Sapa mountains are a brilliant choice if you are seeking breathtaking landscapes and an escape from the city hustle. Once in Sapa, you will be enraptured by its lush greenery, mist-kissed peaks, and unique rice terraces. In this guide, we will recommend the top 3 Sapa mountains worth visiting, best things to experience, and the best hotels to stay in.
1. Top 3 majestic Sapa mountains you must visit once
1.1. Fansipan Mountain
Fansipan Mountain is Sapa highest mountain and is located in the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, around 9 kilometers southwest of Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province, Northwestern Vietnam.
With an impressive height of 3,143 meters above sea level, Fansipan is crowned the tallest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina. Fansipan peak temperature can reach sub-zero degrees, with an average temperature of 4-6 degrees Celsius in winter and around 15-20 during summer.
Besides its height, this mountain in Sapa is also regarded as a homeland of indigenous plants and animals.
1.2. Ngu Chi Son Mountain
Ngu Chi Son Mountain is the next Sapa mountain Vietnam on the list, located at the border between Ta Giang Phinh Commune, Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, and Son Binh Commune, Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province.
With a height of 2,858 meters, Ngu Chi Son is only ranked as the 15th highest mountain in Vietnam. However, in terms of difficulty, Ngu Chi Son is classified in the 7 out of 10 category.
When viewed from a distance, the five mountain peaks are aligned closely, resembling five fingers reaching straight up to the sky, presenting a majestic sight. Coupled with its rich, diverse, and untouched vegetation, this stunning Sapa mountain is rightfully hailed as the top grandeur of the Northwest region.
1.3. Ham Rong Mountain
Situated approximately 3 kilometers from the heart of Sapa town, Ham Rong Mountain Sapa boasts distinct characteristics that set it apart from any other location. Positioned just behind the Sapa Church, the mountain's form resembles that of a dragon craning its head skyward. This distinctive shape is what earns it the name "Ham Rong," which translates to Dragon Jaw.
While climbing to the summit of Ham Rong Mountain, you will have the chance to encounter a diverse and impressive collection of around 6,000 orchid varieties.
2. Best things to do to enjoy the entire beauty of Sapa mountains
2.1. Experience a mountain funicular ride
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Sapa mountain beauty and observe fairytale-like Sapa rice fields, you should definitely try the Sapa mountain train.
The Sapa mountain railway station of Muong Hoa is strategically located in the center of Sapa town, right next to the MGallery hotel, serving as a gateway to the area of the Fansipan cable car station. The railway stretches approximately 2 kilometers and takes just 6 minutes by train, a significant reduction compared to the lengthy road journey that takes several dozen minutes.
Officially in operation since March 31, 2018, the Muong Hoa mountain railway has effectively shortened the travel distance from central Sapa to the Fansipan cable car station to a mere 6 minutes. The investor behind this railway development envisioned it as a new offering to enrich the tourism experience in Sapa while simultaneously providing visitors with a panoramic view of the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley from above.
2.2. Enjoy stunning mountain views in chic coffee stores
One of the things you should not miss out on when visiting Sapa mountain is simple – taking a sip of coffee while admiring the magnificent view.
Here are the top 5 coffee shops with splendid views we have wrapped up for you:
- Cafe 10th Floor in Sun Plaza Sapa: 10th floor, De La Coupole Sapa Hotel, No. 1 Hoang Lien Street.
- Fansipan Terrace Cafe: 67 Fansipan, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province.
- Sapa Sky View: 7th floor, Chau Long Hotel, No. 24 Dong Loi Street
- The Haven Sapa Camp Site: Vong Canh Hill, Cat Cat Village, San Sa Ho Commune, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province.
- Viettrekking Home Sapa: No. 33 Hoang Lien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province.
2.3. Go trekking
If you are a thrill-seeker who wants to conquer Sapa mountain, going Sapa trekking is a brilliant idea.
Depending on your time and experience, trekking Sapa mountain has four main routes:
- Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Muong Hoa Valley - Sin Chai Village
- Duration: 1 day
- Distance: 7 kilometers
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Tram Ton Pass - Mount Fansipan
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Distance: 11.2 kilometers
- Difficulty level: Hard
- Sapa - Love Waterfall - Thac Bac Waterfall - Y Linh Ho - Ta Van
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night
- Distance: 20-30 kilometers
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Sapa - Ta Phin Village - Ta Giang Phinh
- Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
- Distance: 43 kilometers
- Difficulty level: Hard
Whichever difficult level or route you take for the Sapa mountain trek, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check the Sapa mountain weather in advance to avoid rainy days.
- Choose the suitable trekking route for your fitness level and experience.
- Start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Bring a map and compass, even if you are going with a guide.
- Use insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Bring a first-aid kit.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for snakes and other wildlife.
- Hire a guide if you are not experienced in Sapa mountain hiking.
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are trekking Sapa mountain during the peak season.
3. Which hotels and resorts in Sapa boast incredible mountain views?
To indulge in your Sapa mountain trip to the fullest, a decent room in a Sapa mountain view hotel will give you a long-lasting experience. And from our experience, here are some of the best Sapa hotels and resorts with awesome views of Sapa mountain:
- Sapa Vista
- Address: No. 70 Fansipan Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
- Phone number: 091 672 57 87
- Rental price (overnight): $42 - $84/room
- The View Sapa
- Address: No. 027, Violet Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
- Phone number: 091 136 63 33
- Rental price (overnight): $38 - $84/room
- Sapa Charm Hotel
- Address: No. 32 Muong Hoa Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
- Phone number: 097 281 25 78
- Rental price (overnight): $38 - $84/room
- Sapa Pistachio Hotel
- Address: No. 29, Thac Bac Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
- Phone number: 086 858 83 55
- Rental price (overnight): $57 - $120/room
- Sapa Lao’s Leisure Hotel
- Address: Muong Hoa Street, Group 1, Cau May Ward, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
- Phone number: 021 462 53 999
- Rental price (overnight): $83 - $180/room
Besides Sapa mountain, Vietnam is also the homeland of countless other breathtaking destinations like Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Ha Long.
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All in all, Sapa mountains are spectacular with their majestic landscapes, serene atmosphere, and unique rice terraces. And whether you intend to travel to Sapa mountains for pure sightseeing or trekking, we hope this blog post can help you better plan your trip accordingly, including the best Sapa mountains to visit, what to do there, and where to stay for the most comfortable journey.
