As one of the most anticipated annual events in Sa Pa, the 2025 Rose Festival will take place at Sun World Fansipan Legend from April 26 to May 5 under the theme "Radiant Amidst the Clouds."
Throughout the three summer months, millions of roses will bloom, guiding visitors into a world of cultural and artistic performances at Fansipan. The festival's centerpiece is Vietnam's premier rose valley, covering 50,000 sq.m and home to hundreds of thousands of rare rose varieties 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 has been enhanced with even more elaborate decorative elements: a giant rose sculpture, a rose-shaped book symbolizing highland romance, flower paths lined with angel statues, artistic rose arches, and a princess gown and hot air balloon made entirely from fresh flowers. Every corner of the valley seems like it has been plucked from a fairy tale, offering guests the perfect setting for stunning photos with just a smartphone.
Beyond the visual beauty, the Rose Festival offers a "paradise of experiences" for visitors of all ages. The "Sweet Market"—a rose-inspired shopping and dining area—will feature unique treats like rose-infused ice cream, rose tea, and pastries. In the cool Fansipan air and fragrant surroundings, visitors can unwind with a cup of tea while enjoying lively performances by local artists.
Creative games such as "Carrying Love to Pick Roses" and "Northwest Dance Beats" will take place throughout the festival, filling the highlands with joyful laughter and offering guests the chance to win exciting prizes.
A highlight of the event is the rose-themed carnival parade from Sun World Fansipan Legend to the center of Sa Pa. Thousands of roses will decorate horse-drawn carriages and electric carts, accompanied by 300 ethnic minority performers, spreading the festival's spirit through the misty streets of the mountain town. This "mobile symphony" will not only excite Sa Pa but also leave a lasting impression of the region's rich culture.
A short walk from the Rose Valley takes visitors to May Village, a vibrant ethnic village where seven minority groups coexist. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of panpipes and drums, explore traditional craft villages, and join in local folk games.
May Village is also a culinary highlight, offering delicacies like grilled suckling pig, sticky rice cooked in bamboo, fresh stream fish, crispy black chicken, and flavorful "thang co" stew—prepared by local chefs to delight every palate. For VND950,000 (US$36.7) per adult and VND700,000 per child, guests can enjoy a combo package that includes a Fansipan cable car ticket and a mountain-themed dinner at May Village.
The modern Fansipan cable car offers breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range and terraced fields. At the summit, visitors can witness ancient rhododendrons blooming on cliff edges, climb 600 stone steps leading to the majestic Amitabha Buddha statue and sacred spiritual complex, and ride the mountain railway into the sky. With it being peak rhododendron season, this is the perfect time to experience the grandeur of nature from the base to the summit of the Roof of Indochina.
Visitors should also attend the solemn flag-raising ceremony at 3,143 meters above sea level and catch the performance "The Colors of the Frontier Flag," which reenacts the heroic history of Vietnam's highlands and the story behind the world-record-holding Fansipan cable car.
"Fansipan Rose Festival 2025 is an invitation to conquer the Roof of Indochina while immersing yourself in the cultural and culinary richness of the Northwest Highlands. With its captivating events and vibrant atmosphere, the festival is set to draw thousands of visitors, solidifying Sa Pa's position as the top travel destination this holiday season," said the organizers.
