Nestled in the heart of Sapa, Vietnam lies the magnificent Ham Rong Mountain (Dragon’s Jaw Mountain). Its name is derived from the shape of its peak which resembles the jaw of a dragon. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the natural beauty of Vietnam, with stunning panoramic views of Sapa and its surrounding areas.
1. The legend of Ham Rong Mountain Sapa
Ham Rong Mountain is located about 3 kilometers away from the center of Sapa town. From Sapa, if you go towards Sapa Stone Church, you will see the road to Ham Rong Mountain right behind the church. As the distance is not too far, you can even choose to walk to the mountain if you are in good health.
According to a legend, there were two dragons playing with each other when a fierce flood came. One dragon flew up to the sky while the other was trapped on earth and turned to stone, looking towards its companion that had flown away. It then became Ham Rong Mountain.
Another legend says that once upon a time, there were three dragon brothers. At the beginning of the world, all living creatures lived together in chaos, so the Jade Emperor ordered each animal species to establish its own territory.
The three dragon brothers were slow to take any territory, and there was not much land left. They rushed to get the land they saw, but the youngest dragon couldn't catch up with his older brothers. He got lost between other beasts, got frightened, and opened his mouth as a way to defend himself. The two older brothers went back to rescue the young dragon.
Unfortunately, the time limit for claiming territory had ended, and all three brothers turned into stone. The youngest brother became Ham Rong Mountain, while the other two dragons became the two large mountain ranges next to Ham Rong Mountain.
2. The latest prices of entrance tickets to Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain opens daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is around 70,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for children above 1.2 meters tall, and free for children under 1.2 meters tall.
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3. TOP things to do in Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa, Lao Cai
3.1. Admire the beauty of flowers
The gardens in Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa are a stunning sight to behold, showcasing a colorful array of flowers that bloom throughout the year. These vibrant gardens are a popular attraction, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and a chance for tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
- The Orchid Garden features an impressive collection of more than 200 species of colorful orchids.
- The Peach-blossom Garden: Here, visitors can admire more than just the delicate and charming Japanese cherry blossoms. There are also old peach trees with expansive canopies, thick blossoms, and large roots.
- The Central Flower Garden has stunning flowers imported from Europe. Skilled artisans have carefully grown and arranged the flower here to form the word "Sapa".
3.2. Discover the stone columns in Thach Lam Stone Garden
Thach Lam Stone Garden is a highly sought-after attraction for visitors to the Ham Rong Mountain tourist area, featuring awe-inspiring rock formations that resemble dragon scales. The natural arrangement of these rocks has drawn many tourists to this spot.
3.3. Visit the Statue Garden
The Statue Garden is spread out in various areas and surrounded by gerbera daisies, cypress vines, dahlia, bigleaf hydrangea, and more. There is a concrete bridge in the center of the garden, which is a favorite spot for young people to take photos.
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3.4. Enjoy the spectacular views of Fansipan Mountain from Sapa Telecommunications Station
At Sapa Telecommunications Station, visitors can behold the awe-inspiring beauty of Fansipan Mountain - the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It is shrouded in fog all year round, providing a uniquely stunning sight.
3.5. Witness a sea of clouds in San May (Cloud Yard) and Cong Troi (Heaven Gate)
The Cloud Yard is the prime viewpoint of Ham Rong Mountain. As the name suggests, here, you can see clusters of clouds beneath your feet. From this spot, you can admire the panoramic view of Sapa town, including Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, and the terraced rice fields of Ta Van. Meanwhile, the nearby Heaven Gate is a popular spot for photo-taking.
3.6. Experience the cultural performances of ethnic minorities
The communal house in Ham Rong Mountain often showcases unique and impressive art performances. It is where the harmonious combination of the traditional H’mong music and the dance of talented young men and women creates a distinct cultural identity. At the end of each performance, visitors can participate in Cheraw dancing.
4. Some tips for your first excursion to Ham Rong Mountain Sapa
4.1. When is the best time to visit the mountain?
The best time to visit Ham Rong Mountain is spring, from January to April, when the vegetation is lush and the weather is mild with little rain or fog, making it perfect for sightseeing. If you prefer to visit during the summer months from April to June, you can see the flooded terraced rice fields in Sapa.
For cloud hunters, from October to December is the best time to visit the mountain, as the weather is often cloudy and foggy, making it easier to admire the clouds.
4.2. What to eat in Ham Rong Mountain?
As you climb up the mountain, you will find many food stalls serving delicious grilled specialties that will satisfy your cravings and give you the energy you need to keep going. The variety of dishes here include meat skewers, roasted sweet potatoes, grilled eggs, grilled corn, and sticky rice grilled with sesame salt.
4.3. What to bring when visiting Ham Rong Mountain Sapa?
Due to its high elevation and close proximity to the northern border, Sapa has a subtropical and temperate climate with an average temperature of 15°C. In winter, the temperature in Sapa can drop below 0°C. Therefore, even if you come in summer, you should still bring along warm clothes.
After exploring Sapa, consider visiting the charming town of Hoi An, the vibrant city of Da Nang, the picturesque coastal city of Nha Trang, the serene island of Phu Quoc, or the breathtaking natural wonder of Ha Long. They are all prominent tourist destinations in Vietnam that travel enthusiasts should not miss out on.
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A trip to Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa promises an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking views, diverse flora, cultural experiences, and opportunities for outdoor activities. This is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
