What starts as a scenic cable car ride turns into a wild adventure above the clouds in Sapa, Vietnam complete with dancers, temples, woolly mammoths, and rose gardens. A must for families!
We thought we were in for a quiet cable car ride and a nice view. Maybe a cup of tea at the top. But what actually greeted us in Sapa was a full-blown fantasy adventure equal parts spiritual, cultural, and delightfully over-the-top.
More Disney Than Mountain View
Our friendly taxi driver the same one from the day before pulled up right on time and dropped us off at what we thought was the start of the cable car. Instead, we stepped straight into a cultural carnival.
Traditional music echoed through the air as a local singer welcomed guests. We barely had time to take it in before a group of dancers launched into a stick hopping performance in a central arena, pulling visitors into the fun. It was vibrant, it was loud, and it was totally unexpected Georgia and Ali joined in of course and it started the bay with laughter!
Wandering the Pre Ride Wonderland
We wandered past the crowd and entered what felt like a theme park. Temples, replica heritage homes, giant Buddha statues, cartoonish woolly mammoths, life size horses, fountains, flower displays and we hadn’t even reached the cable car yet. Every few steps offered a new surprise or photo op.
Cable Car Magic: Floating Through the Fog
Eventually, we reached the real entrance and boarded what’s said to be one of the world’s longest cable car rides. As we rose up over emerald-green rice terraces, the views became more surreal with every metre gained. Fog wrapped around the landscape, breaking occasionally to reveal dramatic cliffs and distant villages below.
Georgia was glued to the window, wide-eyed. Dotty pointed and squealed every time a bird flew past or the mist shifted. It felt like we were drifting through a fantasy novel.
At the Summit: A Sacred Maze Above the World
Stepping out at the top was like entering another realm. The air turned crisp, the clouds thickened, and the surroundings transformed into a sprawling complex of temples, spires, and stone walkways. It was peaceful, eerie, and beautiful all at once.
We wandered slowly, exploring ornate pagodas, bell towers, and winding staircases. Occasionally, the clouds parted just long enough to offer a jaw-dropping view of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains stretching out below.
The Walk Down: Steps Through Stillness and Stone
Instead of taking the funicular back down, we chose the long walk and what a decision. The path wove past even more temples, shrines, prayer halls, and colossal golden Buddhas hidden in the fog. Every turn brought a new surprise, from incense-filled courtyards to intricate carvings and peaceful forested corners.
It was serene. Otherworldly. And yes a lot of stairs. But it was one of those moments where you feel completely present.
At the Bottom: Roses and Insta-Dreams
After taking the cable car back down Just when we thought we were finished, the base area welcomed us with a final flourish. Rose gardens exploded with colour, heart-shaped arches lined the walkways, and flower walls stood ready for their selfie moment. It was unapologetically designed for social media and honestly, kind of perfect after the spiritual calm of the descent.
The kids ran through the arches, we snapped some fun family shots, and our legs finally gave in. It was chaotic, peaceful, sacred, and touristy all rolled into one and somehow, it worked.
Would We Recommend It? Absolutely.
If you’re near Sapa, don’t write this off as just another cable car ride. It’s not cheap but It’s a full day adventure. From cultural performances and temples in the clouds to fantasy creatures and flower-filled photo ops there’s something for everyone, especially families.
Just bring good shoes, a jacket, and your sense of humour. You’ll need all three.
