Fansipan Cable Car: All You Need to Know

Where Is The Cable Car Station?

It would take two days of hiking to reach the 1,400 meters that separate the two cable car terminals, but only 15 minutes by cable car.

The cable car begins its journey at Hoang Lien Station, located in the Fansipan Legend tourist area, 3 km from the Stone Church in the heart of Sapa town. Each cable car can accommodate 30 to 35 people per cabin and transfer 2,000 passengers between the 2 stations in 1 hour.

Passengers Waiting For The Cable Car In Hoang Lien Station

The last stop is the Fansipan cable car station, from which you can either continue up 600 stairs to the peak of Fansipan, touch the landmark on the roof of Indochina, or explore the stunning Fansipan Legend, which features the Bamboo Garden, Bao An Thien Tu, Bich Van Thien, and so much more.

How To Get To Hoang Lien Cable Car Station 

From Hanoi to Sapa

The distance between Hanoi and Sapa is about 332 km, and there are different types of transfers you can choose to get to Sapa, depending on your preference:

• Car: If you prefer a fast transfer, then car is a good choice for you. Moving from Hanoi to Sapa by car will take only 4 hours. The cost for a transfer by car is higher than other means of transportation, from US $110 - 200 /pax.
• Bus: Sleeper bus is suitable for budget travelers, with an affordable cost of around US $15 - 20 /pax, depending on the facilities. The transfer time is longer than car, about 5 hours.
• Train: Having the longest transfer time of 8 hours, train is a popular choice as this vehicle allows passengers to enjoy the countryside’s scenery along the way.

Check out the price and more details about these modes of transport here:

From Sapa town to Fansipan

Sapa offers many modes of transportation for tourists to visit around. From Sapa town, you can take a bus or train or simply walk to the cable car stop.

• Taxi

Getting to the Hoang Lien cable car via taxi takes only 10 minutes, and it is the quickest choice.

If you take a cab in Sapa, expect to spend 17,000 VND per kilometer instead of the average price of 10,000 VND to 12,000 VND.

• On Foot

It is the best way to take in the stunning landscape of Sapa on foot while heading to Hoang Lien Station simultaneously.

From the Sapa Church, you can head to the Silver Falls crossroads, turn left onto Nguyen Chi Thanh and continue straight until you reach Fansipan Legend (about 1,7 km). The route to the cable car stop is well-marked, so you will be able to find it easily.

• Train

A mountain train is famous and convenient since tourists can travel from Sapa town to the cable car terminal. The train runs from the MGallery hotel in Sa Pa to the Fansipan cable car stop, making it the longest mountain railway in Vietnam.

The train goes through several mysterious tunnels, crosses the viaduct, and offers passengers a view of the majestic natural beauty of Muong Hoa Valley and peaceful villages.

The Mountain Train In Sapa

Sapa Fansipan Cable Car's Highlights

• World record

Sunworld Fansipan Legend Cable Car System has been recognized with 02 world records – the most extended three-line cable car system in the world (6292.5 meters in length) and the highest altitude difference in the world (1410 meters).

• Convenient and easy

Before the cable car ride was built, it took visitors at least a day to reach Fansipan Peak.

Tourists also required physical preparation for months in advance of trekking Fansipan. Not everyone is fit enough to conquer Mount Fansipan; you must also carry heavy luggage to get there. With the assistance of the Fansipan cable car, many visitors' aspirations of reaching Indochina's highest point can be fulfilled in just 20 minutes.

Reach Mount Fancipan Easily By Cable Car

• Stunning landscape

Passengers on the cable car get a bird's eye view of the picturesque scenery at the height of several thousand meters, including the poetic Muong Hoa and the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Also, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama of the entire breathtaking landscape, from the golden rice fields to the quaint little towns, making Sapa seem like a secret paradise in the clouds.

On The Way To Reach The Peak Of Indochina

• Beautiful cable car and station to take photos

In addition to taking in the breathtaking scenery of Sapa, visitors who arrive at the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car station also have the opportunity to view some exquisitely delicate artwork.

