As a sought-after tourist attraction in Northern Vietnam, Sapa is filled with stunning landscapes that are bound to leave any visitor in awe. Among these, Ham Rong Mountain stands out as a top pick for visitors due to its prime location and diverse scenery. Planning a trip to Sapa? Come join us at Asia Legend Travel, and let’s explore the incredible beauty of Ham Rong Mountain Sapa Lao Cai together!
Overview of Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain, part of the Hoang Lien Son range, is located in the central area of Sapa town, right behind the Sapa Stone Church. Since 1996, it has been developed into the Ham Rong Mountain Resort, featuring various attractions such as flower gardens, caves, the Stone Forest, the Cloud Yard, and the Heaven Gate.
The mountain’s name, “Ham Rong,” in the local language means “dragon’s jaw.” From a distance, the rock peaks forming the mountain resemble a dragon’s head, a natural feature associated with intriguing folk stories.
The latest Ham Rong Mountain entrance fees are as follows:
- Adults: 70,000 VND / person
- Children over 1.2m: 20,000 VND / person
- Children under 1.2m: Free
After passing the checking point of the resort, you’ll find a long stone staircase leading to the top of Ham Rong. The area opens from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Since it gets dark early in Sapa, make sure to plan your visit accordingly to avoid descending in the dark.
The Legend of Ham Rong Mountain
As a famous mountain in Sapa, Ham Rong Mountain carries a mysterious beauty and fascinating stories. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a pair of dragons playing with each other in these mountains. Suddenly, a violent flood came. One managed to fly away, while the other remained earthbound, petrifying into an impressive rock that gazes towards its departed companion. The petrified dragon’s head forms Ham Rong Mountain, while its tail stretches from the Heaven’s Gate, the summit of O Quy Ho pass, to the edge of Muong Hoa Valley.
Another tale about Ham Rong Mountain Sapa involves three dragon brothers. At the dawn of creation, all creatures were in chaos. The Jade Emperor directed everyone to find their own territory. Seeing many heading East, the dragons chose to venture West. The youngest brother, being slower, lost his way among tigers and leopards. Out of fear, he opened his mouth to defend himself. However, the time to claim territory had ended, and he turned into stone, his head raised and mouth open. This formed Ham Rong Mountain today. His elder brothers tried to save him but were too late and also turned into stone. Today, they form three adjacent mountain ranges visible from Sa Pa commune.
Regardless of the legend, Ham Rong Mountain is a spectacular place where visitors can appreciate the unspoiled natural landscape and cool weather of Sapa.
How to Get to Ham Rong Mountain Sapa
Ham Rong Mountain is located approximately three kilometers from the center of Sapa town. From the town center, navigate towards Sapa Stone Church, and you’ll find the road to Ham Rong Mountain right behind the church. The distance is not too long, so if you are in good health, it’s feasible to walk.
Alternatively, renting a motorbike to explore beautiful Sapa is an excellent choice. There is parking right next to the ticket point, managed by local vendors at a reasonable price, though the fee may vary based on the time of your visit.
If you’re unfamiliar with the area or staying far from the town center, you can take a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi. The locals know their way around like the back of their hand, and Ham Rong Mountain, being a must-visit tourist spot, is well-known to everyone. The journey is relatively short, so you can rely on your drivers to get you there safely.
Tourist Spots in Ham Rong Mountain
Usually, visitors spend half a day exploring the beauty of this mountain. The resort consists of three main parts: the Ham Rong Garden Center, Rock Forests, and Ham Rong Peak. On the way to the top of the mountain, you’ll navigate stone steps, passing landmarks such as the Orchid Garden, Cherry Blossoms Garden, Microwave Station, Cloud Yard, and Heaven Gate. This journey will give you a sense of being in a magical land.
Orchid Garden
The Orchid Garden is the first stop on the journey to conquer Ham Rong Mountain. It houses over 200 different types of orchids, including exquisite mountain species. Sapa’s climate is ideal for orchid growth, leading to graceful branches and beautiful blossoms. Especially when the spring comes, Ham Rong’s Orchid Garden becomes the perfect gathering place for all orchid admirers.
The Garden of Twelve Earthly Branches
After leaving the Orchid Garden, you’ll enter the Garden of Twelve Earthly Branches. This place has many statues arranged along the path, amidst gardens filled with gerberas, cypress vines, dahlias, hydrangeas, and more. There is a bridge in the middle where lots of young people like to take photos. You can also take pictures with the Chinese zodiac statue that matches your birth year.
Garden Center
The Garden Center showcases a variety of vibrant and unique flowers, arranged by gardeners to form the word “Sapa.” These flowers, imported from Europe, are a big attraction for visitors. In the coming years, the tourist area plans to set up a zone for flower seed production. This will allow visitors to purchase and plant these flowers at home. If you need a break, there’s a cozy hut in the garden where you can rest before continuing your journey to Ham Rong peak.
