What is the Fansipan Mountain cable car?

Mount Fansipan, often referred to as the "Roof of Indochina," stands at 3,147 meters, making it the tallest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina Peninsula. Located in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range near Sa Pa, it was once accessible only via a challenging multi-day trek.

In 2016, the Sun World Fansipan Legend Cable Car was inaugurated, transforming the journey into a 15-minute scenic ascent. This engineering marvel holds two Guinness World Records:

  • Longest non-stop three-rope cable car: 6,292.5 meters
  • Greatest elevation difference by a non-stop three-rope cable car: 1,410 meters

Designed with eco-sensitive principles, the cable car minimizes environmental impact while providing year-round access to the summit.

Quick facts about the Fansipan cable car station & ride

Cable car over lush green mountains at Sun World Fansipan, Vietnam.
  • The Fansipan cable car spans 6.3 kilometers, making it one of the longest non-stop, three-rope cable cars in the world.
  • You’ll ascend a staggering 1,410 meters in just 15 minutes, which used to take a two-day hike.
  • Each cabin can comfortably seat 30 to 35 passengers, with large windows for full panoramic views.
Plan your visit to Fansipan

Why visit Fansipan?

Buddha statue at Sun World Fansipan Legend with red flowers and mountain view.

Great Buddha statue

A 21.5-meter-high bronze statue, the tallest seated Buddha in Vietnam, situated over 3,000 meters above sea level.

Sun World Fansipan Legend tower with mountain backdrop in Vietnam.

Bich Van Zen Monastery

Located at 3,037 meters, this monastery showcases Tran Dynasty architecture and offers serene spiritual experiences.

Red funicular ascending Fansipan Mountain with pagoda in background at Sun World Fansipan Legend, Vietnam.

Muong Hoa Funicular

A monorail connecting Sun Plaza in Sa Pa to the cable car station, providing panoramic valley views.

Fansipan summit marker at Sun World Fansipan Legend, Vietnam.

Summit marker

The official "Roof of Indochina" marker, a must-visit photo spot.

Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda with ornate roof on Fansipan mountain, Sapa, Vietnam.

Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda

A spiritual site featuring intricate designs and calming surroundings.

Things to do in Fansipan

Places to visit near Fansipan

Street market in Cat Cat Hmong village, Sapa, Vietnam, displaying colorful traditional clothes.

Cat Cat Village: A traditional Hmong village known for its handicrafts, waterfalls, and cultural performances.

Rice terraces with a wooden hut in Ta Van Village, Sapa, Vietnam.

Ta Van Village: Home to the Giay ethnic group, offering homestays and insights into local traditions.

Silver Waterfall cascading through lush greenery in Sapa, Vietnam, with a bridge above.

Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac): A stunning 200-meter-high waterfall located about 12 km from Sa Pa.

Couple walking through rice terraces in Sapa, Vietnam with mountains in the background.

Muong Hoa Valley: Famous for its terraced rice fields and ancient rock carvings, ideal for trekking and photography.

Frequently asked questions about the Fansipan cable car

Is the cable car ride safe?

Yes, the Fansipan cable car is built with advanced safety standards and has been operating reliably since 2016.

Can children and seniors take the ride?

Absolutely. The cable car and funicular are suitable for all ages, making the summit accessible to families and elderly visitors.

Is the cable car operational year-round?

Yes, it operates daily, though it's advisable to check for any maintenance schedules or weather-related closures.

How do I get to the cable car station?

Visitors can take the Muong Hoa Funicular from Sun Plaza in Sa Pa to the cable car station, or take a short taxi ride.

Is there anything to do at the top of Fansipan after the cable car ride?

Yes! Explore temples, giant Buddha statues, stunning viewpoints, and take a funicular even closer to the summit.

Does the Fansipan cable car operate in bad weather?

It usually runs rain or shine, but service may pause for storms or strong winds to keep things safe and smooth.

Can I get to the Fansipan cable car station from Sa Pa easily?

Yes. It's a quick 15-minute drive or shuttle ride from central Sa Pa to the Hoang Lien cable car station.

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