A Sapa experience like no other!
Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam (3,243 metres) often referred to as the ‘Rooftop of Indochina’. Located in the northern province of Lao Cai, near the mountain hill town of Sapa, conquering the mighty mountain is the perfect challenge for adventurous backpackers! The mountain can be climbed in one day from Sapa and along the way, you will experience a variety of different landscapes, flora and fauna as you ascend into the clouds. The view at the top of the surrounding green and blue peaks rising through the mist is unforgettable.
After conquering Fansipan, we will then head to lower ground to trek the lush green rice paddies of Sapa and walk amongst the hill tribe villages. You will come across ethnic minority tribes such as the Hmong, Dzay, Dzao, Tay or Xa Pho and you’ll stay with a local Hmong family. As part of your homestay, you will learn how to prepare a local meal and have a herbal bath!
You must have a high level of fitness to take this trip.
No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The terrain is rugged, wet and often cold so wet weather gear and appropriate shoes are a must. During the summer months of June to August, it can also be very hot so you need to plan in advance for a variety of possible conditions. Climbing Mt Fansipan in Vietnam is for active adventure seekers who are up for a challenge! It is required for you to be of a high level of fitness.
Sapa is known to be an area consisting of four seasons in one day, therefore the weather can change quite rapidly, altering from heavy mist and fog to warm sunny days. Hence, we cannot guarantee clear views from the top of this mountain.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa
Overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai – Sapa.
Day 2: Sapa – Fansipan + Camping/Homestay (Climbing Day)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
We’ll arrive in Sapa in the early morning at around 7.30 am. First, we will head to a local hotel to have a refreshing shower and enjoy a lovely breakfast on the rooftop enjoying stunning views of Sapa town and the surrounding Muong Huo Valley. Once you’re feeling refreshed and full of energy, you will meet your local private guide, from the Hmong Indigenous Community. He will drive you up the Park Rangers Station where the adventure really begins!
We’ll begin our climb of Mount Fansipan at the height of 2000 metres and climb further into the clouds. Along the way, you’ll enjoy amazing views and incredible flora and fauna. After stopping for lunch, we’ll continue the climb until we reach the ‘rooftop of Indochina’. Important: Please do not pack too much in your backpack for day two! It’s a hard climb!
We will descend this incredible mountain by cable car. You will then be driven back to the homestay where you can celebrate the victory of having conquered Fansipan!
Day 3: Fansipan – Giang Thai Chai + Homestay (Mountain Biking Day)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Today, we are taking an epic 27-kilometre mountain bike trip off the beaten path, far away from the tourists. In the evening, we will stay at a local homestay where you will learn more about local indigenous cultures and traditions.
Day 4: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Tavan + Homestay (Trekking Day)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
This part of the tour now follows our extremely wonderful ‘Real Sapa Experience’ where we follow the non-touristic local trails to discover a different side of Sapa than the average tourist. Today’s 12km trek will take us through bamboo forest, waterfalls and rice terraces. Lunch will be eaten with a local family and in the evening, we’ll spend the night at a local homestay where you’ll enjoy a cooking class to learn traditional Hmong style cooking, as well as the extra special treat of a 30-minute massage! Your legs will be ready for more trekking tomorrow!
Day 5: Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa – Hanoi (Trekking Day)
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
On your last day of trekking in Sapa, we will pay a visit to the Red Dao people to see how they make their own clothes from old-fashioned weaving techniques. We’ll pass through more beautiful lush green rice paddies and more indigenous local villages before we eventually cross the Hoa River. After that, we’ll head back to Sapa town to have dinner and get ready for you to catch the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Return to Hanoi (Travel Day)
Breakfast included
We will arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. Breakfast will be served at our office before we say goodbye!
Solo Travellers, Families & Dietary Requirements
- Solo travellers – The price above is based on two people taking the tour. If you want to do the Real Sapa + Climb Mount Fansipan adventure alone, there will be a single supplement (extra cost) of $75 US. If you book this adventure as a solo traveller through this website, we will do our best to team you up with other travellers to avoid this cost. This may mean that we propose to you an alternative date where there is already a small group doing the trek. We will inform you by email about the situation when booking.
- Families with children – We are very happy to arrange a trek for you and your family. However, due to the difficulty level of the adventure, children under 9 years are not advised to join.
- Dietary requirements – Are you vegetarian, vegan or have an allergy? Please let us know when booking if you have any special dietary requirements and we will try our best to accommodate.
Hi, I’m Nikki and I started South East Asia Backpacker in 2008 after my own first solo backpacking trip! My vision was to create a travel diary for everyone, a place for travellers to share their experiences from the road. After backpacking and writing about Southeast Asia for over 10 years, I saw the opportunity to provide backpackers with the kind of experiences that I’d treasured myself in the region! 
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