Hoang Lien Son is the most towering mountain range with its Fanxipang peak being 3,143m high above the sea level.
Lao Cai province is divided into low-lying and high-lying areas. The imposing mountains are mainly in the northern districts of Sa Pa, Bat Xat, Muong Khuong, Bac ha and Si Ma Cai and the lower mountains in the southern and south-western districts of Bao Yen, Nam Thang, and Van Ban.
Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Ta Giang Phinh village, Sa Pa district is 3,090m high. It is the second highest mountain in Vietnam and the most beautiful one in the north-western region. Hoang Lien Son range includes famous mountains such as Pu Luong (2,985m), Lung Cung (2,918m) and Sa Phinh (2,871 m).
To the east, Tay Con Linh range runs from Ha Giang to Bac Ha-Si Ca Mai with high peaks like Ta Cu Ty (1,856m), Quan Than San (1,800m) and Lau Thi Ngai (1,638m). Cao Son mountain in Muong Khuong and Con Voi mountain in Bao Yen along the Hong and Chay rivers are home to Tay, Nung, Dao and Mong ethnic minority groups.
Almost every locality has its own mountainous symbol with legendary stories such as Ham Rong in Muong Khuong town, Ba Me Con in Bac Ha town, Phu Gia Lan in Khanh Yen town, Nhiu Co San in Y Ty and Nhac Son in Lao Cai City. Lao Cai mountains and forests look most beautiful and romantic at sunrise and sunset.