Vietnam is an attractive destination for enthusiasts to explore and experience the best of trekking with a series of super nice trekking roads. There are majestic roads for trekking in Vietnam that are not only “challenging” but also interesting for those who have interests in exploring. Let’s take a look!
1. Lung Cu
This is a mountain peak in Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province. It has a height of 2,913m of peaks covered with white clouds all year round. Especially on beautiful days, from the top of this site, you can zoom in on the majestic Che Cu Nha village, Khau Pha pass, and surrounding areas.
The suitable time for trekking in Lung Cu is 2 days 1 night. It is long enough for you to overcome this difficult arduous journey. There are 3 different directions you can refer to: from Thao Chua Chai village, Lung Cung village or Tu San village. Any direction will take you through the terrain of primeval forests, rocky mountains and offer you a chance to chase the clouds.
2. Apachai
Apachai (Xin Thau commune, Muong Nhe district, Dien Bien province) is the westernmost point of Vietnam. It is located at the confluence of Vietnam, Laos, and China. Coming to Apachai, you will have a chance to put your hands on a landmark located 1,400 m above sea level, on which each side has the name and the national emblem of each country.
Compared with the most beautiful trekking in Vietnam – Fansipan, Apachai is a bit easier. However, this one of the most majestic spots for trekking in Vietnam still makes many trekkers lose strength quickly. Conquering Apachai will cost you 3-5 hours to climb up and down, depending on weather conditions.
3. Fansipan (The Roof of Indochina)
With an altitude of more than 3,100 m, Fansipan is not only the highest mountain in Vietnam but also the highest mountain in Indochina. It is so famous that there are many people who wish to conquer Fansipan once in their life. The trekking segment takes from 2-4 days to move no matter which of the three conquering routes you choose:
1. Take Tram Ton Pass.
2. Depart from Tram Ton but return to Muong Hoa valley, Cat Cat village and go along the east side of the Hoang Lien mountain range.
3. Start from Doc Mit, Binh Lu to the top. Here is a difficult road and this dangerous journey is only recommended for experienced climbers.
Climbing to the top of Fansipan, you can explore a diverse ecosystem with over 2,000 species of flowers and over 300 animals.
4. Pu Luong
This stunning valley is located in Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts, northwest of Thanh Hoa province. With an area of up to 17,662 ha, Pu Luong Nature Reserve preserves the values of rich natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. If you are a lover of nature or the wild scenery, do not hesitate to come to Pu Luong right away. With only 5 hours to reach the peak of Pu Luong (1,700m high), you will have extremely interesting experiences. It will offer you an opportunity to admire the scenery of immense rice fields, gently terraced fields on the mountainside or lush green primeval forests.
The best time to visit Pu Luong is when the rice is ripe, in the middle of June and October annually. It is also quite safe for memorable overnight trekking in Vietnam.
5. Ba Den Mountain
As one of the highest mountains in the South of Tay Ninh (986 m), Ba Den Mountain attracts numerous mountain climbing enthusiasts every weekend. From the foot of the mountain to Dien Ba – the position between the mountain and the temple system, there are 3 transportation options including cable cars, slides and walking. For the trekker, the only way is to follow the trail behind Dien Ba’s back, weaving through rocks and caves to reach the top. Total time will range about 60 minutes.
The terrain is considered to be extremely complex and dangerous, sometimes encountering rock slides or poisonous snakes in the mountains. However, when reaching the top, you can see the surrounding landscape and immerse into a wild but poetic land.
6. Ta Nang – Phan Dung
The trekking trail through Lam Dong – Binh Thuan is attracting a lot of explorers on their Southern Vietnam tours. With a starting point from Ta Nang commune or Da Quyn commune, Duc Trong district (Lam Dong), it takes about 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights to experience more than 30km of forests and mountains here. From the above view, you will surely be impressed with the wonderful natural scenery of this site. If once standing on the top of Ta Nang, you will also be mingled with nature when in front of you is a hilly mountain, cool springs, and floating clouds. Such diverse and rugged terrain! Moreover, it will require you to be equipped with knowledge and preparation before trekking.
The most impressive scene is the immense grass hills and strewn with pine trees. Far away is a cloudy sky, the magnificent landscape that is peaceful as picturesque. The last point of the journey is Phan Dung commune. After that, you can take a motorbike taxi to Lien Huong crossroads (Tuy Phong, Binh Thuan) to catch a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City or another province.
