Hanoi (VNA) - Fansipan mountain in Sa Pa township, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, is in its best shape of the year with “do quyen” (Rhododendron) flowers now in full bloom, offering visitors multiple natural, cultural and festive experiences.
Discovering Vietnam’s most stunning mountain bloom season
At the misty heights of Fansipan, a spectacular natural landscape unfolds each April, transforming the area into a colourful canvas of “do quyen” blossoms. Situated above 2,000 metres above the sea level, the destination offers travellers an unparalleled experience of one of nature's most breathtaking displays.
Unlike other “do quyen” viewing locations that require arduous multi-day trekking or tree climbing and flycams to take photos, Fansipan provides an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the floral spectacle.
Alongside trekking tours, visitors could ride the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car system to the top of the mountain, transforming what would traditionally be a three-day trek into a mere 15-minute journey. From the cabin’s panoramic views, visitors are treated to a mesmerising vista of cumulus clouds like fluffy and white cotton balls in the sky, and expansive forests adorned with red, pink, white, and yellow “do quyen” blooms.
The Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area creates Vietnam’s first dedicated “do quyen” walking path, featuring 60 metres of carefully designed trails winding through 30 ancients “do quyen” trees, some aged between 300-400 years. Here, visitors can intimately experience magnificent flowers, gently breathing in their sweet, delicate fragrance and capturing photographs of these exquisite blossoms in the most personal way possible.
Local folklore has that touching the “do quyen” trunks not only marks a meaningful journey to the roof of Indochina but also promises good fortune for travellers on their upcoming adventures.
Enjoying flower season, immersing in festivals
Beyond the best “do quyen” season of the year, Fansipan offers a wealth of intriguing experiences. Visitors can explore the world-record Great Amitabha Buddha copper statue and the serene Quan The Am Bodhisattva statue, suspended among the clouds. Adventure seekers can even receive a certificate for conquering Indochina's highest peak by scanning an NFC tag at the 3,143-meter summit. Adventure seekers could even receive a certificate for conquering Indochina’s highest by scanning an NFC tag at the 3,143-metre summit or engage in a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony.
At the mountain’s root, May village offers a vibrant cultural landscape, showcasing the quintessence of the ethnic minority group in Sa Pa township. Visitors could discover the unique traditions like the “bat vo” (catching wife) of the Mong ethnic people, try local dishes, experience beeswax painting on woven fabric, and immerse themselves in local festive atmosphere.
The cherry blossoms with 1,000 trees in full bloom also transform Fansipan’s foot into a fairytale-like garden with picturesque viewing spots around the hillside, clock tower, and Muong Hoa station.
The 2025 Fansipan Rose Festival promises to be an unmissable April event. Set in Vietnam's largest rose valley at the foot of the mountain, hundreds of thousands of climbing roses, ancient Sa Pa roses, and imported varieties will be in full bloom next month. The festival will feature northwestern art performances, a flower parade, and a charming "Sweet" local market, perfectly timed with the Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers' Day (May 1).
Rational costs, convenient travel
With a sound transportation system, visitors can choose luxury limousines, around 400,000 VND (15.62 USD), train journeys, or self-driven options. At Fansipan, cable car round-trip tickets cost 800,000 VND, with attractive packages. The “Sacred Peak” combo offers round-trip cable car and lunch buffet, sold at 1,050,000 VND per person, the “Quintessence” with Muong Hoa train, round-trip cable car, and lunch buffet at 1,200,000 VND per person, and the special budget combo “Full Flavour” with cable car experience and dinner at May village at 950,000 VND per person.
Accommodation ranges from 300,000 VND to several million VND per night, catering to all preferences from homestays to five-star hotels. With 2.5 to 3 million VND per person, travelers can embark on a two-day, one-night journey to explore the breathtaking “do quyen” season in this northwestern land with multiple amazing experiences./.
