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Not too far from Sapa, Hoang Lien National Park is another famous attraction in Lao Cai Province. Thanks to its unique climate, weather, and terrain, the Hoang Lien Range has developed a vibrant ecosystem. Moreover, the towering mountains make it an ideal destination for trekking activities. Let Asia King Travel guide you through more details about this stunning national park in the article below.
Hoang Lien National Park is a protected ecological area located in the Hoang Lien Mountain Range
Hoang Lien National Park sits at an elevation of 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, on the northwestern side of the Hoang Lien mountain range, including Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. Covering a total area of nearly 30,000 hectares, most of the park consists of strictly protected forest zones, while around 70 hectares are designated for tourism activities.
The park plays a crucial role in forest conservation, and in 2006, Hoang Lien National Park was officially recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Hoang Lien National Park is located in Ta Van and Ban Ho communes of Lao Cai Province, with a small part extending into Lai Chau Province. It’s only about 10 kilometers from Sapa, making it a must-visit stop on any Sapa tour. Just a 30-minute drive, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the national park.
Not just high mountains, but peaceful corners too
To get to Lao Cai, the most common way is to fly to Hanoi first. From there, you can choose between traveling by road or by train. The train usually runs overnight. Just sleep through the night, and you’ll wake up in Sapa the next morning. Ticket prices start from around VND 150,000, depending on the seat class.
If you choose to travel by road, the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway makes the journey quite convenient, even though it winds through many mountains. The safest option is to take a sleeper bus, which costs around VND 300,000 per person. Or, if you’re confident enough to drive on your own, the freedom to explore the road at your own pace will be the real reward.
From Sapa, follow National Highway 4D across the O Quy Ho Pass. About 12 km from the town center, you’ll reach Tram Ton – the ranger station of Hoang Lien National Park, which also serves as the park’s main entrance. From here, you can start your journey into the pristine forest or begin your mountain trek, depending on your plan.
The best time to visit is from June to August and from December to April. The weather here stays pleasantly cool even in summer, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking and camping. In winter, the park turns into a dreamy wonderland as mist blankets the landscape. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of snow and frost.
Buckwheat flowers bloom at the end of the year
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According to statistics, Hoang Lien National Park is home to 2,847 plant species. The most common ones here are fir and pine trees. In addition, scientists have discovered many rare orchid species that are found almost exclusively in this area. Not to mention the rhododendrons, about 20 out of Vietnam’s 27 known species can be found here. It’s fair to say the park is like a large botanical garden filled with some of Vietnam's rarest flowers.
A fir tree with special cones
Alongside its diverse plant life, Hoang Lien National Park is also home to many beautiful butterfly species and rare langurs. The park preserves the genetic resources of about half of Vietnam’s amphibian species, including the recently discovered and extremely rare thorny frog.
Trekking is the most popular activity here. Almost every Northern Vietnam tour to Sapa includes a day for visitors to explore Hoang Lien on foot. Along the trekking route to Mount Fansipan, you’ll notice how the scenery transforms with the altitude.
At the summit, you’ll be greeted by a sea of floating clouds, fresh mountain air, and colorful wildflowers, an absolutely breathtaking sight. From the national park, you can take the trekking trail leading up to the 3,143-meter-high Fansipan Peak. Another adventurous activity you can try is canyoning at Love Waterfall.
A challenging yet captivating trekking route
Not only is it a natural conservation area, but Hoang Lien National Park is also a place that preserves the cultural beauty of Northwestern Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. You can even stay overnight in a traditional stilt house with the locals. The ethnic people here are known for their warm hospitality, so they rarely turn down a visitor’s request to stay.
In the morning, you’ll wake up with the locals and join them in their daily farming activities. By nightfall, you’ll sit by the crackling fire, sipping traditional rice wine and sharing stories under the starry sky.
There are always forest rangers and local people ready to help you
Besides Sapa, make sure to visit Hoang Lien National Park to discover the untouched beauty of Vietnam’s mountains and forests. During your trip, don’t forget to stay safe and clean up after yourself when you finish exploring. Contact Asia King Travel to have an unforgettable journey connecting with nature at its best!
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