7. Nui Chua National Park
This place is located in the northeast of Ninh Thuan province, in Ninh Hai district. With an area of nearly 30,000 hectares and a length of 57km, Nui Chua has a typical dry forest ecosystem in our country. This site consists of many diverse and diverse species of creatures. Although there is less rain here, there is a “hanging lake” all year round with clear blue water and many big streams such as Lo O, Dong Nha, and Kien Kien.
This forest and harmony place is also perfect for picnics. In the middle of the quiet space, maintaining the charming wild beauty, you will be having some fun in the cool water, watching many poetic beauties, venturing on the precarious cliffs of the coast or exploring natural caves. If you set up an overnight camping tent at Nui Chua at the right time, you can also watch the sea turtles lay their own eyes.
8. En Cave
For a long time, Son Doong Cave, Tu Lan Cave and En Cave have been very interesting names. En Cave is the third largest cave in the world with a rich and unique ecosystem. Many adventurous people who have not registered for the Son Doong tour can choose this place to conquer.
From Dong Hoi City, you can follow the Ho Chi Minh Road West branch to Km 35. The distance from Km 35 to En cave is about 8 km long. The road has many steep sections.You will pass the Rao Thuong stream, trek through Doong village – a small village of Van Kieu people in the core of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Going deeper into the cave, you will once again admire the Rao Thuong stream, which winds its way in an S shape.
9. Hon Ba Island
Hon Ba is a primeval forest located at an altitude of 1,578 m, about 60 km southwest of Nha Trang city. You can follow Highway 1A from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City about 20 km, to the junction turn to Hon Ba in Suoi Cat commune, Cam Lam district. Then, go about 1 km more to meet the first-kilometer column reported 37km up to the top of Hon Ba. From here, the road goes through several sparsely populated areas and then quite wide to Suoi Dau lake.
Trekking Hon Ba will be an interesting trip through the forest. You should not miss a chance to discover Hon Ba Nature Reserve with nearly 600 species of rich flora such as flat-leaved pine needles, persimmon, azaleas, oak, etc. Besides, you can spend the night in small jungle guest rooms at the top of the mountain or bring tents and sleeping bags for camping. Keep in mind that late at night, the temperature can drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you need to bring a warm jacket along with you.
10. Yen Tu Mountain
Yen Tu is remembered in the hearts of Vietnamese people not only as a high mountain peak in the Northeast but also as a source of Buddhist stories. So, trekking Yen Tu in the early spring is no longer conquering, satisfying passion, but visiting the land of origin to fully feel the religion and life.
The road to Yen Tu is nearly 6000m long from the foot of the mountain to the top. Along the way, people have to cross thousands of stone steps and steep rocky slopes, sometimes encountering slippery roads. Just so you know, you may have to use bamboo sticks to balance. But it does not discourage pilgrims, they go with a sincere heart and strong faith in the protection of the gods. And on each journey, we admire the lyrical natural scenery of spring.
Somewhere there was a soft murmuring stream, ancient trees over 700 years old, covered with a layer of green moss, like an old man sitting quietly in the middle of the mountains. Somewhere there are soaring bamboo forests mixed with the pristine white of apricot flowers. All of them paint a colorful spring painting, reflecting the mysterious and wild style of sacred land.
11. Lang Biang
People call Lang Biang the roof of the Lam Vien plateau, which marks a romantic love story from time to time that people still liken it to a natural history of Vietnam. There is no doubt that many people choose Lang Biang as a trekking place to conquer at the beginning of the new year. Coming here, you can breathe the fresh air in the highlands and feel more clearly the breadth of great love hidden in the beat of thousands.
The trekking Lang Biang journey is not too difficult, even the amateurs can reach the top of the mountain in just 3-4 hours on foot. The sloping gentle slopes, just go to rest, just watch the nature of heaven and earth as spring blooms. The feeling is hard to describe when you set foot on the misty Lang Biang peak. You will see the majestic nature appearing insightfully and far away is Dalat city dreaming in the morning smoke. Also, you can admire zigzag road plateau places.
12. Ta Lien Son (Ta Lien Mountain)
This site (also known as Co Tra mountain) belongs to Ta Leng commune, Tam Duong and Lai Chau districts. The mountain has a height of 2,993 m above sea level, with majestic mountain views along with primary forest vegetation. According to some tourists, to climb this one of the best mountains for trekking in Vietnam, you need 3 days 2 nights.
At noon on the first day of climbing, the road is absolutely a path that villagers often go to the forest. You can spend the night at a cave where people go to the forest or climb because there are almost no shacks on the road. You need to find a flat spot near the water before it gets dark.
Here is a suggested route for your 3 days trekking on Ta Lien Mountain:
- Day 1: It will take you only 3-4 hours to reach 1,900 m altitude.
