Frost clings to trees at the top of Fansipan on Jan. 5, 2025. Photo by Xuan Hoa
Mount. Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” was once again coated in frost on Sunday morning, marking the sixth consecutive day this rare phenomenon has occurred this winter season.
The sight of frost on Fansipan is a natural event that has surprised both visitors and locals.
Around 5:30 a.m., a thin layer of ice began to cover the pathways and vegetation at the top of Fansipan, creating a translucent scene. Temperatures in the area ranged from 0 degree Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius throughout the day, with the cold atmosphere adding to the mountain’s allure.
Visitors to Fansipan this season can also enjoy a sea of floating white clouds blanketing the valleys, a perfect setting for cloud-chasing photographers. This phenomenon is common during Fansipan’s winter season, lasting until the end of April.
Standing at 3,147 meters, Fansipan is typically the first location in Vietnam to witness snowfall. In past years, heavy snowfalls have occasionally blanketed the summit and the Fansipan spiritual complex in a pristine layer of snow, creating a surreal landscape that captivates visitors and inspires photographers and adventurers alike.
Weather experts explained that frost appears due to clear skies and a sharp drop in temperature. Water vapor and dew will condense into ice when exposed to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius. During this cold spell, other high mountain peaks such as Mau Son (Lang Son) are unlikely to experience frost.
Weather experts explained that frost forms when clear skies and a sharp drop in temperature cause water vapor and dew to condense into ice at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.