Famous for cultural tourism – five different ethnic minorities live here. The area also provides one of the best opportunities for trekking in Vietnam.Mt.Phang Xi Pang ( at 3148m.the highest park in Vietnam) is a strenuous 3–5 day climb, though mountaineering skills are not required.The climb to Mt . Phang Xi Pang moves through a cultural landscape of steeply terraced rice paddies cultivated by Blank Hmong and other hill tribes . After winding up bamboo covered slopes the trek leads through steep gullies entering montane forest , supports a unique assemblage of plants and animals including bird species from the eastern Himalayas, such as the rare Beautiful nuthatch. The “ flower hamlet ” appears at 2,500 m after a trek up steep gullies covered in bamboo and mountain forest . The high mountain ridge is clad in “ elfin forest ” , so named because of its gnarled and twisted dwarf rhododendrons and pine trees covered in mosses, lichens and orchids.The top offers spectacular views over the Sa Pa valley and into neighbouring Lai Chau province.

Facilities : Hotel, Guesthouse and restaurants in Sa Pa town and camping on Phang Xi Pang .

When to go : Best from September to November and March to April (the winter months are pretty cold). The Flower Mountain is in bloom in March and April.