Hoang Lien National Park in Sapa, Lao Cai, is a must-visit destination, where you can discover the wild and poetic beauty of the mountains and forests.

Curious about what makes this national park so special? Let’s explore it with Fola Travel!

Overview of Hoang Lien National Park

Stretching across the magnificent Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Hoang Lien National Park covers the San Sa Ho, Lao Chai – Ta Van, and Ban Ho Villages of Sapa Town in Lao Cai, and a small section of Tan Uyen District in Lai Chau. This park holds significant importance as a special-use forest in Vietnam, ranking highest in biodiversity according to the Global Environment Facility.

Mountain view in Hoang Lien National Park. — Hoang Lien National Park.

In recent years, Hoang Lien National Park has risen as a top eco-tourism destination in Sapa. It boasts stunning attractions like Fansipan Summit – Vietnam’s highest mountain peak, the vibrant Sapa Town, the beautiful Golden Stream – Love Waterfall area, Nam Kang Ho Tao Peak, and charming ethnic minority villages. The majestic natural beauty, along with diverse plant and animal life, is the highlight of Hoang Lien National Park.

Sapa mountains in the clouds. — Sapa mountains.

History of Hoang Lien National Park

Hoang Lien Nature Reserve was established in 1986 with an initial area of 5,000 hectares. It was then upgraded to Hoang Lien National Park in 2002, expanding significantly to nearly 30,000 hectares. This national park is divided into three zones: a strictly protected area, an ecological restoration area, and an administrative service area.

In 2006, Hoang Lien National Park was recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

Natural Beauty of Hoang Lien National Park

Hoang Lien National Park is a truly remarkable destination, thanks to its immense primeval forests. Here, you can breathe in fresh air, admire the majestic scenery, and enjoy exciting activities like mountain climbing and camping.

Beyond its spectacular natural landscapes, Hoang Lien is an important center for conserving rare plant and animal species.

Flora

Hoang Lien National Park is a botanical treasure, with nearly 3,000 plant species. This impressive number includes many rare varieties, some listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book.

Visiting Hoang Lien National Park, tourists will be impressed by the rhododendron collection here, which features 20 of the 27 species found in Vietnam. Furthermore, Hoang Lien is a significant source of medicinal plants, with nearly 800 different species recorded.

Fauna

Besides the rich plant life, Hoang Lien National Park is also home to a thriving animal ecosystem. The park has over 500 terrestrial animal species, more than 300 bird species, over 60 reptile species, and 50 amphibian species.

Notably, Hoang Lien National Park has numerous gorgeous butterflies: 304 species, spanning 138 genera and 10 families, have been recorded here, many of which are exclusive to this park.

Local life in Hoang Lien National Park

Spanning four communes of Sapa District, Hoang Lien National Park embraces numerous highland ethnic minority villages, including the Mong, Thai, Dao, Tay, and others. For generations, these communities have lived in harmony with the forest, relying on its natural resources.

Visitors to these villages, nestled within the Hoang Lien forests, will discover the warmth and friendliness of the local residents and learn about their simple way of life and unique customs.

Ethnic village in Hoang Lien National Park. — An ethnic village in Hoang Lien National Park.

Location & How to get to Hoang Lien National Park

Traveling to Sapa, Lao Cai

Currently, the transportation system in Lao Cai is quite developed, so tourists have many options for transportation to Sapa, such as train, bus, motorbike (from Hanoi), or plane (from other provinces).

Streets and lake in Sapa town. — Sapa Town.

Many travelers choose to book a Sapa tour with Fola Travel for a hassle-free experience. We provide a full range of comfortable services, including bus, limousine, and private car options from Hanoi to Sapa. With our experienced drivers and knowledgeable tour guides, you’re sure to have a convenient and smooth journey.

Beyond the Hoang Lien National Park, Fola Travel also offers exciting packages to other stunning destinations in Sapa, such as Fansipan Summit and the ethnic villages of Lao Chai – Ta Van. We’re dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable experience in this highland.

See more: The best Sapa tours 2025.

Traveling to Hoang Lien National Park

Hoang Lien National Park is situated about 20 kilometers from Sapa Town center. To reach it, visitors will traverse two scenic passes: Hoang Lien and O Quy Ho. This journey is an adventure in itself, offering travelers a chance to take in the cool mountain air and admire the breathtaking views as they navigate the winding roads.

O Quy Ho Pass looking from above. — Winding O Quy Ho Pass.

Best time to visit Hoang Lien National Park

Situated at an altitude of 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level and enveloped by evergreen forests, Hoang Lien National Park enjoys cool and pleasant weather year-round. The period from December to April is particularly popular with tourists thanks to the dry weather, suitable for mountain climbing and outdoor exploration.

