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Surrounding
Sapa are the
Hoang Lien Mountains ,
nicknamed the Tonkinese Alps
by the French. These
mountains include
Fansipan,
which at 3143m is Vietnam's
highest peak. The summit
towers above Sapa, although
it is often obscured by
clouds and is occasionally
dusted with snow. The peak
is accessible all year to
those in good shape and
properly equipped, but don't
underestimate the chal-lenge.
It is very wet, and can be
perilously slippery and
generally cold, so you must
be prepared. Do not attempt
an ascent if the weather is
terrible in Sapa, as limited
visibility on Fansipan could
be treacherous.
 The
summit of Fansipan is 19km
from Sapa and can be reached
only on foot. The terrain is
rough and adverse weather is
frequent. Despite the short
distance, the round trip
usually takes three days;
some very fit and
experienced hikers do it in
two days, but this is rare.
After the first morning you
won't see any villages: just
the forest, striking
mountain vistas and perhaps
some local wildlife such as
monkeys, mountain goats and
birds. No ropes or technical
climbing skills are needed,
just endurance. There are no
mountain huts or other
facilities along the way
(yet), so you need to be
self-sufficient. This means
taking a sleeping bag,
waterproof lent, food,
stove, raincoat or poncho,
compass and other
miscellaneous survival gear.
Hiring a reputable guide is
vital and, unless you arc a
seriously experienced
mountaineer, find ing
porters who will carry your
gear is also strongly
recommended. Weather-wise
the best time for making the
ascent is from mid-October
to mid-December, and again
in March, when wildflowers
are in bloom.
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