Treks range from one to four days. If you want to complete the trek in one day, you should be ready to go early with your things ready and you should be in good shape. I suggest the two-day, one-night option as it gives you ample time to complete the trek, allows you to converse and connect with fellow hikers and guides, and you can better acclimate to the altitude change. The three-day trek obviously gives you even more time, and if you haven’t exercised in a while or you feel reluctant as to whether the distance is too long, then choose this option.

There are also three trails that reach the summit, all with different levels of difficulty and distance:

• Tram Ton: This is a gradual trail that is most used by tourists, therefore it has the most people. The distance between the beginning point, at about 1,500 meters, and the summit is 11 kilometers. This trail can be accomplished in one day or two days. Keep in mind that while this is the most used trail, it is still physically demanding. Many travelers report taking the tram down because they are too tired to make the trek back. This can also save you some time on your itinerary.
• Sin Chai : This trail is shorter but it’s mainly for adventure seekers. It’s treacherous and hikers often report losing the correct path. The distance from beginning to end is about nine kilometers but different guiding groups take different paths. You may need two or three days to complete this trail.
• Cat Cat: This is the longest trail but it has the best scenery. The distance from the beginning to the summit is around 20 kilometers. This trail usually takes around three or four days to complete.

*Do keep in mind that the Sin Chai and Cat Cat trail are considered dangerous.

You can also choose to do a private or group trek. There are pros and cons to both, but I will say that I have met many lovely people by doing group treks in Vietnam!

Pros : With a group, you get to make friends, have nightly conversations and entertainment with cool people, and have a social time. A private tour allows you to make your own plans (do you want to wake really early to catch the sunrise at the summit?) and set your own pace.

Cons: With a group, you could either be the fastest or slowest link and you might get a bad seed in your crew. By yourself, you may find the nights boring or lonely and there will not be people to push you.

Guides

You might give yourself a headache researching guides online before committing to Fansipan. There is limited and sometimes outdated information online related to price, availability, and even the existence of these trekking companies since so much has changed in the past two years.

In order to avoid complications, I suggest booking a trek with a company in Hanoi or through your accommodation host. They can walk you through pricing, what you should expect, and they can conduct all communication with trekking guides. Your accommodation will also be incentivized to help you find a good tour in order to ensure quality reviews later. 

The Trail

Most people who book guides, regardless of specifying which trail, will be taken on Tram Ton trail. Make sure you are very clear about which trail when it comes to this stage. Most of the information online details the experiences of hikers on the Tram Ton trail. This is also because the Sin Chai and Cat Cat trail are pretty dangerous as the path is not distinct and it leads you up steep faces. Most guiding companies and guides will take you on Tram Ton because of this.

You will be picked up early for your departure, probably around 7:00 or 8:00 AM because most guides assume it will take the whole day to reach the campsite. However, even if you’re a little fit, it will take much less time but that also depends on how many photos you want to take! Stay awake for the drive over Tram Ton pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. You will see waterfalls and plenty of greenery to inspire your trek up the trail. You will most likely be accompanied by local porters and cooks that carry some of the supplies. Try to communicate, they enjoy speaking English and I have had some amazing porters teach me a few things through facial expressions and pointing.