People in the foggy town of Sapa are no longer afraid of Ham Rong Mountain. This is one of the Hoang Lien Son mountains that lies close to the town of Sapa. This place is also known as an ecotourism area and is a popular tourist spot that many people from both inside and outside the country love.
What is Ham Rong Mountain?
Ham Rong Mountain Vietnam is about 1 km from the center of Sapa Stone Church in the town of Sapa, Lao Cai province. This place is also an eco-tourism spot, and a lot of people come here every year.
Many stories have been told about Ham Rong Mountain because its head looks like a dragon. For instance, a tremendous flood came out of nowhere while a story about two dragons playing together was going on. The other dragon got stranded on the ground and turned to stone facing the way the dragon had flown away because it happened so rapidly. So, the head is now Ham Rong Mountain, and the tail will go from Heaven’s Gate to the top of O Quy Ho Pass and then to Muong Hoa Commune.
Another story talks of three Dragon brothers that the Jade Emperor told to take over their own domains. They rushed West since they couldn’t find any room in the East. The youngest one turned to stone with his head up and mouth open since he couldn’t keep up before the time ran out. This is how Ham Rong Mountain got its name. His two brothers came back to save him, but they also turned to stone, making the two big mountain ranges that can still be seen near Sa Pa today.
Regardless of the legend, with its unique shape, Ham Rong Mountain always attracts tourists. This is also a testament to the beauty that nature has bestowed upon Vietnam.
Why visit Ham Rong Mountain?
Getting to Ham Rong Mountain Vietnam is simple and quick
Why Ham Rong Mountain has become a favorite destination for many tourists. Here are the reasons:
A place to admire many things in once
Ham Rong Mountain is a wonderful place to go if you want to see many things at once. Visitors may see Sapa town, the Muong Hoa Valley, and the beautiful Hoang Lien Son mountain range from its upper peaks. The landscape is especially beautiful on clear days, when the natural beauty all around it comes out in full.
A wonderful place for photographers
Ham Rong Mountain is also a wonderful place for photographers because it has so many different kinds of scenery. The site has many chances to take pictures of special moments, whether it’s the gardens, the mountains in the background, or the charming paths.
A serene retreat
Even during peak times, the mountain remains a serene retreat from the bustling town below. It’s a terrific spot to unwind, take in the pure mountain air, and be one with nature.
Direction and fee to Ham Rong Mountain
Getting to Ham Rong Mountain Vietnam is simple and quick. It’s only a short walk from the middle of Sapa town, so anyone of any age or fitness level may easily get there. If you buy the Sapa map for more detail, some maps include a Ham Rong mountain map. On the map application, you can also see Ham Rong Mountain Vietnam pinned on. The well-kept trails and signs make sure that the trip up the mountain goes smoothly.
Note: Ham Rong mountain entrance fee (up to now):
- Adults: 70,000 VND/ticket
- Children (under 1.2 m): 20,000 VND/ticket
- Children under 1 m: Free
- Opening hours: 7am – 7pm
To get the correct fee, you should come to buy tickets at the Ham Rong Mountain entrance, but the ticket prices do not differ or change too much.
What to see at Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa has beautiful views all around, colorful gardens, and intriguing rock formations. The flower beds atop Ham Rong Mountain are some of the best things about it. There are many different kinds of vibrant flowers in these gardens, making them a beautiful place to take pictures. The region changes with the seasons, so every time you go, you’ll have a different experience. Here is a detailed overview of the attractions you can explore:
- Gardens system: The Orchid Garden, the Cherry Blossom Garden (which is especially lovely around the Lunar New Year), and the Central Flower Garden are just a few of the stunning gardens at Ham Rong Mountain. These gardens are full of bright flowers and provide great backgrounds for photography.
- Cloud Yard: The Cloud Yard is at the highest point that people can reach, and it has a beautiful 360-degree view over Sapa town, the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, and even Mount Fansipan. It looks especially lovely when it floats above the clouds, like in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Rock Formations: The Stone Garden features large limestone boulders arranged in intriguing patterns. Locals believe these rocks form the “dragon’s spine,” a connection to the mountain’s legendary origins.
- Additionally, visitors can enjoy the complete experience of walking over stone steps and paths, which contributes to a magnificent environment.
