Mount Fansipan

3,143m (10,312ft)

There are 3 trails to choose from. The Tram Ton Trail, the Sin Chai Trail, and the Cat Cat Trail.

The Tram Ton Trail is the most popular and takes two days to complete. (Though some more experienced hikers attempt to complete it in one day by starting the hike early in the morning).

The first day of the trek takes you to the base camp at 2,800m (9186.3 ft) and takes 7-10 hours depending on how many rests you take. The second day starts early and if you ascend the summit by dawn, you can expect to reach the Sapa village in time for a late lunch.

The other two trails are longer and more difficult. The Sin Chai Trail is a more strenuous trail that will definitely require an overnight stay at base camp and demands a bit of technical climbing at some points. The Cat Cat Trail is the longest and usually requires two overnight stays in the mountains.

The journey starts with a short drive from Sapa village to the starting point.

The climbing terrain includes lush forest, rambling brooks, and slippery slopes with rugged rocks. A couple of minutes into the climb you encounter a shallow stream rushing past over rugged stones but you won’t have to get your feet wet as there are stone-paved paths laid out for trekkers.

Within the first two hours of the hike, there are gigantic roots to step over, slippery soil, and boulders to climb over – all through dense jungle.

After the first section, there is a rest stop, following which is a ridge walk is the ridge walk along the spine of the lower hills which is an undulating path toward the base camp.

The final stretch includes an almost vertical climb but most of the way you will find hand railings for support. The hiking trail is just hard enough to give you a sense of adventure without tiring you out completely.

Mount Fansipan is accessible at any time of the year but the best time of year to go is the dry season, which is from mid-October to mid-November or between February and April because the wet season can make the climb treacherous. Day temperatures in the dry season range between 15°C-28°C (59°F- 82°F) and night temperatures between 10°C-18°C (50°F – 64.4°F). Be dressed for the climate but also be prepared for some rain and cold weather.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and gloves, as there are scramble ladders, tree roots, and rock surfaces that you may need to grip onto.

There is a registration kiosk, food, and potable water available at the trailhead, but along the trail and at the summit base camp food and potable water are only available from the guide or the porters.

There are rest stop shelters, such as huts and pavilions along the trail. The trail also has built-in hand-holds, guide ropes, and hazard markings at technically difficult sections. At the summit base camp, there are shelters for overnight rest.

Guides are required by law as the ascent has been fatal to tourists attempting to climb the mountain without a guide. Porters are recommended at a ratio of 1:2- one porter for every two hikers.

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is the nearest landing point for international travellers. To get to Sapa, one can take a bus or a train to Lao Cai, which takes between 6 and 8 hours, and arrange transport to Sapa from there, or one can take an overnight bus directly from Hanoi to Sapa.

Mount Fansipan is a crowded tourist destination but the hiking trails may not see too many people at once. It is still advisable to take basic precautions and keep personal items secure to avoid any possibility of theft. It is an accessible and safe trek for solo women and groups of women alike. Ensure you travel with guides though. Women guides are also available if you prefer to travel with women.