You’re not likely to visit Sapa and avoid the Fansipan Legend Cable Car. We have lots of misgivings about this grandiose project, which seems emblematic of Vietnam’s recent obsession with over-development of natural landscapes. But our misgivings didn't stop us from climbing aboard.
This is a massive project. It’s advertised as the longest three rope cable car in the world. It’s a world class operation.
The development at the top of the mountain is massive - to put it mildly. With temples, pagodas and mountains of stone, it's reminiscent of something from dynastic China.
The views across the valley are amazing - weather permitting.
Don’t expect to see much from the summit though. Fansipan is rarely out of cloud. You’ll be very fortunate to be one of the few that gets to the top on a clear day.
Scaling Fansipan has become a patriotic rite for Vietnamese and that seems to be underwriting its success. Though it was very quiet during my visit.
The Fansipan cable car is very busy on weekends and during local holidays. You'll want to avoid these days or you'll face long queues and delays.
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