Fansipan, known as the 'Roof of Indochina,' is primarily accessible via a scenic cable car from Sa Pa, making it suitable for most visitors, though reaching the absolute summit involves stairs. Experienced trekkers can undertake challenging multi-day hikes, often requiring a local guide for safety and regulations. Solo visits are feasible with the cable car, while trekking is best done with a guided group. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons (September-November and March-May) for clearer views, as winter can bring snow and fog, and the rainy season (June-August) can obscure views and make trekking difficult. A round-trip cable car ticket typically costs around 750,000-800,000 VND (approx. $30-35 USD), with trekking costs varying based on tour duration and inclusions. A cable car visit usually lasts 3-5 hours, including travel and exploring the summit complex, which features pagodas and Buddha statues. Visitors should dress in warm layers as summit temperatures are significantly cooler than in Sa Pa, and views are highly weather-dependent.