Located behind SaPa stone church, in Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Ham Rong Mountain is one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations in Sapa. Locals call it by the name because the cliffs line up like a dragon’s head facing the blue sky. But the shape of the mountain comes from a more attractive romantic and poetic legend than ever.
1. The legend of Ham Rong Mountain
Love story has always been the inspiration of many legends. The legend of Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa also has the same. In the past, this place was the home of a dragon’s couple. They love each other so much. One day, while the dragons were playing, a cataclysm occurred in huge rushing water. The dragon struggled strongly and luckily escaped, and the dragon girl, due to more exhaustion, was submerged in the water and could only raise her head to watch the dragon flying to the sky. Over time, the dragon turned to stone, her body became the majestic Hoang Lien Son range and the head part was Ham Rong mountain.
Another different legend is s related to the three Dragon brothers. At the beginning of the world, to create the habitats for creatures, The Jade Emperor let them set their boundaries for themselves. The three Dragon brothers looked to the East and saw that there was no place, so they decided to run to the West. The youngest brother couldn’t keep up with the 2 brothers and turned to be scared. But the time for them is up, the youngest dragon opens his mouth and turns into one part of Ham Rong Mountain. The two people came back to save him but too late, also turned into two large mountain ranges next to each other, forming three adjacent mountain ranges, which can be observed from SaPa Town.
Two legends give other stories of Ham Rong Mountain but always the beautiful stories about love, connection and protection.
2. Location
Ham Rong Mountain is located about 3km from the center of Sapa town. From there, you go towards Sapa Stone Church and see the way to Ham Rong Mountain located right behind the church. The path is not too far, so you can walk on foot or choose a motorbike to get easier.
Sapa Town is now a tourist destination so has many services for you. You can take a taxi to get there. It doesn’t cost too much.
Since 1996, Ham Rong Mountain has been developed into Ham Rong Mountain tourist area with flower gardens, rock gardens, Cloud yard and Heaven Gate. With our experience, you should spend about half a day discovering these mountainous regions, including 3 main areas: Ham Rong flower garden, Thach Lam rock garden, and Ham Rong mountain peak. Ham Rong Mountain is built with stone steps to related regions which makes it convenient for visitors.
3. The regions of Ham Rong Mountain
Ham Rong Mountain is built on a campus of 148 ha, and 1.850m above sea level. You can admire, check-in and enjoy the beautiful nature here.
3.1. Orchid Garden
This is the first step in the journey to conquer Ham Rong mountain, where there are more than 200 different species of orchids, especially rare mountain orchids. Sapa’s climate is very suitable for this flower to grow. In particular, in the spring, Ham Rong orchid garden is ideal for you to admire.
Read more: Muong Hoa Valley: Heaven on earth
3.2. Garden of 12 Zodiacs
Each zodiac is the symbol of age in the lunar year such as gerbera, fairy hair, dahlia, hydrangea… In the middle of the garden, there is a concrete bridge, a favorite place for young people to take pictures.
3.3. Peach Garden
Ham Rong peach garden not only has romantic fragile Japanese peach blossoms but also has ancient peach trees with large roots, a wide canopy and thick flowers. During the Lunar New Year, Ham Rong peach garden is crowded and a famous destination for many people.
3.4. Central Flower Garden
The Central Flower Garden attracts visitors by the colorful and fancy flower varieties imported from Europe. This area displays flowers planted and arranged into the very impressive word “Sapa”. In the future, the resort will also deploy a production area of this flower on the premises, so that you can buy it and grow it yourself at home.
3.5. Thach Lam Rock Garden
One of the most checked-in places in Ham Rong Mountain Resort is Thach Lam Rock Garden, where the installation art of nature has been shown through the steep cliffs in layers like scales of dragons. This magnificent scene is the perfect background for your photos.
3.6. Sapa Telecommunication Station
Arriving at Sapa Telecommunication Station, you will be able to see the majestic beauty of Fansipan mountain – the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, covered with fog all year round.
3.7. Cloud Yard, Heaven’s Gate
Having come here already, it is definitely impossible to ignore the most expensive sightseeing spot on Ham Rong mountain: Cloud Yard. Standing in the yard, you will feel like clouds floating at your feet.
From the yard, you can take the panoramic view of Sapa town with Muong Hoa valley, Cat Cat village, and the terraced fields in Ta Van village. Follow the cliff for another 10 minutes and you will reach Heaven’s Gate. Especially, when the sun shines through this area, everything becomes magical as if in heaven.
Read more: Ta Van Rattan Bridge (Cau May): The simple bridge is famous just through a picture
4. Most suitable time to be there
The most ideal time to travel to Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa is in the spring, from January to April. This is when the vegetation in the Northwest becomes more brilliant than ever. In addition, the weather in Sapa at this time is sunny, and warm with no rain or little fog so it is very convenient for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
In the summer, from April to June, it is also suitable to see the terraced fields in the pouring season. From afar they look like giant mirrors, filled with water, reflecting the green mountains. For hunting clouds, you should choose the end of the year, around October to December. The weather at this time is often cloudy and foggy, giving more chances of successful cloud hunting. In addition, it is not recommended to go climbing Ham Rong mountain in July or August, because it often has heavy rain and very dangerous slippery roads.
5. What to bring when traveling Ham Rong Mountain
The road to Ham Rong peak is not too long but not too short. Therefore, you should bring yourself filtered water and some snacks to fuel yourself. If you don’t prepare in time, that’s okay, along the way there will be a few shops selling water. Most importantly, a pair of sports shoes, or specialized walking/climbing shoes to protect your feet from pain and soreness.
The ticket price to visit Ham Rong mountain is 70,000 VND/ticket for an adult and 20,000 VND/ticket for child. However, the entrance fee will change the attributes to be specified by the management.
Find out more about Sapa tours here: Click here
