If you are an adventure-lover, Vietnam will be an ideal destination for trekking that you could enjoy. This country provides much strenuous hiking with breath-taking views such as limestone mountains, rice paddies, and dominating plateaus. We have picked out tips and 10 best trekking site in Vietnam for your trip.
Essential tips when trekking through the jungles in Vietnam
Consider the following advice to make the most out of your trekking when visiting Vietnam.
1. Before traveling
- Plan for your trip: how long will you go, (ethnic villages, mountains or national parks,…), how long will you stay in Vietnam. Please be noted that visiting in the dry season is a better choice for trekking in Vietnam
- Prepare and be ready for the challenge of your physical and mental condition.
- Check the weather forecast. Hiking on rainy days completely is not recommended because of slippery
- Hire local guides for more guidance or consider hiring a minority guide with you.
2. What to prepare during your trip
- Food, water, and a first aid kit.
- High-quality hiking footwear
- Raincoats or waterproof jackets and pants in case it would rain.
- A flashlight or a headlamp
- GDP devices and map
- Tents and sleeping bags for the long hiking
- Suncreams and anti-mosquito sprays
- Backup batteries
Top 10 best trekking destination in Vietnam
1. Sapa (Lao Cai province)
Trekking level: Easy
Highlight: Located far away from Hanoi and adjacent to the neighboring country – China, Sapa is famous for majestic mountains, emerald-green rice terraces, and traditional cultures of Vietnamese ethnic minorities. Sapa has various and fascinating forest trails such as Cat Cat village, Y Linh Ho village, Ta Phin village, Muong Hoa valley, Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa heaven gate,… Especially, here in Sapa, you can discover the highest peak in Vietnam: Mount Fansipan
The best time for trekking: From March to May when it’s dry and clean outside or from September to November if you want to admire the charm of golden rice terraces.
How to get there?
About 320km from Hanoi to the Northeast, you can get there by bus, funiculars, or motorbikes. Please bear in mind that Sapa is a remote mountain area so it is only proper for skilled-drivers.
The popular treks in Sapa
There are no specific maps available if you choose to walk by yourself in Sapa. Most people have lost in the beauty spot and could not find the way out. For your safety, please find some trek routes recommended to you below:
- Lao Chai Village (6km far from Sapa town)
- Sin Chai Village (5km far from Sapa town)
- Ta Van Village (10km far from Sapa town)
- Hau Thao Village (11km far from Sapa town)
- Ta Phin Village (12km far from Sapa town)
- Ho Village (21km far from Sapa town)
Notes:
– Ask before taking a photo with local people, else you will be surprised when they ask you for money.
– Have soft copies all your documentaries in case you lost original ones
– Haggle half of the prices for anything you want to buy.
2. Mai Chau (Hoa Binh province)
Trekking level: Easy
Mai Chau is well-known for easy walking, appropriate for beginners.
Outstanding features: Only about 150 km far away from Hanoi, Mai Chau likes a different world with rural valleys as well as a peaceful atmosphere. There are some sightseeing attractions such as Thac Bo temple, Thung Khe Pass, Mo Luong Lake, Go Lao cave, Hoa Binh lake…
The best time for trekking: From late September to early May
How to get there? You can take a travel bus at My Dinh bus stop from Hanoi to Mai Chau or drive yourself.
The popular treks in Mai Chau
- To experience the leisurely life of Thai and H’mong people: Buoc Village, Cun Phep. Hang Kia.
- To have more challenging trips: Mai Chau Valleys, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park…
3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa)
Trekking level: Medium to hard
Outstanding level: If you come back to Hanoi from central Vietnam, you surely must add Pu Luong Nature Reserve on your hiking list. A combination of Northern Vietnam beauty with the spectacular scenery of rice terraces like in Sapa, majestic passes like in Ha Giang, and vast rice paddies like in Mai Chau. Visiting Pu Luong Nature Reserve, you have chances to discover the daily life and traditional culture of Thai and Muong ethnic groups.
The best time for trekking: In harvest season, from September to October and from February to May.
How to get there: You can take a bus to come straight to Pu Luong from Hanoi Old Quarter.
The popular treks in Pu Luong: An adventurous trip will take you to Pu Luong’s jungle and small villages such as Kho Muong Village. A visit to Kia Cave in the morning is a must-do for sunset-lovers. Some prevalent trips are Hieu – Nua Village, Nua – Son Village.
Things to note:
Though Pu Luong is an enormous national park, you are still able to find enormous restaurants and accommodations. Therefore, you do not need to worry about staying there overnight.
4. Ha Giang
Dong Van Stone Plateau
Trekking level: easy
Outstanding features: Ha Giang referred to as “the final frontier in northern Vietnam” with panorama of flower fields, limestone pinnacles and colorful markets of ethnic minority groups. Popular destinations are Yen Minh, Meo Vac Valley, Ma Pi Leng Pass and Duong Lam Village.
The best time for trekking: From October to December
How to get there: You can take a bus at My Dinh bus stop, time travel is about 6 to 8 hours.
The popular treks in Ha Giang:
- Dong van karst plateau geopark
- Si Phai Mountain Trail
- Trung Son – Bo Dot – Hop Nhat
- Tam Son town (Heaven Gate)
Things to note: There is a road lying between Niem Son and Yen Minh on the map. This road was recorded as a large road but in fact is a mountain road. The best route would be traveling from Meo Vang throughout Lung Phin.