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Explore the wild

With its incredibly rich flora and fauna, Hoang Lien National Park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to connect with nature. Through the interesting stories of the tour guide, you will learn more about the park’s diverse wildlife, from gibbons and langurs to eagles, detailing their habits and unique characteristics. In addition, you can admire the stunning array of orchids and rhododendrons.

Trekking route inside Hoang Lien National Park. — Trekking activity in Hoang Lien National Park.

What makes Hoang Lien truly special is the chance to experience four seasons in a single day: from the misty morning, the warmth of sunlight shining through the forest canopy at noon, to the cold weather when the night gradually falls.

Participate in adventure activities

Nestled within the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Hoang Lien National Park is defined by its network of winding mountain roads. Among these, O Quy Ho Pass stands out as an impressive route, famously known as the “king of mountain passes” in Northwestern Vietnam.

Besides riding motorbikes through dangerous passes, activities like mountain climbing and trekking through forests also draw many adventure seekers to Hoang Lien.

A part of O Quy Ho Pass in Sapa. — O Quy Ho Pass.

Explore ethnic minority cultures

Hoang Lien National Park is not only an important nature reserve but also home to a vibrant tapestry of ethnic minorities. Visitors here have the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the simple daily lives of the local people, engage in cultural exchange, and savor authentic mountain cuisine.

Terraced fields and roads through Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages. — Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages.

Fansipan Summit climbing route

At over 3,000 meters high, Fansipan Summit is famously known as the “Roof of Indochina” and remains a sought-after destination for adventure lovers. Climbing Fansipan was a significant challenge for both physical and mental endurance of visitors, offering a direct experience of the Hoang Lien mountain forest.

Panorama of Fansipan summit. — Fansipan Summit.

Today, thanks to the Fansipan cable car system, conquering this majestic peak is accessible to everyone, allowing guests of all ages to effortlessly admire the stunning panoramic views of Sapa.

Golden Stream – Love Waterfall route

Deep within the Hoang Lien forest, you’ll find the Golden Stream, a beautiful waterway that stretches for about 1.6 kilometers. It’s an ideal place for a relaxing hike, a quiet camping trip, or a refreshing swim when the weather’s hot.

If you walk just 100 meters further, you’ll reach Love Waterfall. This waterfall flows gently from the top of Fansipan Summit, and its soft flow gives it a truly romantic feel, living up to its name.

Vung Rong – Gieng Tien route

This route offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to admire majestic natural landscapes and explore the pristine ecosystem of the Hoang Lien forest. The area’s main highlights include Vung Rong Waterfall, which powerfully splits towering cliffs in two, creating a grand spectacle. Equally impressive is the deep Gieng Tien Abyss, formed by the force of two waterfalls.

Seo My Ty – Den Thanh – Ta Trung Ho route

Discover the serene beauty of Seo My Ty Lake, Vietnam’s highest artificial lake, embraced by towering mountains and verdant trees. Its tranquil, untamed charm and crisp air have made it a favorite camping destination within Hoang Lien National Park.

Two people among colorful camps in front of a lake. — Camping in Seo My Ty Lake.

Your next stop is Den Thanh, a small Mong ethnic village nestled among the Sapa hills, completely enveloped by trees. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the welcoming minority people and learn about their modest way of life.

The tour ends at Ta Trung Ho Waterfall, a massive white torrent cascading down hundreds of meters, resembling a shimmering silk ribbon in the middle of Hoang Lien ancient forest.

Nam Kang Ho Tao mountain climbing route

Standing at 2,881 meters, Nam Kang Ho Tao Peak is regarded as the most dangerous and challenging mountain climbing route in Northwestern Vietnam. This dangerous route spans over 30 kilometers, featuring numerous steep cliffs and powerful, fast-flowing streams, truly testing the strength and endurance of any adventurer.

Guests trekking to Nam Kang Ho Tao Peak in Sapa. — Trekking to Nam Kang Ho Tao Peak.

Jungle discovery route

Stepping into the ancient Hoang Lien forest feels like entering a dreamlike fairy tale world, where you’re surrounded by wild, untouched nature. As you trek, the scenery constantly shifts: from towering ancient trees reaching for the sky, to dramatic steep cliffs, and then to sprawling carpets of vibrant green grass.

Guests trekking in Hoang Lien National Park forest. — Trekking in Hoang Lien jungle.

For tourists who love exploring nature or capturing stunning photos, the 9-hour Hoang Lien jungle trekking trip is an excellent choice!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you pay attention to when visiting Hoang Lien National Park?

To ensure a great trip and protect the park, please remember:

Stick to designated routes and rest areas. Always follow staff instructions.
Do not disturb the landscape or hunt animals.
Take all your trash with you and dispose of it properly outside the forest.
Be mindful and respectful of ethnic minority communities.
Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy hiking shoes.
Bring insect repellent, any personal medications, and high-energy, compact foods.
Don’t forget your tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, and warm blankets if camping.

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