The Asian Book of Records has recognised the efforts of an 83-year-old Vietnamese man who has climbed Mt Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina - not once, but four times.

Huynh Van Rang, from the southern province of Binh Duong, was declared the oldest person in Viet Nam to have reached the peak of the 3,143m mountain at the tail end of the Himalayas.

The presence of witnesses who accompanied him clinched the award for Rang.

They testified that Rang climbed Fansipan, located in northern province of Lao Cai, for the first time in June 2007 when he was 77.

Then, the fit octogenerian climbed the peak again when he was 80, and again a third time last year.

His latest ascent was made in June this year at the age of 83.

Rang attributes his good health to exercise and healthy living.

He is the fourth person in Viet Nam to be admitted to the Asian Book of Records.

Nguyen Thi Tru, 121, from Ho Chi Minh City was recently granted the title of the oldest person in Asia.

And an award for the oldest couple in Asia was granted to Cao Vien, 106, and his wife who is 100. They live in central province of Nghe An.

VNS/VNN