Ha Giang, Sapa, Da Lat are among best mountainous destinations to go in Vietnam if you seek for a simple yet satisfying mountain, adventure trip of your lifetime.
In this article, we are pleased to introduce best places for mountain trips in Vietnam
Vietnam is a truly hidden treasure of Southeast Asia by its striking landscapes that are full of pristine beaches, large rivers, picturesque valleys and spectacular mountain ranges. When it comes to a mountain trip in Vietnam, North West, North East and Central Highland are 3 particular areas that have caught the most attentions of adventurous trekkers who are eager for dramatic mountain paths and fascinating minority culture. Here below is an overview of the most charming mountainous areas that you should pay a visit to.
Twin mountains in Ha Giang
Northeast Vietnam (Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Bac Kan – Lang Son)
Northeast Vietnam is one of three natural sub-regions of Northern Vietnam with beautiful landscapes and seascapes that attracts a large number of tourists annually. There are many ethnic groups living here including Tay, Nung, H’Mong, Dao and Chinese, among which Tay is the most populous in the region. Northeast region covers many mountainous provinces but the most common route for avid travelers is Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Lang Son.
In this region, the most featured attraction you should not skip out is Dong Van Stone Plateau, a global geological park in Ha Giang that was recognized by UNESCO in 2010. Dong Van plateau has an area of 2350 square kilometers spreading over the four districts of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van. As Vietnam’s first geological park and the second of its kind in Southeast Asia, the plateau includes 80% limestone and the fossils of thousands of species and prehistoric creatures which date back to 400-600 million years ago. Here you can witness rocks with various shapes such as flowers, petals, flower branch or the shape of tiger etc. The place is also home to 250,000 people from 17 different ethnic groups who boast unique cultures.
In the journey to rocky plateau from Ha Giang Town, visitors can enjoy the beauty of many national relics such as mansion of Vuong family, Lung Cu flag pole, Dong Van ancient, Ma Li Peng pass, Quan Ba Twin Mountain, etc.
Northwest Vietnam (Son La – Dien Bien – Lai Chau – Lao Cai)
Northwest Vietnam plays a crucial role in Vietnam defense and security because it has borders with Laos and China. Northwest mainly consists of medium and alpine mountains and has the most dangerous and highest terrain in Vietnam. This place is always characterized by the most spectacular scenery and rich culture of more than 30 ethnic groups. The most travelling route for Northwest region is Son La – Dien Bien – Lai Chau – Lao Cai
Mentioning about Northwest Vietnam, one famous tourists destination that tourists cannot miss out is the roof of Vietnam, Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. It has a length of 180 km and a width of 30 km with a number of peaks over 2500m height, of which Fansipan is the tallest one with 3143m.
Although Fansipan is only 9km towards the southwest of Sapa Town, it still takes at least 3 days for travelers to get to the peak and back. No technical climbing skills are required so as long as you have good energy and endurance, you can access the peak. You can see some mountain huts on the way that provide sleeping bags and tents. The terrain is rugged and the weather is usually wet and cold so it is a must to have the appropriate wet weather gear and shoes. From June to August, it may become sweltering, so it is important that you plan for the possible conditions. Climbing the Mt. Fansipan in Vietnam is perfect for active adventure seekers who want a challenge.
Colorful Bac Ha Market, Sapa – Lao Cai
Central Highland (Kon Tum – Gia Lai – Dak Lak – Lam Dong)
Central Highland Vietnam covers 5 provinces which are Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong (from north to south). This region has many forests with biological diversity. The climate is split into 2 seasons: rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April. Central Highland is famous for ancient architecture of spilt houses, the space of Gong culture and traditional festivals.
The most highlighted attraction of Highland tourism is Dalat in Lam Dong province, which is perfect spot for resort and honeymoon holiday. Dalat is known as “small Paris” with the dreamy beauty, cool weather and many stunning landscapes.
Hiking lovers cannot miss out Lang Biang, the highest mountain in Da Lat (2169 m above the sea level). The Mount not only attracts a lot of locals and foreign tourists by its multiform biology of plants, animals but also kept a legend about a tragic love story of an ethnic couple K’Lang and Ho Biang. Activities such as camping, bird-watching, taking eco-tours and researching native culture are some of the recommend things to do in this mountain.
There are still a lot of mountains in Vietnam for adventurous lovers to explore. However, the mountains listed above have the most fantastic sceneries and great peaceful ambience for your first-time trekking experience in Vietnam. So what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags and visit this beautiful country to admire the most magnificent mountains of Vietnam.
