A rose valley in the heart of the Northwest mountains

Opening on April 26, the Fansipan Rose Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable experience, reaffirming Sa Pa’s reputation as the leading holiday destination in Northern Vietnam for the Reunification Day celebration and summer season.

One of Sa Pa’s most anticipated annual events, the 2025 Rose Festival will bloom at Sun World Fansipan Legend from April 26 to May 5 under the enchanting theme “Radiant Amidst the Clouds.”

Over the course of the summer, millions of roses will transform the landscape into a vibrant world of colors, inviting guests into a cultural and artistic celebration unique to Fansipan. The highlight is Vietnam’s largest rose valley, spanning 50,000 square meters and featuring hundreds of thousands of rare roses from around the world, including the ancient Sa Pa rose, Abraham Darby, Society, Catalina, Molineux, Juliet, Black Baccarat, Rouge Royale, and Spirit of Freedom.

This year, the rose valley is adorned with even more elaborate miniatures: a giant rose sculpture, a rose-shaped book symbolizing highland romance, floral paths with angel statues, graceful rose arches, and a princess gown and hot air balloon crafted entirely from fresh blooms. Every corner of the valley evokes a fairytale ambiance, where visitors can capture stunning, Instagram-worthy moments with ease - even without professional equipment.

Beyond its visual spectacle, the Rose Festival offers an immersive world of experiences for all ages. The “Sweet Market” is a rose-inspired culinary and shopping space where guests can indulge in rose-infused ice cream, rose tea, and a variety of floral pastries. In the crisp Fansipan air, visitors can sip tea surrounded by fragrant blooms while enjoying vibrant performances by local artists.

Creative activities such as “Carrying Love to Pick Roses” and “Northwest Dance Beats” bring joyful energy to the festival, offering exciting prizes and laughter in equal measure.

A major highlight is the rose-themed carnival parade, winding from Sun World Fansipan Legend to the heart of Sa Pa. Thousands of roses will decorate horse-drawn carriages and electric carts, joined by 300 ethnic minority performers. This vibrant procession will spread the festive spirit throughout Sa Pa’s misty streets, celebrating the cultural richness and warmth of the highlands in a “mobile symphony” of color and sound.

A journey to the Roof of Indochina

Just steps from the rose valley lies May Village, an authentic ethnic community where seven minority groups live in harmony. Visitors can immerse themselves in the music of pan pipes and traditional drums, discover artisanal craft villages, and join folk games that reflect the region’s heritage.

May Village is also a culinary gem. Guests can savor specialties such as grilled suckling pig, sticky rice cooked in bamboo, fresh stream fish, crispy black chicken, and the aromatic “thang co” stew - all prepared by local chefs. A complete experience, including a Fansipan cable car ticket and mountain-themed dinner at May Village, is priced at approximately USD 38 for adults and USD 28 for children.

No trip is complete without a ride on the modern Fansipan cable car. Gliding through a sea of clouds, the ride offers panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and shimmering terraced fields. At the summit, ancient rhododendrons bloom along cliff edges, 600 stone steps lead to the towering Amitabha Buddha statue and sacred spiritual complex, and the mountain railway ascends toward the heavens. With rhododendrons at peak bloom, now is the ideal time to witness the majesty of nature from valley floor to summit.

Be sure not to miss the solemn flag-raising ceremony at 3,143 meters above sea level, where the Vietnamese flag proudly flutters in the wind. Also featured is the performance “The Colors of the Frontier Flag,” which reenacts the heroic legacy of Vietnam’s borderlands and the inspiring story of the Fansipan cable car, a Guinness World Record holder.

The Fansipan Rose Festival 2025 is far more than a stroll among flowers - it’s an invitation to conquer the Roof of Indochina while embracing the cultural and culinary essence of the Northwest highlands. With captivating events and a joyful atmosphere, the festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors, affirming Sa Pa’s place as the premier destination for this holiday season.

Le Thanh