Hoang Lien National Park
A valuable biosphere, the park is located in Viet Nam’s mountainous province of Lao Cai and covers the country’s highest mountain, Phan Xi Pang (Fansipan).
By ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
With photo contributions from The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHP.
Forest in Hoang Lien National Park by The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Forest types in the park include sub-montane dry evergreen forest; tropical montane deciduous forest; and sub-alpine forest; agricultural land, scrub land and savannah.
Abies delavayi fansipanensis by The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Rare plant species such as the globally-threatened Abies delavayi fansipanensis can only be found in Hoang Lien National Park. Other protected species include the Fujian cypress and the Bac Xanh (green cypress), Thich Xi Pan, and Thich Sa Pa.
The park is home to a number of endangered species. These include the pygmy slow loris, big-headed turtle, Botsford's leaf-litter frog, impressed tortoise, and the recently identified Mount Fansipan Horned Frog.
Wildlife of Hoang Lien National Park
• 2,343 species of vascular plants
• 346 species of birds
• 96 species of mammals
• 63 species of reptiles
• 50 species of amphibians
Sa Pa town lies near the mountain range and is famous for medicinal herbs and flowers, making it known as a capital town for orchids.
Locals of Hoang Lien National Park by The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Community-based Tourism
The villages of Sin Chai, Cat Cat, and Tan Va offer visitors a cultural experience where they can get acquainted with the ways of life of the communities.
Rice terraces by The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Community-based Tourism
Walks through the villages feature views of the rice fields, waterfalls, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
Mountains in Hoang Lien National Park by The Management Board of the Hoang Lien AHPASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Ecotourism Activities
Visitors can visit Fansipan Mountain. The trails from nearby villages offer climbers a trek through the montane forests. Climbs generally take two days including an overnight camp near the summit.
Other natural sites include the Thac Bac Waterfalls and Thuy Cong Grotto.
Hoang Lien National Park was one of the pilot sites of the Biodiversity-based Products (BBP) as an Economic Source for the Improvement of Livelihoods and Biodiversity Protection project funded by the German government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit GmbH and implemented by the GFA Consulting Group and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.
Giao Co Lam (Gymnostemma pentaphyllum)
It has been found that drinking tea made from giao co lam has various advantages. As the plant’s benefits reached more and more people, the demand started to grow. This affected the forests of the Lao Cai province in Viet Nam.
Giao Co Lam of Hoang Lien National Park, Viet Nam (2018) by ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
Medicinal Bath Herbs
Hoang Lien National Park is one of the places where medicinal plants abound. Locals have processed these into medicinal bath herbs, and have been a good source of income for the people.
Medicinal Bath Herbs of Hoang Lien National Park, Viet Nam (2018) by ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
ASEAN Heritage Parks
ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) are protected areas of high conservation importance that provide valuable contributions to safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
AHPs provide a window to the world, showcasing a wealth of biodiversity that is uniquely ASEAN.
