Fansipan Cable Car: All You Need to Know
If you are in Sapa and intend to climb Mount Fansipan, the "rooftop of Indochina," with the practical and risk-free way of reaching this highest point, the Fansipan Cable Car will be the best option as it only takes fifteen minutes to reach the top, compared to the one or even two days of hiking it would take.
Before embarking on your exciting adventure, read through our introduction to the Fansipan Cable Car to acquire all the necessary details and prepare for a complete experience.
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
- The weather in Fansipan varies depending on the height - the higher you climb, the colder you feel
- At the top, the temperature ranges from 5°C (41°F) - 25°C (77°F) in the summer and from 0°C (32°F) - 9°C (48°F) in the winter. The humidity is high, from 66% - 95%, with 2 distinctive seasons - wet and dry season
- Remember to keep an eye on weather forecasts before traveling to prepare proper things for the trip
Fansipan Cable Car Ticket Price & Opening Hours
Opening hours
Services | Monday - Friday | |
Trip toward Fansipan | Last trip toward Sapa | |
Muong Hoa Funicular | 07:45 – 15:45 | 18:00 |
Cable Car | 08:00 – 16:00 | 17:30 |
Fansipan Funicular | 08:30 – 16:30 | 17:00 |
Ticketing | 07:30 - 15:30 | |
Van Sam Restaurant | 11:00 - 15:00 |
Services | Saturday & Public Holidays | |
Trip toward Fansipan | Last trip toward Sapa | |
Muong Hoa Funicular | 07:15 – 16:15 | 18:30 |
Cable Car | 07:30 – 16:30 | 18:00 |
Fansipan Funicular | 08:00 – 17:00 | 17:30 |
Ticketing | 07:00 - 16:00 | |
Van Sam Restaurant | 11:00 - 15:00 |
Services | Sunday | |
Trip toward Fansipan | Last trip toward Sapa | |
Muong Hoa Funicular | 07:15 – 15:45 | 18:00 |
Cable Car | 07:30 – 16:00 | 17:30 |
Fansipan Funicular | 08:00 – 16:30 | 17:00 |
Ticketing | 07:00 - 15:30 | |
Van Sam Restaurant | 11:00 - 15:00 |
*) 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.
Services | Adult (>1.4m) | Children (1m-1.4m) |
Round Trip Cable Car |
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|
Funicular |
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Note:
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- 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.
- On Sunday Morning and Public Holiday Morning, adults above 1.4m (Non-Lao Cai Citizens) will have to pay an additional charge of 100,000 VND with Round Trip Cable Car
- Scheduled maintenance: Please note that the Fansipan cable car and Funicular system will be closed temporarily from 11th - 15th Sep, 2023
- Surcharge at the gate applies from 1st April 2023 to 20th May 2023:
Adults | Children | |
For 3 packages:
| 156,000 VND On Saturdays and public holidays (29th April- 2nd May) 110,000 VND On Sundays | 110,000 VND On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays |
For package:
| 110,000 VND On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays for all guests |
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
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 about What to expect in Sun World Fansipan Legend?
BestPrice Travel
Image source: Internet
Questions & Answers (56)
I will arrive Sapa around Nov 22-Dec 15 . Will cable car is closed for maintenance during that time? Please advise. Regards, Luan Nghiem
Current there is no maintenance schedule during this time.
Hi, I’m planning to go to Sapa on 3rd January 2025-7th January 2025. 1)May I know is the weather ok? And how about the monorail to Fansipan? is it available on that date or will be under maintenance ? 2)Does Alpine Coaster in Sapa operates during that date? Thanks in advance.
Thank for contacting us. Weather in Dec will a bit cold under 10 degree. Fansipan train and cable car work as normal also Alpine Coaster.
i will arrive at sapa in Feb17th 2025 until Feb 23rd 2025 and planning go to fansipan peak, does cable car open or closed for maintenance?
Follow the plan it still open during your date.
i will arrive at sapa in sept 13th 2024 and planning go to fansipan peak, does cable car open or closed for maintenance? because i read in some news that fansipan cable car will maintenance from september 11th-15th 2024, thank u..
Current it still open as normal.
I'm planning to visit Sa Pa on January 23-27. May I know how's the weather be like. Thanks
Jan the weather will be cold and temperature always under 10 degree.