The Ultimate Guide To Fansipan Cable Car, Sapa 2023

Located at an altitude of 3,143m above sea level, Fansipan is reputed to be the “rooftop of Indochina“. The peak of Fansipan belongs to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, lying between the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, approximately 9km southwest of Sapa. In reality, due to the its height, not everyone has enough time to climb and experience the journey of reaching this highest point. To make your experience even more safety, the Fansipan Cable Car will be the best option because it only takes fifteen minutes to reach the top.

Where is Fansipan Cable Car Station?

The Fansipan cable car is located within the Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area, about 3km from Stone Church – the center of Sapa town. It is very convenient for you to travel from the center of Sapa town to the Fansipan cable car station in less than 10 minutes.

Officially operational since 02/02/2016, the Fansipan cable car route has realized the dream of conquering the “Roof of Indochina” for millions of tourists including locals and foreigners. The Guinness Book of World Records has bestowed the honor of the world’s longest three-wire cable car to the Fansipan cable car. With a seating capacity of up to 35 guests per cabin, this remarkable cable car system can transport a maximum of 2000 individuals per hour.

How to get to Fansipan cable car from Sapa town?

Depending on one’s budget and personal preferences, you can select from three distinct modes of transport: bus, train, or private car. An exploration of each option’s merits and drawbacks is elucidated below:

Bus Transport:

Representing an economical and swift mode of travel, buses offer a journey duration of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Tickets can be procured both online and from Hanoi’s travel agencies. With prices ranging between 200,000 to 300,000 VND (equivalent to 8.6-12.9 USD) per person, the buses afford comfortable amenities such as reclining seats, air-conditioning, and WiFi access. A notable drawback pertains to the winding and uneven road conditions that might induce motion sickness in some passengers.
Buses typically arrive in Sapa either very early in the morning or late at night, potentially impinging on the convenience of securing lodging or engaging in sightseeing activities.

Train:

The train voyage, spanning 8 to 9 hours, offers a picturesque and relaxing path to Sapa. Tickets can be acquired online or in-person at Hanoi’s train stations.
Pricing varies based on cabin type, ranging from 150,000 VND (approximately 6.5 USD) for a hard seat to 1,500,000 VND (approximately 64.5 USD) for a deluxe cabin replete with a private bathroom.
One limitation lies in the fact that trains solely halt at Lao Cai station, situated approximately 35 km from Sapa. This necessitates further travel, encompassing taxi or shuttle bus services, at an additional cost ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 VND (equivalent to 2.2-4.3 USD) per person.

Private Vehicle:

Opting for a private car provides an expedient and customizable route to Sapa, spanning approximately 5 hours.
Reservations for cars can be made online, or through affiliated hotels or travel agencies in Hanoi. Cost fluctuations are contingent on car size and quality, typically ranging from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 VND (equivalent to 107.5-172 USD) per car, accommodating up to 4 passengers.
These modern and comfortable vehicles come accompanied by proficient English-speaking drivers, offering the flexibility to halt at any desired juncture during the journey. A notable consideration remains the elevated cost of this option, augmented by tolls and parking fees.

How much does it cost to ride the Fansipan cable car?

Admittance to the Fansipan cable car necessitates the procurement of tickets priced at 800,000 VND (approximately 34.4 USD) per adult and 600,000 VND (approximately 25.8 USD) per child (below 1.3 m in height). Tickets are obtainable at the ticket office located within Sapa town square, in addition to online avenues. The ticket encompasses the following inclusions:

Round-trip cable car expedition from Sapa town to Fansipan station.
Round-trip access to the funicular train from Fansipan station to Do Quyen station.
Round-trip utilization of the electric bus, facilitating travel from Do Quyen station to Fansipan peak.

Operations of the cable car are ongoing from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, with a travel duration of approximately 15 minutes each way.

Essential Preparations for the Fansipan Cable Car Journey?

Warm Clothes: Given the potential for temperatures to plummet below 10°C, especially during winter or early morning hours, multiple layers of clothing are recommended. Attire like jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves serve as insulating elements.
Sun Protection: Shielding skin and eyes from the potent rays of the sun at elevated altitudes necessitates the inclusion of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, coupled with UV-resistant sunglasses.
Hydration and Sustenance: Acknowledging the potential fatigue induced by the cable car ride, adequate hydration through consumption of water and sustenance through snacks like fruits, nuts, or energy bars is advised.

Conquering the peak of Fansipan has never been easier with the cable car. Enjoy the beauty of Sapa’s mountains and forests in a unique way. I hope this article will help you feel more secure about the journey to discover the top of Fansipan- the roof of Indochina.