Lao Cai
2 days / 1 night
AH-LC57
6/10
$174 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is the ultimate choice for adventurers looking to conquer the "Roof of Indochina" in a truly unforgettable way. Skip the standard round-trip cable car and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Vietnam’s highest peak. You’ll hike through ancient, moss-draped forests, spend a memorable night at a high-altitude mountain shelter (2,800m), and reach the summit just in time to watch the sunrise pierce through a sea of clouds. The ultimate reward? A thrilling sense of achievement at the 3,143-meter peak, followed by a relaxing, panoramic cable car ride back down through the spectacular Hoang Lien Son range.

Highlights

  • Conquer the "Roof of Indochina”
  • Trek through the diverse landscapes of Hoang Lien Son National Park
  • Experience a memorable night at a mountain shelter tucked away at 2,800 meters.
  • Scenic cable car descent with panoramic views of the spectacular mountain range
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Sapa

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Sep - April

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa – Tram Ton – Overnight Shelter at 2,800 m

07:00 Your guide will meet you directly at your hotel in Sapa. Enjoy a short introduction, a quick attendance and itinerary review, and a final gear check before we set off.

07:30 Depart by car for Tram Ton Pass, the gateway to Hoang Lien Son National Park. Enjoy the winding mountain roads and endless terraced fields draped in morning mist—a postcard-perfect introduction to the Northwest.

09:00 Step onto the trail as your quest to conquer the "Roof of Indochina" officially begins. The path starts with shaded forest tracks before opening up to a relatively gentle route along the mountain slopes.

12:00 Pause to rest and recharge at 2,200 meters. Enjoy a simple, energizing lunch enveloped by the cool, crisp mountain air.

13:00 Hit the trail again. The afternoon trek becomes more challenging as the incline steepens and the path turns mossy. Watch the vegetation shift beautifully as you gain altitude.

17:00 Reach the mountain shelter at 2,800 meters. Check in, settle your belongings, freshen up, and unwind after a rewarding day of trekking.

18:30 Gather for a hearty dinner in the heart of the wilderness. Afterward, turn in early to rest up for tomorrow's early morning push to the summit.

* Approx. Duration: 30 minutes driving / 7 hours trekking / 1 hour lunch break

* Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: Overnight Shelter – Fansipan Summit – Cable Car – Sapa

04:00 Wake up early for a light, energizing breakfast. Pack a small daypack for the final push, leaving your heavier gear securely at the shelter.

05:00 Set off into the pre-dawn light for the final climb. Navigating steep inclines, the trail winds through enchanted mossy forests, dense rhododendron groves, and slopes of dwarf bamboo.

07:00 Stand atop the "Roof of Indochina"! Celebrate your incredible achievement, take photos at the iconic milestone, and witness a breathtaking sunrise over a vast sea of clouds.

08:30 Begin a short descent to the Fansipan cable car station, located at approximately 3,000 meters.

09:00 Board the cable car for a relaxing, scenic glide down to the Sun World Fansipan Legend foothill station.

09:30 Arrive at the station and transfer back to Sapa Town. Your unforgettable adventure concludes here.

* Approx. Duration: 30 minutes cable car / 15 minutes driving / 3 hours trekking / 1 hour lunch break

* Meals Included: Breakfast

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Round trip transfer: Sapa - Tram Ton & Cable Car Station - Sapa
  • Cable car ticket
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Tour guide & Porters
  • 1 night at a mountain shelter
  • Daily drinking water
  • Entrance fees & permit
  • Domestic travel insurance

 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses 
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip 
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Gloves
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit 

What to bring: 

  • 20L trekking backpack 
  • Trekking shoes or boots
  • A pair of sandals to use at the mountain shelter at night.
  • Clothing by season:
  • + Summer: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved clothing, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trekking gloves. 
  • + Winter: Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down jacket), a beanie/warm hat, and insulated gloves.
  • Raincoat or poncho.
  • Spare clothes
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Terrain: the terrain is highly diverse—transitioning from shaded forest tracks and steady mountain slope pathways on the first day to steeper, moss-covered inclines and dwarf bamboo slopes nearing the summit. While it includes challenging uphill sections, the trail features well-maintained footpaths and steps, eliminating technical climbing risks.
  • Suitability:This trek is perfect for active travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and beginners looking for their first high-altitude mountain conquest. No prior mountaineering experience is required; a basic level of physical fitness and stamina is sufficient to enjoy the journey.

2. Overnight on the mountain

  • We will spend the night at the 2,800m mountain shelter. This is a rustic, communal wooden lodge equipped with basic restroom facilities and showers. To ensure a comfortable night's rest in the chilly mountain air, you will be provided with insulated mats or air mattresses, along with cozy blankets or sleeping bags.

3. Food & Water

  • Meals: Dinner will be freshly prepared on-site by our talented porter team. Breakfast features hot options like fried rice, instant noodles, or crepes. Lunch along the trail typically consists of pre-packed, energizing cold meals.
  • Water: Safe, boiled spring water is provided daily by our team at the campsite. Please bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder to refill before setting off each day.
  • Hot beverages: Complimentary hot tea and coffee will be available at the shelter during breakfast and dinner.

4. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment.
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.