Do you have a passion for adventure? If yes, Vietnam may be an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. With its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from towering limestone mountains to cascading highland valleys and tiers of rice fields, Vietnam offers excellent trekking experiences. To learn about the best trekking destinations and tips for your trip, read this quick guide to trekking in Vietnam.
Essential Tips on Trekking in Vietnam
Consider the following tips to ensure an optimal trekking experience in Vietnam.
1. Before Going on Treks
Consider the duration of your travel and the type of destination you prefer, such as ethnic villages, mountains, or national parks, while visiting Vietnam. The dry season is the most ideal time for trekking in Vietnam, thus plan accordingly based on your visit’s period. Prepare yourself both physically and mentally for possible challenges. Prior to embarking on a hike, check the weather forecast to avoid slippery roads on rainy days. Seek guidance from local inhabitants or hire a tour guide familiar with the area.
2. What to Take on Treks
The essential items to bring for a hiking trip are sufficient amounts of food and water, a reliable first-aid kit, high-quality hiking boots, waterproof jackets and pants for rainy weather, a flashlight or headlamp, GPS navigation devices along with a map. For longer hikes, it is advisable to pack a tent and a warm sleeping bag. Additionally, taking precautions against sunburn and pesky insects by bringing sunscreen and mosquito repellent is also recommended.
12 Best Places for Trekking in Vietnam
1. Sapa (Lao Cai)
The level of trekking in Sapa is considered easy. It is famous for its breathtaking mountains, picturesque rice paddies, and unique culture as it is home to various Vietnamese ethnic minorities. Sapa offers a variety of beautiful hiking trails such as Cat Cat Village, Y Linh Ho Village, Ta Phin Village, Muong Hoa Valley, Ham Rong Mountain, and Sky Gate. Additionally, it is the location of Fansipan Mount, which is the highest peak in Vietnam.
The best time to visit Sapa for trekking is from March to May when it is dry and clean or from September to November if you want to witness the terraces’ beauty. To get there, you can take a bus, train, or drive on your own motorbike. Note that Sapa is a mountainous area, and it is only recommended for hardcore riders.
There are no specific maps available for trekking by yourself in Sapa. Most people tend to get lost in the beauty of the land and cannot find their way out. Therefore, some recommended trek routes include Lao Chai Village, Sin Chai Village, Ta Van Village, Hau Thao Village, Ta Phin Village, and Ban Ho Village. These routes are suitable for those who prefer an easy trekking tour level.
When visiting Sapa, keep a few things in mind. Ask for permission before taking photos of local people, and in some instances, you may have to pay them. Make copies of all your documents in case of loss, and remember to bargain half prices for anything you purchase.
2. Mai Chau (Hoa Binh)
Trekking in Mai Chau is considered easy, making it an ideal destination for beginners. The region, located only 150 kilometers away from Hanoi, boasts idyllic rural valleys and a peaceful atmosphere. Thac Bo Temple, Thung Khe pass, Mo Luong lake, White Rock pass, Chieu Cave, Go Lao waterfall, Hoa Binh lake are some of the notable places to visit.
The best time to go trekking in Mai Chau is between late September and early May. To get there, you can catch a bus from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi or opt to ride a motorbike on your own.
For those seeking a slow-paced lifestyle experience with the Thai and Hmong people, Ban Buoc, Cun Pheo, and Hang Kia are great options. For more challenging treks, explore Mai Chau valley, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, or Cuc Phuong National Park.
3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa)
The trek difficulty level for Pu Luong Nature Reserve is categorized as moderate to challenging. The reserve boasts a combination of Northern Vietnam’s stunning beauty with exquisite terrace rice fields like Sapa, magnificent passes like Ha Giang, and vast fields such as Mai Chau. A visit to Pu Luong allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups.
The best time to embark on a trek in Pu Luong Nature Reserve is during the rice harvest season, which falls between September to October and February to May.
To get there, you can catch a shuttle bus directly from Hanoi Old Quarter, which takes you straight to Pu Luong.
Pu Luong offers numerous popular trekking routes through its jungle and small picturesque villages like Hang, Kho Muong, and Kia. Some of the well-known treks include Hieu village – Nua village and Nua village – Son village.
It is worth noting that despite Pu Luong being a vast national forest, there are still restaurants and accommodation services available, so travelers need not worry about staying overnight.
4. Ha Giang
The trek level of Ha Giang is considered easy and it offers breathtaking views of carpets of flowers, karst mountains, and colorful markets of ethnic minority communities. The place is also known as the Final Frontier of Vietnam for its beauty. To make the most out of your visit to Ha Giang, it is recommended to plan your trip during the months of October to December.
To reach Ha Giang, one can take a bus from My Dinh bus station that will take around 6-8 hours. Various popular treks in Sapa include Dong Van Valley, Si Phai Mountain Village, Trung Son – Bo Dot – Hop Nhat, Tam Son Town (Heavens Gate), and Sky Path: Col de Ma Pi Len.
It is essential to keep in mind that despite what’s shown on the map, the road between Niem Son and Yen Minh is not a big road but rather a mountain track. Therefore, the best route would be to go through Lung Phin after Meo Vac.
5. Cat Ba National Park (Cat Ba Island)
The trek level for Cat Ba National Park is considered easy and it is located on Cat Ba Island. This particular location attracts tourists due to its beautiful sea and other highlights such as a museum, rehabilitation center, small zoo, and various viewpoints that can be found while hiking. The ideal time for trekking in this national park is from September to October. To get there, the best option would be to catch a shuttle bus at Nguyen Huu Huan Street in Hanoi.
