January
10.7°C ~ 51°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
- Time needed
- From 3 hours
- Entry fee
- 850,000 VND
- Best months
- Sep – Nov
- Best time
- October – April for clear views; avoid cloudy rainy days
Overview
Fansipan, at 3,143 m, is the highest mountain in Vietnam and is often called the “Roof of Indochina”. A cable car runs from Sapa town to a station near the top, followed by a short climb of about 600 steps, or a small funicular, to the summit.
Trekkers can also climb the peak on a one to two-day hike with a guide, which is a hard but rewarding option. Weather changes fast, and the summit is often in cloud, so check conditions before you go.
Highlights
- Ride one of the longest cable cars in the world
- Climb to the summit marker at 3,143 m
- Visit the temples and Buddha statues on the mountain
- Trek up with a guide for a 1 – 2 day adventure
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Cable car daily, about 7:30 – 17:30 (varies by season) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Cable car: about 850,000 VND round trip per adult from 2026 Children 1 – 1.4 m: about 550,000 VND Under 1 m: free |
| Time needed | 3 – 4 hours by cable car, 1 – 2 days by trek |
| Best time of day | October – April for clear views; avoid cloudy rainy days |
| Good for | Families, hikers, photographers |
| Accessibility | Cable car is accessible; the summit climb has steps, with a funicular available |
| Facilities | Cable car station, restaurants, toilets, shops, small temples |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Sapa by month.
February
12.2°C ~ 54°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
16°C ~ 61°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
18.5°C ~ 65°F
17 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
20.1°C ~ 68°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
20.7°C ~ 69°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
20.8°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
20.5°C ~ 69°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
19.6°C ~ 67°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
October
17.2°C ~ 63°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
November
14.8°C ~ 59°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
11.2°C ~ 52°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
How to get there
From Sapa centre
The cable car station is about 10 minutes from the centre of Sapa by taxi or Grab. Sapa is about 5 to 6 hours from Hanoi by limousine bus on the expressway, or by overnight train to Lao Cai and a short transfer.
Tips before you go
- Dress warm; the summit can be 10 – 15°C cooler than Sapa town
- Go early for clearer views before the clouds roll in
- Book your trek with a licensed guide
- Check the weather the day before
Location
Fansipan, Sapa, Lao Cai
About 9 km from Sapa town
More attractions in Sapa
FAQs
How much is the Fansipan cable car?
The adult round-trip ticket was 800,000 VND in 2025 and about 850,000 VND from January 2026. Children 1 – 1.4 m pay about 550,000 VND. Prices change, so check the official site.
Do I need to trek?
No. The cable car and a short climb or funicular reach the top. Trekking is optional and takes 1 to 2 days.
What if it is cloudy?
You still ride the cable car, but the view may be limited. Clear weather is most common in autumn and winter.