Addressing the opening ceremony, Bui Thi Kim Dung, Vice Chairwoman of the Lao Cai provincial People’s Committee, said the event not only celebrates the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi but also helps Lao Cai advertise its tourism potential.

The climb is part of the national plan for tourism during the 2006-2010 period and a tourism programme in Lao Cai-Yen Bai-Phu Tho provinces.

Over 100 climbers began their ascent at 9am on November 1, the two-day climb will be divided into three stages, from the Xe mountain station to 2,200m altitude and finally to the peak of Fansipan Mountain at 2,800m, above sea level.

At 8pm on October 30, a ceremony to receive Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary flag was held in Sa Pa Town.

The closing ceremony for the climb and a festival of flower garlands and coloured lanterns will take place at 8pm on November 2.