highest peak (10,312 feet 【3,143 metres】) in Vietnam, lying in Lao Cai tinh (province) and forming part of the Fan Si–Sa Phin range, which extends northwest-southeast for nearly 19 miles (31 km) between the Red River (Song Hong) and the Black River (Song Da). Along most of the range there is a much steeper slope on the west than on the east. The village of Sa Pa, 24 miles (39 km) southwest of the city of Lao Cai, was a noted summer resort under the French and has long served as the base for climbing the mountain.