There are three popular treks in Cat Ba National Park which include Kim Giao Forest – Ngu Lam Peak (1.5 km), Trung Trang Uy Ban Grottoes (1.2 km), and National Park HQ – Ao Ech – Viet Hai (14km trekking and walking).
It’s important to keep in mind that fires, tree felling, branch cutting, and hunting are not allowed in the forest. Additionally, visitors should watch their time as the national park closes at 5 pm.
6. Cao Bang
The trek level in Cao Bang is moderate and the region boasts of breathtaking scenery with jagged mountains, picturesque rice paddies, and winding roads. Some of the must-visit places while trekking in Cao Bang are Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Nguom Ngao cave, Thang Hen Lake, Pac Bo cave, and Ky Sam Temple.
The best time for trekking in this region is between October and April. To get to Cao Bang, you can take a bus from either My Dinh or Gia Lam bus station in the morning or evening.
Some of the popular treks in Cao Bang include Ba Be National Park, the Nam Nhung trek at Pac Po cave, Tong Cot Village, and Ta Lung border town.
7. Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh)
The trek in Cuc Phuong National Park is categorized as easy and covers a distance of 120 km from Hanoi. This park is a popular tourist destination due to its diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The highlights of this place include the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, bird watching, wildlife night-spotting, and viewing the 1000-year-old tree. Trekking in this area is also an exciting activity.
To make the most out of your trek, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which lasts from December to April.
Getting to Cuc Phuong is easy, with several transportation options available such as taking the train from Hanoi train station, catching a bus at My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station, or hiring a private car.
Some popular treks in the area include Cuc Phuong primary jungle to Muong Hoa village and May Bac peak, reaching an altitude of 700m above sea level.
8. Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan)
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Key Features: Ba Be Lake, also known as the centerpiece of the National Park, is Vietnam’s largest natural lake. The stunning scenery includes dense rainforests, waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering limestone mountains. There are multiple hiking trails to explore the region, including a multi-day trek that takes you through karst outcrops, waterfalls, caves, and rice fields.
Best Time to Trek: April to October
Getting There: Purchase an online bus ticket (costing around USD 10-18).
Popular Treks in Ba Be National Park:
- Po Lu Village
- An Ma Island
- Puong Cave
- Dau Dang Waterfall
9. Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai)
The trek level in Cat Tien National Park is considered to be easy. This park, found between Ho Chi Minh and Dalat, is an exceptional site for biodiversity with the presence of several endangered species. The park offers a great opportunity to experience nature by staying amidst the forest and going on treks.
The ideal time for trekking in this area is from December to May, when the paths are dry. To get there, you can catch a bus from Ho Chi Minh for VND 80,000 or ride a motorbike.
There are three popular treks in Cat Tien National Park: 30 Botanic Garden Trails, Ban Sau – Crocodile Lake, and Ta Lai Ethnic Village.
10. Lang Biang Mountain (Da Lat)
The trek level for Lang Biang Mountain is moderate. The mountain, situated about 12 km from Dalat center, offers more than just a scenic view as it also tells a story of passionate love and is home to ethnic minorities like Lach and KHo. Thus, trekking this mountain not only allows you to explore nature but also experience a new culture. Although slightly challenging, reaching the summit of Lang Biang is worth the effort.
The best period to trek is from September to November. To get there, one can either catch local bus No. 5 from Da Lat bus station or book an online bus ticket if coming from HCM City.
Conquering the Lang Biang Peak is the most famous trek in Lang Biang Mountain. On the way up, trekkers will come across vegetable farms, pine trees, and forests. Upon reaching the top, they can savor the feeling of standing high above and admiring the panoramic view of Dalat and its surroundings.
11. Son Doong Cave (Quang Binh)
Please provide me with your best answer without any repetition, self-reference, apologies, or explanations. I am looking for information regarding an extreme-level trek to Son Doong Cave in Vietnam. This cave is considered the most unique cave in the country and has remained relatively untouched since its discovery in 1991. Its large size offers a variety of environments for exploration, making it an extraordinary underground adventure. Only 200 permits are issued each year, so travelers should plan ahead and prepare carefully for the trek, which is best done from February to August when temperatures are cooler.
To reach the cave, take a bus to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and pass through the only village in the area. Please keep in mind that booking a trek through a travel agency is necessary and can take several months to a year to secure a spot.
12. Fansipan (Sapa)
The trek level for Fansipan Mount is considered moderate. This mountain peak in Vietnam stands tall at 3,143m and is a source of pride for Sapa residents. With its stunning views and beautiful climbing paths, it attracts at least 1,000 trekkers daily. While trekking in Fansipan Mount, you can expect to come across serene gardens, pagodas, and captivating sights from the summit. If you lack experience in trekking, consider hiring a porter or using cable cars to reach the summit.
The best time to trek here is from April to May or September to November. To get there, take a shuttle bus departing from Old Quarter to Sapa town or catch a train from Hanoi railway station to Lao Cai and then get on a bus to Sapa town.
Popular treks include Tram Ton with return on the same trail, Tram Ton with return over Muong Hoa valley – Cat Cat stream (20km), and Doc Mit (Binh Lu ward) to the top of Fansipan (for professional trekkers only).
Keep in mind that if you plan to trek in Fansipan, you must obtain permission from the Hoang Lien Son management board and pay required fees such as trekking, insurance, forest management, and hygiene fees, totaling around VND 200,000.
Trekking in Vietnam is a popular activity and should not be missed during your trip. For any questions about trekking in Vietnam, feel free to contact us.