The North West area and Vietnamese culture, highlighted in the system, is an excellent spot for photos and captures the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Enjoy Poetic Scenery Of Sapa During The Journey

• Top Attractions at Fansipan

Fansipan - the “Roof of Indochina” - is not only about the summit. Once you reach the Fansipan Legend complex via the cable car, you’ll find a variety of cultural, spiritual, and natural attractions worth exploring.

1. Fansipan Summit (3,147m)

The highest peak in Indochina is crowned with the iconic triangular landmark, a must-have photo for every traveler. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb around 600 steps from the cable car station or take the funicular for a shorter route. From here, the views stretch across the Hoang Lien Son range and Muong Hoa Valley, often blanketed in clouds.

Fansipan Summit

2. Bamboo Garden (Vuon Tre)

This serene garden features winding paths surrounded by lush bamboo groves, creating a calming escape from the crowds. It’s a great place to pause, breathe in the mountain air, and enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. Many visitors love stopping here for photos, especially when the mist drifts through the green leaves.

3. Bao An Thien Tu Pagoda

Built in traditional Vietnamese style, this pagoda is one of the most peaceful stops on Fansipan. Locals and travelers alike come here to light incense and pray for good health, peace, and safe travels. The tranquil setting also offers stunning views over the misty mountains.

4. Bich Van Thien Tu (Bich Van Thien Tu)

Situated at a midway point on the journey, Bich Van Thien Tu is a small yet beautiful temple. Its location offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural scenery. Many visitors stop here to rest and admire the sweeping mountain views before continuing upward.

5. Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda (Kim Son Bao Thang Tu)

This is the largest spiritual complex on Fansipan, featuring ornate shrines, bronze statues, and stone towers. Pilgrims and tourists alike are drawn here to soak up the sacred atmosphere. The site feels particularly magical when the clouds roll in, surrounding the pagoda with mist.

Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda

6. Great Amitabha Buddha Statue (Tuong Phat A Di Da)

Standing at 21.5 meters, this massive bronze Buddha is the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Its presence dominates the mountain landscape, often appearing like a silhouette in the clouds. Whether you’re spiritual or not, it’s a breathtaking sight that symbolizes peace and enlightenment.

7. Guan Yin Statue (Tuong Quan Am)

The elegant statue of the Goddess of Mercy sits gracefully on the mountainside. Pilgrims visit to pray for compassion and blessings, while travelers are drawn to its serene beauty. Against the dramatic backdrop of Fansipan, it’s one of the most photogenic spots on the mountain.

Guan Yin Statue

8. Do Quyen Station & Funicular Ride

This station is the final stop for the funicular before reaching the summit. It’s the best choice for those who want to avoid the steep 600-step climb and still enjoy the views. Even if you prefer walking, the funicular itself is a unique experience with panoramic mountain scenery.

9. Heavenly Garden & Cloud Hunting Spots

Scattered viewing platforms and gardens make this area perfect for relaxation and photography. Sunrise and sunset are the most magical times, when the mountains glow and clouds float like waves below. This is where travelers capture the iconic “sea of clouds” that Sapa is famous for.

10. Muong Hoa Valley Viewpoints

From different terraces and walkways on Fansipan, you can look down at the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. The sweeping rice terraces, villages, and winding rivers create one of the most picturesque landscapes in Vietnam. It’s a reminder that Fansipan is not just about the peak, but also about connecting with the valleys below.

Fansipan Cable Car Ticket Price & Opening Hours

Opening hours

Note:

Applicable from February 28th, 2025 until further notice

*) The schedule will be changed due to the weather conditions and will be notified as far in advance to customers as possible.

Get Your Ticket Before Taking The Cable Car

Price

The SunWorld Group provides the quoted price in the table below. The payment process for cable car tickets is relatively fast and easy now, and you do not have to wait for long as before. The ticket is valid for one day, and you need to return it, so keep it carefully.

Note: 

• • (*) Minimum from 6 pax per purchase, using cable car after 1PM
  • The ticket is only valid for the selected visit date. There will be no exchange or refund available.
  • Price for children below 1m in height will not be charged.
  • Surcharge at the gate applies from 1st Jan 2025 to 31st Dec 2025:

How to book the ticket

A ticket to Fansipan Cable Car can be purchased directly at the cable car station. However, for better experiences, booking in advance via a travel agent is much more time-saving since you don't have to wait in a long line to enter the station, as well as keep the reservation.