Microwave Station
Upon arriving at the Microwave Station, you’ll be met with an awe-inspiring sight. From this vantage point, you can behold the majestic view of Fansipan Mountain from a distance. As the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, Fansipan Mountain is usually covered in fog and clouds during the year, adding an air of mystery to its majesty.
Cherry Blossoms Garden
Ham Rong Cherry Blossoms Garden is not only home to beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms, but it also houses a collection of traditional Vietnamese peach blossom trees. These trees have large trunks, wide branches, and abundant flowers. During the Lunar New Year, many people visit this spot to admire the blossoms, making it bustling and vibrant.
Stone Forest
One of the top attractions in the Ham Rong Mountain Resort is the Stone Forest. It’s Mother Nature’s masterpiece, with stacks and stacks of tall rocks that resemble dragon scales. The breathtaking view here is sure to make your social media photos even more shining!
Cloud Yard & Heaven Gate
Having come this far, you shouldn’t miss the most breathtaking viewpoint of Ham Rong Mountain: the Cloud Yard. As the name suggests, standing in the Cloud Yard offers a unique experience of viewing clusters of fluffy clouds beneath your feet.
From the Cloud Yard, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapa town, the Muong Hoa valley, Cat Cat village, and the terraced fields in Ta Van village, all appearing one after another behind the clouds. Adjacent to the Cloud Yard, Heaven Gate is another favorite spot for pictures, especially when the sun shines through, making it feel like you’re in paradise.
What to Do during Your Trip to Ham Rong Mountain Sapa
Let’s explore the exciting experiences awaiting you during your trip to Ham Rong Mountain.
Appreciate the splendor of various flowers
Bursting with spectacular flower gardens, Ham Rong Mountain is a sight to behold for all flower enthusiasts. It’s not just about immersing oneself in nature’s splendor, but also capturing perfect photos to remember the experience.
Take in the stunning vistas of Sapa town
From the mountain peak at the Ham Rong Mountain height of 1,800 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sapa town, surrounding villages, and extensive terraced fields. The stunning vista as far as the eye can see, captivating your senses and leaving a lasting impression.
Experience a sea of clouds
Ham Rong Mountain is where you can have the unforgettable experience of being enveloped in fluffy clusters of clouds. Here, you can feel as if you’re strolling right above the clouds. And don’t forget to capture those breathtaking shots of the clouds and all the stunning beauty that Sapa has to offer while you’re here.
Immerse yourself in the cultural performances of local tribes
The area of traditional art performance in Ham Rong Mountain is a place that hosts unique and captivating performances. Here, the soulful melody of traditional H’mong music and the graceful movements of talented young dancers come together to weave a unique cultural tapestry. After each mesmerizing performance, guests are invited to join in a lively bamboo dance.
Practical Tips for Visitors
There are some essential notes for visitors to have an enjoyable trip in Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa.
Best time to visit Ham Rong Mountain
The ideal time to visit Ham Rong Mountain Sapa is spring, from January to April. The vegetation is vibrant, and the weather is sunny and warm, making it excellent for sightseeing. For those who enjoy hiking, climbing Ham Rong Mountain from April to June, during the summer, is also advisable. You can appreciate the terraced fields brimming with water, mirroring the lush mountains.
For cloud enthusiasts, consider visiting between October and December. This time is perfect for cloud watching due to the abundance of clouds and fog. However, it’s advisable to avoid July and August since these months coincide with Sapa’s rainy season. The heavy rainfall during this period can make the roads slippery and dangerous.
Necessary tips for hiking
Due to its high terrain, Sapa often experiences many clouds and fog in the afternoon and evening, creating a chilly atmosphere. Especially during the winter in Sapa, the Ham Rong Mountain temperature can drop below 0 degrees Celsius, and there may be Sapa snowfall. Therefore, even if you visit the mountains in the summer, you should prepare warm clothes.
Additionally, the walk up Ham Rong Mountain is neither too long nor too short. It will take you at least 2 hours to complete a tour of Ham Rong Mountain. Remember to manage your time properly so you can fully explore this magnificent mountain. It’s better to bring your own water and snacks if you can. If not, there are places to buy them, but they’re a bit expensive. Most importantly, wear good shoes to keep your feet comfortable.
In summary, Ham Rong Mountain, with its mysterious legends and stunning landscapes, is a must-see tourist attraction in Sapa. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful sights of Sapa but also take impressive photos and watch traditional performances. If you’re planning a trip to Sapa, make sure to add this mountain to your itinerary, as the Ham Rong Mountain tour is sure to leave you delighted.