5. Cat Ba National Park (Cat Ba Island)
Cat Ba National Park
Trekking level: Easy
Outstanding features: Located in Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba National Park attracts tourists thanks to not only gorgeous beaches but also some interesting destinations that will make the most of your trips. Besides, inside the National Park, there is also a museum, a social base, a small zoo, and many sights that you can find when taking a long trek.
The best time for trekking: From September to October
How to get there: The best way is to take a shuttle at Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi.
The popular treks in Cat Ba National Park:
- Giao Kim Forest – Ngu Lam Peak (1.5km)
- Trung Trang cave – Uy Ban (1.2km)
- HQ National Park – Ao Ech – Viet Hai (14km)
Things to note:
– Burning, cutting trees and hunting in the forest are not allowed.
– Check the time to leave because National Park closes at 5 pm.
6. Cao Bang
Lenin Stream
Trekking level: Medium
Outstanding Features: Cao Bang is a border of Northern Vietnam with immense views. The landscape is well-known with jagged mountains, tortuous roads and sparse rice paddies. If you choose Cao Bang for trekking, you should not miss these destinations: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Thang Hen Lake, Pa Bo cave, and Ky Sam Temple.
The best time for trekking: From October to April
How to get there: You can take a coach at My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stop in the mornings or evenings.
The popular treks in Cao Bang
- Ba Be National Park
- Pac Bo Cave – Trek Nam Nhung
- Tong Cot Village
- Ta Lung townley
7. Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh)
Hiking at cuc phuong national park
Trekking level: Easy
Outstanding features: About 120km far from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National park is a wise choice for nature-seekers. Coming here, you have chances to discover the biodiversity of various species. Outstanding activities include: visiting Endangered Primate Rescue Center, bird and wide animals watching, exploring the 1000-year-old tree. Also, hiking is a fascinating experiment that is highly recommended.
The best time for trekking: Dry season from December to April.
How to get there: There are some ways to get to Cuc Phuong National park: taking a funicular from Hanoi Station, taking a couch at My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stop or renting a private car.
The popular trips in Cuc Phuong National Park:
- Cuc Phuong Old-growth forest – Muong Hoa Village
- May Bac Peak (rising to 700m above sea level)
8. Cat Tien national Park (Dong Nai)
Trekking level: Easy
Outstanding features: Located between Ho Chi Minh and Da Lat city, Cat Tien National Park is an amazingly biodiverse area of lowland tropical rainforest. This place has many of the most dangerous species in the world living there so it’s easy to live with nature by walking through the forest.
The best time for trekking: From December to May when the trail is dry out.
How to get there: You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh city (80,000 VND) or use a motorbike.
The popular trips in Cat Tien National Park:
- 30 pathways at Bach Thao garden
- Sau village – Crocodile Lake
- Ra Lai ethnic village
9. Lang Biang mountain (Da Lat)
Trekking level: Medium
Outstanding features: Located about 12km far from the center of Da lat, lang Biang mountain is not only an appealing tourist destination but also a passionate love story. The trip to Lang Biang Mountain is not just about exploring nature; it is also experiencing a new culture because many ethics live there. Although it’s a bit challenging, hiking to the top of Lang Biang is really worth it.
The best time for trekking: From September to November
How to get there: You can take a local bus number 5 from Da Lat bus stop or book tickets online if you depart from Ho Chi Minh city.
The popular trips in Lang Biang mountain:
The most popular journey is to conquer the top of Lang Biang – the symbol of Da Lat city.
On the way to the top of the mountain, you have the opportunity to pass a farm that grows vegetables, pine trees and old forest. Then, it is exciting to enjoy the feeling of standing on the top overlooking Dalat and the surrounding areas from above.
10. Fansipan (Sapa)
Fansipan Mountain
Trekking level: Medium
Outstanding features: The Fansipan peak is the pride of the Sapa people because it is the highest mountain in Vietnam with a height of 3,143 m.
Every day, Fansipan attracts at least 1,000 hikers because of the spectacular view from the top and the beautiful climb. Walking at the top of Fansipan, you can expect serene gardens and pagodas, stunning views from the top of the mountain. If you do not have experience trekking, you can consider asking a guide or using the cable car to get to the top of Fansipan.
The best time for trekking: From April to May and September to November.
How to get there:
- You can take a shuttle departing from Hanoi Old Quarter to Sapa town.
- Take a train from Hanoi Station up to Lao Cai province then take a bus to Sapa town.
- The popular treks to Fansipan peak
- Tram Ton, and back on the old road.
- Tram Ton, upside down Muong Hoa valley – Cat Cat stream (20km)
- Doc Mit (Binh Lu) to the top of Fansipan (only for great travelers)
Things to note:
If you want to trek to Fansipan, you must ask the Hoang Lien Son management board before getting in. Entrance fees are required, such as trekking, insurance, forest management, cleaning fees. The total cost is about 200,000 VND (9 USD).
Walking through Vietnam is a favorite for any travelers. The above-suggested places will help your Vietnam travel more meaningful and interesting. Please contact us if you have any questions about trekking in Vietnam.