Please refer to booking the Sapa Fansipan Legend Cable Car Ticket at BestPrice Travel for the fastest confirmation and reasonable price.

If you want to explore more of Sapa, it is best to book a package tour so you can visit the local villages of North Vietnam, then get on the cable car to see Sapa and these villages from above!

Must-remembered Things Before Experiencing The Fansipan Cable Car

• Health problem

Those with heart or lung conditions should not take the Fansipan cable car, as the route rises to more than 3,000 meters, with high humidity and oxygen-deficient air.

If you have any unusual symptoms, such as signs of difficulty breathing, you should contact the station staff for help.

• Things to pack

To avoid getting hungry or dehydrated, everyone should bring food or other snacks since services on the mountain are typically more expensive than usual.

• What to wear

It is recommended to dress neatly and be warm enough for climbing. You can dress in clothes quickly taken off when it is hot, and bring gloves, towels, and a woolen hat if you take the cable car in the morning or afternoon.

If you prefer climbing 600 steps to the peak of Fansipan instead of taking a train from Do Quyen Station, make sure you wear a good pair of walking shoes.

• Best time to visit

The best time to experience the Fansipan cable car is from March - May and October - November, as the climate during these months is gentle and more comfortable, enabling adventure seekers to join various outdoor activities such as hiking.

Take A Picture At The Highest Point

• Travel Tips for Visiting Fansipan

Families with Kids & Elderly Travelers

• Best time to go: Aim for morning departures (before 9:30 AM) when the weather is clearer, crowds are lighter, and temperatures are milder. Avoid late afternoon in winter when it can get very cold and foggy.
• Pacing the trip: Take breaks at mid-stations like Bich Van Thien Tu or the Bamboo Garden so kids and elderly travelers don’t feel rushed.
• What to pack: Bring light jackets even in summer (temperature at the top is always cooler), hats, water, and some snacks for children. For winter (Nov–Feb), dress warmly with gloves and scarves.

Photography Tips

• Best photo spots: The summit triangular landmark, Great Amitabha Buddha, Heavenly Garden cloud-hunting decks, and Muong Hoa Valley viewpoints.
• Best time of day: Sunrise (6:00–7:00 AM) for golden light and fewer crowds; sunset (4:30–5:30 PM) for dramatic skies and the famous “sea of clouds”.
• Pro tip: If using drones, check local regulations in advance. In general, drones are restricted near pagodas and temples—only permitted in open areas with staff approval.

Weather & Visibility

Crowds & Waiting Times

• Weekends and Vietnamese public holidays (Tet, 30 Apr–1 May, 2 Sep) are the busiest, with long queues at the cable car (up to 1–2 hours).
• For a smoother experience, visit on weekdays in spring or autumn.
• Morning (8–10 AM) and late afternoon (after 3 PM) are the least crowded times.

Facilities & Services

• Cable car stations (bottom & summit): Equipped with restaurants, souvenir shops, toilets, and luggage counters.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is available at Fansipan Legend station and the summit complex.
• Food & drinks: Mid-range restaurants and snack stalls are available at the station; bring water if traveling with kids.
• Souvenirs: Small shops sell Fansipan T-shirts, mini triangular peak replicas, and local handicrafts.

Accessibility & Support

• For elderly or disabled travelers: The funicular train can take you from Do Quyen Station closer to the summit, avoiding the 600-step climb. However, there is no elevator to the very top, so at least some steps are unavoidable.
• Wheelchair accessibility is limited in the higher sections, but the main cable car and lower complexes are manageable.

Parking & Transport

If arriving by motorbike or car, Fansipan Legend Station offers paid parking:

From Sapa town, it’s just a 3-4 km ride (10 minutes by taxi or Grab).

Conquering Fansipan Peak is never as easy as it is now. Book a tour to reach the top of Indochina by contacting us, and you will not be disappointed!

Highlights of Sapa & Fansipan Cable Car Itinerary

To experience Fansipan Cable Car and visit the highlights of Sapa, it is suggested that you should spend 2 to 4 days staying in this area. For you to plan your trip, below is Sapa and Fansipan Mountain itinerary from BestPrice Travel.

