Nearly 200 runners from Vietnam, China and Japan are expected to enter the race to reach Fansipan's 3,143m summit.

Also on Saturday, food fanciers will be able to sample the culinary delights of 28 chefs from Lao Cai Sapa and eight other northern provinces who will be rustling up some 60 traditional Vietnamese dishes.

The highlight of the week will be the "Festival on the Cloud" at Ham Rong Mountain Tourism Area. The festival will feature various activities, including a photo exhibition, handicraft making, and folk games, dances and music.

There will also be a display of more than 200 varieties of flowers and bonsai trees.

SaPa Vietnam was built as a hill station during French colonial days to serve as a respite from the stifling summer heat in Hanoi.

Tourists flock to SaPa Vietnam to visit the famous Love Market, trek in the hills and to visit local hill tribe villages.

Among the ethnic groups living in the province are the Mong, Dao, White Thai, Giay, Tay, Muong, and Xa Pho.