1. The Origin of the Spiritual Journey to the Sacred Fansipan Peak
The Arhat Path - a spiritual highlight of Sapa (Image: collected)
1.1 Introduction to the Arhat Path on Fansipan Peak
The Arhat Path is one of the special spiritual highlights in the Sun World Fansipan Legend complex – located on the highest peak in Indochina. The route is approximately 800 meters long, leading through spiritual structures to the summit area.
The entire walkway is paved with natural stone, winding along the terrain of the Northwest mountains, preserving its pristine beauty while providing a firm footing for each pilgrim's step. Amidst the floating white clouds, pilgrims can easily feel the serenity emanating from this sacred space.
With an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the climate here is cool year-round, with thick fog and clouds creating a magical scene like a fairyland. On clear days, the wide-open view allows visitors to admire the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, making every step on the Arhat Path worthwhile.
1.2 Highlights of the 18 bronze Arhat statues
Along the route are 18 pure bronze Arhat statues, each approximately 2.5 meters tall and weighing between 500 and 600 kg.
What's special is that each statue has a unique appearance and expression, representing valuable qualities such as wisdom, compassion, perseverance, serenity, and courage. At the foot of each statue is an accompanying verse, short but meaningful, helping readers understand the deeper meaning of each Arhat.
2. Sacred Structures Amidst the Clouds
2.1 The 21.5-Meter Amitabha Buddha Statue - A Symbol of Compassion Amongst the Mountains
21.5-meter Quan The Am Buddha Statue (Image: Collected)
Concluding the journey of the La Han Path, visitors will reach one of the most sacred symbols atop Fansipan – the 21.5-meter tall Amitabha Buddha statue. This is the largest bronze seated statue in Vietnam, situated at an altitude of over 3,100 meters above sea level. It is entirely cast using traditional handcrafted techniques, exhibiting a majestic posture, compassionate gaze, and welcoming gesture towards all beings.
The Buddha statue is placed on the sacred mountain peak, overlooking the Muong Hoa valley, as if listening to the lives of people. On days when clouds cover the sky, the entire statue seems to stand out in the invisible realm, evoking a sacred feeling that is difficult to describe in words. For many, the moment of standing before the statue is a moment of tranquility and reflection, where worldly concerns fade away, giving way to peaceful and serene emotions.
2.2 Kim Son Bao Thang Tu - The Largest Temple on Fansipan Peak
Majestically situated beside the La Han Path, amidst the swirling clouds on the roof of Indochina, Kim Son Bao Thang Tu is a representative spiritual structure, marking a special cultural and religious imprint on Fansipan Peak. This is the largest wooden temple in this area, strongly imbued with the traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architectural style, reflecting the pure Vietnamese Buddhist spirit in the Northwest wilderness.
The main architectural style of the temple is inherited and developed from the earliest remaining wooden temple prototypes in the North, such as Boi Khe Temple (Thanh Oai, Hanoi), Thai Lac Temple (Van Lam, Hung Yen), and Thay Temple (Quoc Oai, Hanoi). The decorative details are all referenced from these valuable relics, especially the roof, which is restored based on models from the Thang Long Citadel relics, using traditional glazed terracotta, creating the ancient and standard look of old Vietnamese temple architecture.
The entire structure is the crystallization of meticulous effort and dedication: over 100,000 tons of Ninh Binh green stone, over 2,000 m³ of precious four-type wood, and tens of thousands of restored tiles and bricks were manually transported under extremely harsh construction conditions, up to an altitude of nearly 3,000m. Each stone, each piece of wood carries the mark of the craftsman's hand, of faith, and of sincere devotion offered to heaven and earth.
Stepping into the main sanctuary, visitors will be able to admire the nearly 3.8m tall Amitabha Buddha statue, solemnly placed amidst a serene space crafted from ironwood and jackfruit wood. The intricately handcrafted religious articles, combined with hand-painted Buddhist paintings hanging along the wooden walls, blend with the resonant chanting of sutras in the mountain breeze… creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere, helping visitors feel a sense of peace amidst the vast sky and clouds of Fansipan.
2.3 Bich Van Thien Tu and ancient Tran-era architecture
Located on the west side of the Arhat Path, Bich Van Thien Tu resembles a Tran-era temple amidst the mountains and clouds. The roof frame, wooden pillars, and doors are all made from four-metal wood. The architecture of the roof frame and decorative lines mimic the architecture and decoration of the Tran period.
Inside, there is a wooden Buddha statue placed on a lotus stone pedestal. The main altar embodies the spirit of Zen, unpretentious yet solemn. Outside, several bonsai trees and natural stones are harmoniously arranged, contributing to a tranquil scene, perfect for those who want to pause and find peace amidst the majestic landscape.
2.4 Nine-tiered waterfall and golden lotus stupa
2.4.1 Stupa
Right in front of the Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda courtyard, standing out against the Northwest sky is the majestic image of the 11-tiered Stupa – one of the most representative spiritual structures in the Sun World Fansipan Legend complex. Built in the traditional architectural style of Northern Vietnam, the stupa bears a familiar resemblance to famous ancient pagodas such as Pho Minh Pagoda (Nam Dinh) and Binh Son Pagoda (Vinh Phuc) – where the spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism is preserved in every layer of stone, every ancient line.
The entire body of the stupa is assembled from natural stone slabs, stacked layer upon layer, creating a strong upward momentum in the middle of the sky. On top of the stupa is a solid bronze lotus flower, a sacred symbol of purity, wisdom, and enlightenment. When sunlight penetrates the lingering clouds, the lotus flower shines brightly like a jewel in the sky – gentle yet powerful.
