The city of Sapa, Vietnam, is one of the most spectacular destinations in Southeast Asia for nature lovers. And although it’s also a prime example of mass tourism, visiting Mount Fansipan, with its elevation of over 3,000 meters, is one of the most fascinating outdoor experiences in the country.
The challenge that Fansipan presents for many travelers is reaching the summit of what’s known as the “rooftop of Southeast Asia.”
Its 19 kilometers must be covered on foot, a demanding trek that takes at least a couple of days, as we explain in our Sapa guide. A local guide is also required. The alternative? Taking what was, until recently, the longest three-line cable car in the world, which is also quite an adventure.
Let’s be honest: choosing to take the Sapa cable car to ascend Fansipan does take away some of the adventure and authenticity of reaching the summit. It has a bit of a touristy feel, complete with low-quality souvenir shops and overpriced drinks. It’s like watching Troy instead of reading The Odyssey, you’ll get a decent summary of a grand experience.
Still, the day you decide to take the cable car that lifts you from Sapa Station to the highest rooftop in Indochina, you realize that the queues and crowds are worth it for the breathtaking beauty that awaits you. Honestly, even the ride up in the cabin is awe-inspiring.
I arrived in Sapa the most authentic way— via night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short bus ride to the center of this highland town.
Although the train journey was pleasant, Sapa itself already felt overrun with tourists, a former quiet mountain outpost turned bustling resort.
The great thing about the train is that you arrive early enough to catch the cable car, around 7:30 a.m. That gives you time to drop your backpack at your accommodation and head straight to the cable car station for the first leg of the Fansipan ascent.
At this point, the long waits begin, so we recommend buying your ticket in advance through the official Sunworld Fansipan Legend website to avoid delays.
The ticket price is 750,000 VND (less than €30), with a discount for residents of the local mountain province. The electronic ticket is convenient, you can use the QR code to enter all access points.
Be prepared for long lines, especially for the tram that takes you to the cable car base, and again before boarding the actual cabin. It’s all part of the experience, and these lines serve an important purpose: limiting the number of visitors at the summit.
Could you visit Fansipan later in the day to avoid the crowd? Sure, it’s open until 5 p.m. But early morning offers the clearest, most magical views of the peaks.
Once you finally board, the cable car ride is absolutely stunning. It lasts about 30 minutes, offering a magical visual journey through the cabin’s wide glass windows. Even when I visited last December and it was packed, the views were still unforgettable.
I must admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy the cable car ride as much as I did. At 6,295 meters in length and with an elevation gain of over 1,400 meters between the base station and the peak it reaches, it holds world records for both. The photos I took don’t even do justice to what I saw with my own eyes.
Once at the top, you can explore the entire built-up summit area, which is spacious and surprisingly beautiful. Since access is limited by the cable car’s capacity, you won’t feel overwhelmed like in other Vietnam’s tourist hotspots such as Halong Bay.
For those short on time who want to experience Fansipan in a single day and with minimal effort, this is the best option. Yes, you’ll share the experience with tourist groups, which detracts from the magic a bit, but you won’t be disappointed.
Would I take the Sapa cable car up to Fansipan again? Probably not. The full hike is much more rewarding, offering time to connect with nature and traverse the mountain’s intricate trails. But riding the Sunworld Fansipan Legend once was fun, beautiful, and worth it.
Even the summit reached by the cable car is lovely, with temples and endless stairs where you can roam. Plus, for those who can’t make the demanding trek, ascending Fansipan by cable car is the only way to stand atop the Indochina rooftop.
So now, there’s no excuse not to reach the top in the morning and be back in Sapa in time for lunch. And if you’re a fan of cable cars? You’re going to love it.
