Detailed Guide to trekking Fansipan, Sapa

Firstly, to conquer the highest peak in Indochina, Fansipan, you have options of a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day trek, depending on your fitness level and preferences.

The easiest route begins at Tram Ton, the point controlled by the border guard and the Hoang Lien Son National Park management.

An important note is that to enter Hoang Lien Son National Park, you need a permit from the management, and it’s mandatory to have a local guide accompany you for safety.

So, your first step is to hire a guide, and if you have a lot of gear, consider hiring a porter too.

In this article, I’ll share the itineraries for both 1-day and 2-day treks, which are popular and widely chosen by visitors.

For the 1-day trek, you’ll start from the center of Sapa at 5:30 AM, taking a vehicle to Tram Ton, approximately 15km away. At Tram Ton, your guide will help you obtain a permit and prepare trekking essentials like poles, rain gear, water, and lunch. The journey kicks off by traversing pristine forests and small streams to reach an altitude of 2200m, where you’ll take a break before moving on to 2800m for lunch. After the break, you’ll cross mountain peaks, pass through grassy hills, bamboo forests, and rhododendron forests. The final stretch is a bit steep and challenging, requiring you to conquer steep slopes and rocky terrains to reach the summit around 12 PM. Explore the Sun World tourist area and touch the legendary peak of Fansipan. The descent starts at 1 PM, and you’ll return to the starting point around 5 PM, reaching Sapa around 6 PM. However, be prepared for fatigue as the total distance covered is over 20km.

For the 2-day trek, you’ll begin from Sapa at 7:30 AM, have lunch at 2200m, and spend the night at a campsite at 2800m. The guide and porter will prepare food and equipment for you, and you’ll sleep in a sleeping bag in the camp. Keep in mind that the equipment is basic, so prepare for a bit of discomfort. The next day, start at 4:30 AM to reach the summit by 7 AM for the sunrise. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and explore the Sun World tourist area. The descent takes around 5 hours.

This trek promises an exciting journey filled with interesting encounters. You’ll experience the most unique and majestic landscapes in northern Vietnam, accompanied by the local indigenous people, gaining insights into the culture and life of Sapa residents.

Please remember that you can purchase cable car tickets to descend from the mountain if you feel tired or wish to have more time exploring the summit of Fansipan. Descending via cable car is also an interesting experience.

Contact us to plan and join this thrilling adventure !