Amidst the solemn atmosphere, the resonant sound of temple bells echoes from afar, the gentle scent of incense spreads throughout the path, the Stupa appears as a place where earth, sky, and spirituality intersect. Stopping here, each visitor not only admires the beauty of traditional architecture but also has the opportunity to pause within, feeling a deep sense of peace amidst the towering mountains.
The Stupa, along with the Arhat Path leading to it, creates a sacred and symbolic spiritual axis. Each step taken, each glance towards the top of the stupa, is a reminder of goodness, of reverence, and of the journey to find enlightenment within oneself.
2.4.2 Nine-Tiered Waterfall – Serene Flow in a Sacred Place
Hidden amidst the tranquil space of the spiritual complex atop Fansipan, the Nine-Tiered Waterfall is a gentle yet impressive stop for many visitors. The waterfall is approximately 30 meters high, with water flowing gently over each layer of rock, creating a soft, gurgling sound like a hymn in the Northwest wilderness.
Within the waterfall is a stone pillar engraved with Buddhist scriptures, flanked by 150 winding stone steps, harmonizing with the mountain and the flow of water. Not only does it possess architectural and scenic value, the Nine-Tiered Waterfall also evokes a depth of meditation – a place where people can pause, let go of worries, and feel tranquility spread with each slow step in the vast expanse of heaven and earth.
This is one of the special highlights of the journey towards spirituality, perfectly connecting the majestic nature and inner peace.
3. Unmissable Experiences on the Lohan Path
3.1 Discover the 400-500-Year-Old Rhododendron Tree – A Witness to Time
400-500 year old rhododendron tree at Bich Van Thien Tu (Image: collected)
On a journey along the Lohan Path, visitors will encounter an impressive ancient rhododendron tree, located in the north of the path, near the Bich Van Thien Tu area. Estimated to be between 360 and 830 years old, this rhododendron is one of the rare remaining ancient rhododendrons on the Hoang Lien Son range.
The tree has a unique shape with mossy, winding branches, creating an appearance that is both ancient and solemn. From March to April each year, the tree blossoms with clusters of dark pink and bright yellow flowers, standing out against the green of the mountains. Many visitors share that when standing under the tree, they feel the pulse of time, a deep connection with nature and the history of the Northwest highlands.
Besides its scenic value, the ancient rhododendron tree is also considered a spiritual symbol of permanence, reminiscent of nature's resilience in the face of time.
3.2 Cultural Experiences and Artistic Performances
Not only a geographical peak, Fansipan is also a sacred meeting point of profound cultural and religious values. Here, many important spiritual events are held annually, such as the Vesak Day, Ullambana, and cultural exchange activities related to the worship of Mother Goddess – an indispensable part of the Vietnamese spiritual life. At the same time, it is also a vibrant stage for folk festivals of the highland people, helping to preserve and spread the beauty of traditional culture.
On a journey along the Arhat Path, visitors not only admire the tranquil spiritual landscape but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the bustling festive atmosphere, rich in local identity. On major Buddhist holidays or weekends, the grounds of Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda become the venue for special folk art performances.
The graceful dances of the Mong, Dao, Tay people… performed by local artisans in their colorful traditional costumes, carry the breath of the Northwest mountains and spread throughout the space. The sounds of the khèn (mouth organ), drums, and singing blend in the hazy mountain mist, creating a cultural symphony that is both rustic and magical – so that with each step, one's heart is moved by the beauty of the land and people here.
4. Detailed Sightseeing Itinerary of the Arhat Path
Detailed sightseeing itinerary of the Arhat Path (Image: collected)
To fully experience the spiritual journey on the Arhat Path, visitors should allocate about 3 to 4 hours for the entire trip. The journey begins at the Fansipan Legend cable car station. After about 15-20 minutes on the cable car gliding through the clouds, you will arrive at the Fansipan summit station.
From the station, a 10-minute walk along the stone steps will lead you to the Arhat Path.
The ideal time to visit the La Han Path is from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM or from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Visitors can admire the first Arhat statues – figures symbolizing wisdom and virtue, appearing amidst the ancient rhododendrons characteristic of the Northwest mountains.
5. Spiritual Tourism Experiences at the La Han Path
Spiritual tourism experiences at the La Han Path (Image: collected)
Preparing modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes is essential when exploring the La Han Path. Located at an altitude of 3,143m, the temperature here is usually 8-10 degrees C lower than at the foot of the mountain, so visitors should bring warm clothes and raincoats in case of sudden weather changes. Especially in winter (December-February), the temperature can drop below 0 degrees C and there is a possibility of frost.
The ideal time to visit the La Han Path is from March to May when there are rhododendrons and from September to November when the weather is stable, less rain and good visibility. Avoid going on weekends and major holidays to avoid crowds. Visitors should bring water and snacks, however, the area has food and beverage services at the Fansipan restaurant with a diverse menu from Vietnamese to Asian dishes. Most importantly, maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor when visiting spiritual areas to respect the sacred space.
The Fansipan La Han Path offers a unique spiritual journey amidst the highest peak in Indochina. With 18 majestic Arhat statues, exquisite Buddhist architectural works, and a magnificent natural landscape, this is truly an unmissable destination for those seeking peace and a profound spiritual experience. Plan your trip now to explore this sacred path amidst the Northwest sky!
