3,143 Meters Summit of Fansipan - The Rooftop of Indochina @ Sapa in Vietnam

I might enjoy jogging but climbing mountains don't generate much of a personal interest given that the tallest natural formation in Singapore is less than 200 meters. 

However, I still found myself getting excited at the foot of this staircase, after exiting the funicular train. Right up there, mere meters away, would be the highest point of Indochina, comprising of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos! 

Let's commemorate the moment!

While it's not difficult to get to the summit that was more than 3,000 meters above sea level, it's still necessary to walk up using your two feet. What I found most helping was the pair of hiking sticks purchased from Decathlon.

Right in front of us!

The icon of achievement.

Obviously a photograph would be necessary. I am more puzzled with one thing though; where we were at was said to be the topmost section at 3,143 meters, but there was an elevated platform right before... 

Wouldn't that be a meter higher? 

*head scratching moment*

Photographs with the Vietnamese flag! As Singapore falls within the bigger region of Southeast Asia, I was wondering why there wasn't a Singapore flag. I realized later that it only has flags for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos; countries that represent Indochina.

Visibility was low for Indochina's highest point; typical throughout the few days I was in the area. Honestly can't see shit like the supposedly stunning mountain view surrounding the summit.

Even though there were a few stone pyramids indicating the elevation, the "real" deal was the above, which was smaller, and topped a natural part of the mountain. 

Protected by wooden fences, you could only make use of a stepping stone to be closer to the real summit! Funnily, no one appeared to be giving the real deal any attention!

The Fansipan Flagpole - standing at 25 meters tall, and made from Thanh Hoa blue stone and Tu Thiet wood, it's also known for its flag-raising ceremonies that were "held on weekends and special occasions".

Dad with the flagpole. As it was about 11.00am, the question at the back of my head was, where was the rising and fluttering Vietnamese flag? 

Question was answered as I moved forward, and down the staircase. It was closed for some kind of renovations, with a tape across its entrance! Damn! 

Last look before we proceeded down to warm ourselves from the cold! I need a mug of hot chocolate to warm the cockles of my heart! And glad to find it at Cafe Du Soleil! 

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Address

Tam Đường District, 

Lai Chau, Vietnam

Map

As above.