields of verbenas come into full bloom, exuding a beauty akin to purple clouds gracefully dancing in the sunlight.

Particularly, autumn is the “cloud-hunting” season of Fansipan. At an altitude of 3,143m, fluffy clouds roll over the sacred 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 mesmerising sight of crocosmia flowers drenched in brilliant red, gracing the mountainous landscape. It may be autumn, and it may be red, but this hue of red is truly distinct from that of temperate regions.

A snow blanket on the summit of Fansipan. Credit: Le Viet Khanh

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During winter, the temperature on the summit of Fansipan can drop as low as -9 degrees Celsius, offering a rare opportunity to experience snow in this part of Southeast Asia. Sometimes, over half a metre of snow blankets the mountain, creating a fascinating landscape reminiscent of a charming Nordic fairy tale.

The Colorful Culture of Fansipan

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 in Northwest Vietnam. There is a beautiful 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. Within the Northwest Cultural Space, which is closely akin to a small village nestled at the foot of Mount Fansipan, visitors can truly grasp the vibrancy reminiscent of embracing the sun itself in the colourful traditional costumes of the indigenous highland communities, such as the H'Mong, Giay, Tay, Dao, and Xa Pho. The exhilarating rhythms of Cheraw dances and the haunting melodies of the Khen instrument create the distinct soundscape of Sa Pa. These spiritual elements linger in the hearts of visitors, evoking a deep longing for this northern land even after they have left.