Vietnam’s tallest mountain Fansipan-challenge rebranded

This year’s Fansipan mountain climbing competition, part of the “Back to Origin” tourism program launched by the northern province of Lao Cai, has been renamed “Fansipan Exploring Itinerary 2009” (FEI) and takes place from October 29 to November 1.
Participants can choose between two 25km-long routes for the challenge. The first journey takes hikers from the northern tourist town of Sapa up Vietnam’s tallest mountain, Fansipan, while the second route circumnavigates the mountain taking tourists into surrounding areas. Both parties will engage in environmental clean-up activities along the way.
Organizers say they hope tourists will fall in love with the area’s poetic natural landscape with its valleys, villages, and surrounding Hoang Lien National Park’s striking biodiversity.
Participants will also join in a photography contest, garbage clean-up project, tree-planting and more.
A seminar titled “Solutions to tourism development and management in Hoang Lien National Park” will also be held during the event with the participation of experts including the SNV-Netherlands Development Organization, Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association (VNPPA), Kunming Mountain Climbing Association (China), and travel firms.
Prizes will be awarded after the competition, including Vietnam Airlines tickets and cash prizes from VND3-4 million (US$150-200) for the best ecotourism management and environmental protection ideas for Hoang Lien National Park. Awards will also be given out for best design of a Fansipan exploration tour.