How to get to Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain is a popular tourist spot not far from Sapa town. You simply have to go around 3 km from Sapa to get to the base of Ham Rong Mountain. When you reach Sapa, you need to go toward the Sapa stone church. Then you go straight down that road until you reach Ham Rong Mountain, which is just after the church. The mountain is only around 3 km from the center of town, so it’s not too far away.
Read more: Silver Waterfall: An amazing offering from nature
Travel tips for visiting Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain is in a very high area and close to the Tropic of Cancer. So, the climate here will be humid subtropical and moderate, with an average temperature of about 15°C.
Also, Sapa is known for having a climate with four seasons; thus, it will often be overcast and foggy at night, which will make you feel cold. So, even in the summer, you need to bring warm garments when you go to Ham Rong Mountain.
You should bring adequate snacks and water if you want to climb to the peak of Ham Rong Mountain. The distance you have to climb isn’t too lengthy, but it’s not too short for you to do it quickly.
If you don’t plan ahead, you can buy things at other stores along the way, but they will be pricier. You should also get all the climbing gear you need, like shoes and trousers that are comfortable. Because Ham Rong Mountain is in a very high place and close to the Tropic of Cancer.
Also, Sapa is known for having a climate with four seasons; thus, it will often be overcast and foggy at night, which will make you feel cold. So, even in the summer, you need to bring warm garments when you go to Ham Rong Mountain.
You should bring adequate snacks and water if you want to climb to the peak of Ham Rong Mountain. The distance you have to climb isn’t too lengthy, but it’s not too short for you to do it quickly.
However, if you don’t plan ahead, you can find grocery stores along the journey where you may purchase items, although they will be more expensive than usual. You should also acquire all the necessary climbing gear, such as comfortable shoes and trousers.
Combine Ham Rong Mountain with other Sapa attractions
People frequently start their trip to Sapa at Ham Rong Mountain if they want to see everything there is to see. You can view all of Sapa from above, as well as the famed villages, the golden terraced fields, and the fresh air.
Ham Rong peak isn’t very special compared to other places around because it’s just a beautiful high peak in Sapa. But if you do not come here once to take in all of Sapa and other locations in sight, it is a shortcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ham Rong Mountain
Many customers when booking tours at Lily’s Travel have asked many questions about Ham Rong Mountain. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting and booking Sapa tours of Lily’s Travel, we see that there are some questions that customers often ask below.
Is the hike difficult or beginner-friendly?
Climbing Ham Rong Mountain is not too difficult and is suitable for even those with no experience. The path up the mountain is built quite systematically with many stone steps, making it easier to move.
Ham Rong Mountain has a path built mainly with stone steps, making it easier for climbers to move than having to walk on natural terrain. Although not too difficult, climbing still requires excellent health. You should have a light exercise regimen before going to get used to the exercise. So the Ham Rong mountain hike is one of the favorite activities in Sapa tours.
How long does it take to explore the whole area?
The average climbing time is about 2 hours, not too long and can be divided into many resting periods if needed. You should choose comfortable, cool clothes and specialized shoes for climbing to avoid slipping and protect your feet.
Are there food or drink vendors along the trail?
Ham Rong Mountain is one of the most prominent places to visit in Sapa, and it has been turned into a tourist destination. So, it shouldn’t be too hard to find stores and service vendors. On the road to Ham Rong Mountain, you can stop and buy drinks and snacks. Vendors even provide basic climbing gear, including hats, gloves, sun protection shirts, windbreakers, and more.
Ham Rong Mountain is a paradise worth experiencing once in your life regardless of your age. So, don’t hesitate to visit Ham Rong Mountain and experience the sensation of being amidst a paradise with Lily’s Travel.
Lily’s Travel offers full package tours to Ham Rong Mountain as well as Sapa. On these tours, you will experience a variety of locations with the right time according to your needs and interests. Lily’s Travel tours to Sapa are also designed with a variety of locations, aiming to experience more ethnic minority culture while not forgetting to bring quiet moments during the trip so that you can relax after long trips while enjoying the natural scenery.
Read more: Muong Hoa Valley: Place where different cultures meet in Northern Vietnam