Day 1: Join in Trekking Tour to Cat Cat Village

Start your day with a comfortable morning bus ride from Hanoi to Sapa. Upon arriving in Sapa, you can check into your accommodation and unwind for a bit. In the afternoon, you can head out on a 3-km trek to the lively Cat Cat Village, where you’ll get a glimpse of the daily life and traditions of the Hmong ethnic group. As the day ends, you can follow the main road back to the Sapa town center.

Trekking to Cat Cat Village

Day 2: Conquer Mount Fansipan

As reaching the summit of Fanipan and experiencing the Fasipan Cable Car are the main activities, it would be wise to spend a whole day for them. In the early morning, you can head to Fansipan Cable Car station. After about 30 minutes of transferring by cable car, you will have to climb 600 steps to reach the summit of Fasipan Mountain. Alternatively, you can choose to take another funicular trip to the top.

Day 3 - 4: Have a Glimpse of Sapa’s Highlights

On the last days in Sapa, you can join the tour to Ta Phin, Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages to see and experience the local ethnic communities. 

Ta Phin Village

Ta Phin is a Red Dao village known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. On coming here, you can interact with villagers, learn about their daily lives, and participate in cultural exchanges.

Ta Phin Village

Lao Chai Village

Lao Chai village is just 6 km from the town center and is home to the Giay and Black H’mong communities. It also marks the beginning of the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. Here, you can enjoy fresh air, see terraced fields and streams, and visit friendly local families.

Lao Chai Village

Ta Van Village

Next to Lao Chai lies Ta Van Village, which is home to Giay, H’mong and Red Dao ethnics. Yet, it is not only meeting up with locals that makes you intrigued here. Besides local communities with many interesting cultural aspects, Ta Van also boasts the Muong Hoa Stream and May Bridge, which will mesmerize you right at first glance.

Ta Van Village

After visiting these places, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and learning about indigenous culture, you are ready to leave Sapa without any regret. If the above itinerary interests you, then let’s have a look at Highlights Sapa with Fansipan Mountain 2 days.

Besides, for more options, you can visit our Top 10 Best Tours in Sapa 2024.

BestPrice Travel also offers customized Sapa tours according to your liking. Therefore, if you are about to plan your Sapa and Fasipan trip but do not know where to start, we are here to help.

You may also like to know more aboutWhat to expect in Sun World Fansipan Legend?

FAQs about Fansipan Cable Car

1. How long does the Fansipan Cable Car ride take?

The ride takes about 15–20 minutes, covering 6.3 km and an altitude gain of 1,410 meters.

2. How many people fit in one cabin?

Each cabin accommodates 30–35 passengers, making it ideal for groups as well as solo travelers.

3. Do I need to book the cable car tickets in advance?

It’s recommended to book online or through travel agents during weekends, holidays, or peak seasons to avoid long queues. On weekdays, buying at the station is usually fine.

4. What are the Fansipan Cable Car opening hours?

Opening hours vary slightly by day of the week (usually 07:30 – 15:30 for the last ride up, and closing around 17:00). Always check the updated schedule since operations depend on weather conditions.

5. Is the cable car safe for children and seniors?

Yes. The Fansipan Cable Car is modern, safe, and suitable for all ages. However, seniors, infants, or people with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor due to the thin air at over 3,000m altitude.

6. What’s the best time of year to take the Fansipan Cable Car?

The most pleasant weather is from March to May (spring) and October to November (autumn). During these months, skies are clearer, making for the best views.

7. How many steps are there from the cable car station to the summit?

There are about 600 stone steps from the upper cable car station to the peak of Fansipan.

8. Can I bring food or drinks onto the cable car?

Yes, you may bring snacks and water. It’s advisable since food at the summit tends to be more expensive than in town.

9. Can I fly a drone at Fansipan?

Generally, drones are not allowed at Fansipan Peak or within Sun World Fansipan Legend due to safety, weather, and management regulations. You should check with local authorities or staff for updated rules before bringing a drone.

BestPrice Travel

Image source: Internet