Cableway & Technology, SI World 2/2026, SI-Alpin
Vietnam: Two funiculars serve the highest montain
Fansipan in northern Vietnam, at 3,143 metres, is the highest mountain in Indochina. Access to the summit area is provided by several ropeways operated by the Doppelmayr Group.
From Sa Pa, a funicular railway leads to the valley station of the Fansipan Legend 3S ropeway, which transports visitors to the summit area. From there, the Fansipan Peak funicular railway provides access to the mountain summit.
Due to the high number of visitors, the infrastructure has now been expanded to include two new funiculars: the Fansipan Coaster and the Fansipan Top. Both facilities were officially opened on 11 July 2026.
Fansipan Coaster
Fansipan Top
Sharply varying gradients, challenging implementation
The Fansipan Coaster is characterised by its exceptional route profile with sharply varying gradients. Whilst the lower section is comparatively flat, the route rises significantly towards the end. This combination placed high demands on the system’s design and required special technical solutions for the rope guidance.
The two vehicles (CWA) were also specially adapted to the route’s unusual characteristics. The seating arrangement takes account of the varying gradients and ensures that passengers enjoy the same level of comfort whether travelling uphill or downhill.
The Fansipan Top has a constant gradient and is designed as a compact, single-car funicular. The two funiculars have different drive systems, each tailored to the specific requirements.
The funiculars improve visitor flow between the various attractions.
Whilst the Fansipan Coaster has an adhesion drive at the mountain station, the Fansipan Top’s carriage is driven by a winch. The construction of the installations placed high demands on planning and logistics.
Access to the construction site was limited due to its high altitude. Materials and components had to be transported up the mountain via the existing Fansipan Legend 3S ropeway and then taken to their final destinations from there using numerous material ropeways.
The Doppelmayr Group and the Sun Group have already jointly implemented umerous ropeways in Sa Pa and throughout Vietnam. As a centre of excellence for specialised ropeways, Garaventa was responsible for the construction of the two new funiculars.
Technical data:
51-FUL Fansipan Coaster, Sa Pa (VNM)
| Client | Sun Group |
| Inclined length | 53 m |
| Vertical rise | 58 m |
| Capacity | 1,000 p/h |
| Speed | 3 m/s |
| Openend | 07/2026 |
Technical data:
60-FUL Fansipan Top, Sa Pa (VNM)
| Client | Sun Group |
| Inclined length | 53 m |
| Vertical rise | 38 m |
| Capacity | 1,000 p/h |
| Speed | 2 m/s |
| Openend | 07/2026 |
