Fanispan mountain

 Sapa - Our free and hearty breakfast.  Each person can choose from the menu 2 mains and 2 drinks.

Edmund's chocolate pancakes

Beef Pho

Our ginger tea

My banana pancakes and Edmund's egg omelette

After our breakfast we walked to the church in the center of Sapa.  A stone church is one of the ancient structures and iconic symbols of the misty resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai province. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral of Sapa

The Notre Dame Cathedral is the main base of Sapa Parish, where 4,600 parishioners, mostly H’mong ethnic people, gather for religious activities.  This Roman Gothic-style church offers both architectural beauty and cultural significance.

This church, constructed in 1895 by the French, stands as one of the most well-preserved examples of French architecture in Sapa. It occupies an area of 6,000 square meters, with the majestic Ham Rong Mountain behind and the town square in front. 

A lone nun was praying

We sat behind her and prayed to Christ our Lord.  The colorful stained glass windows that depict the life of Jesus. 

Beautiful exterior of this church

Sun Plaza Department Store

At exactly 9am, our tour bus arrives to pick us up for Fanispan mountain - this is not part of the package and the entrance is steep 800k dong which includes the entrance into the cultural area and the cable car. 

Fanispan Mountain

The adventure to Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and often called the "Roof of Indochina," began early in the day as we departed from Sapa town. Towering at 3,147 meters, Fansipan is a must-visit for trekkers and nature lovers. 

There were tribal villages which we can view and understand their culture.

Prancing horse

Hmong culture dance

However, I opted for the cable car, which offers stunning aerial views of the surrounding rice terraces, mist-covered mountains, and verdant landscapes.

We arrived at the cable car station around 9.30 a.m., and the excitement built as we prepared to ascend the mountain. The cable car ride itself was a breathtaking experience. As the doors closed and we slowly lifted off the ground, the landscape below transformed into a sea of green, interspersed with patches of yellow rice paddies and dotted with small villages. 

In the cable car

I could see the majestic Muong Hoa Valley below, with its rivers snaking through the terraced fields. As the altitude increased, the clouds enveloped us, creating a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere. The entire journey from the base to the top took approximately 15 minutes.

Upon arriving at the cable car station near the top, we still had to conquer a final ascent to reach the summit. This was no easy feat, as the air was much thinner at this elevation. A steep set of stairs led us toward the peak. As I climbed, I could feel the effects of the altitude—my ears started popping, and the pressure caused a slight discomfort. Nonetheless, the anticipation of reaching the summit kept me going.

Finally reach the summit

The moment I reached the top was both a physical and emotional triumph. Standing on the summit of Fansipan, I felt like I was on top of the world. 

The cool, crisp air was invigorating, and despite the discomfort in my ears, it was worth every second of the climb.

3.143m summit

After taking in the views and snapping a few photos, we began our descent. The walk down was easier on the body, but I still had to take my time adjusting to the pressure. Once we reached the cable car, I reflected on the experience—it was not just a journey to a physical peak but a personal accomplishment. The cable car ride down was as awe-inspiring as the ride up, with the clouds parting to reveal glimpses of the valley below.