- Day 2: Climb to the peak of 2,993 m. You had better get to the top before 14:00 so you can get back before it gets dark.
- Day 3: Spend time admiring the scenery at the edge of the forest. Move to Sa Pa before evening.
13. Ham Lon Mountain
Located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, Ham Lon Mountain is an ideal weekend trekking spot for many people. With the height of 462 m, this place is often chosen to practice for trekking Fansipan or Apachai.
People often have two roads to conquer the top of the mountain. The first and easier way is to follow the flat trail, fewer bushes and it only takes about 2 hours. The second way for those who are adventurous is to follow the stream. Travel time takes about 4 hours. You should bring an overnight camping tent in the mountains. At that time, you will be admiring the beautiful scenery in the sunrise or sunset at the end of the day.
14. Cat Ba National Park
The park is an attractive eco-tourism site and is particularly attractive to those who love adventure and adventure. With majestic natural landscapes, mountains and rich forest ecosystems, this place is recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.
Coming to Cat Ba National Park, you will have the opportunity to participate in picnic activities, explore interesting nature. There are many interesting activities for you. They are trekking, observing primates, bird watching, watching animals at night, swimming on the beaches. pristine or recreational fishing, etc.
15. Sapa Villages
Trekking is a perfect and healthy way to understand the best of Sapa, including exploring the real life of the Mong, Dao and Day people. You can make your decision to trek to Ta Van for 2 days 1 night. If time permits, you can also take a Ta Phin trekking tour for 3 days and 2 nights. Even more, you can trekk the Ta Van – Ta Phin route combined for 5 days 4 nights. When trekking in Vietnam, you will have a chance to roam through the rice fields, fragrant milk all the valley; go through bamboo forests, paddles, mountain passes, wading streams, etc.
16. Lung Cung Peak
Lung Cung takes about 2 days 1 night in the forest to reach the top and back down. You can climb from 3 different directions: Thao Chua Chai village, Lung Cung village or Tu San village. The journey will go through the primeval forest with a very beautiful landscape that will allow you to encounter unique vegetation or maple leaves.
17. Nam Cat Tien National Park
With winding trails, Nam Cat Tien National Park becomes the most ideal trekking spot in the South of Vietnam. Nam Cat Tien National Park belongs to three provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Thuan. This place is considered the most diverse ecosystem in the forests of the South.
In the forest, there are many species of ancient trees thousands of years old with a diameter of over 20 arms of adults, primeval forests, particularly rare animals. There are rhinos, crocodile swamp areas, houses ethnic villages, etc. for trekkers to explore.
18. Bach Ma National Park
About 50 km away from Hue city, along National Highway 1 A to the south, Bach Ma National Park is located in Phu Loc District. This park has an altitude of 1,450m above sea level. Perhaps, you will need more than 1 day to admire and discover the best of this special park.
Some notes for you:
- Prepare lightweight luggage (including 1 set of clothes, 1 convenient raincoat, 1 blanket, personal belongings, lighters, 1 bottle of water, 1 sleeping tent.
- Wear athletic or soft climbing shoes.
19. Ba Vi National Park
It is home to a fresh and cool climate with rich and diverse flora, including 1,209 plant species, 503 species of medicinal plants. The trekking trip also tells you more strange species only in the forests. Not many visitors know the trek routes in the forest in Ba Vi, so you can explore without fear of crowding.
Walking in the wilderness, only the footsteps of the rotting leaves, the birds singing, and the sound of leaves rustling on the head make everyone feel comfortable. May – September is a hot and rainy season, November to March is a dry season. However, between these two periods, there is a transition period of April and October. The most suitable time for trekking to Ba Vi is in Autumn and Summer, when you can go hiking, visit landmarks, and watch the forest, etc. With an average annual air temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius, Ba Vi is the ideal “hot escape” destination for trekkers on Vietnam tours.
20. Lao Than Mountain
It is known as the roof of Y Ty’s house, Lao Cai and one of best destinations for trekking in Vietnam. This is a new tourist attraction in Lao Cai that is discovered by professional trekkers. Here are some useful information, guidance, and experience for the most convenient trekking, backpacking trip to Lao Than mountain, Lao Cai:
- Location: Phin Ho Hamlet, Y Ty Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province.
- Altitude: over 2,800 m above sea level.
- Suggested climbing time: 2 days 1 night.
- Landscape: Vision towards Den Sang valley, Nhui Co San mountain is very beautiful. This is the most beautiful “rattan hunting” place in Y Ty.
- The complexity: Up and down a little, near the new top slope, more wind. The climbing path is not steep and not complicated. However, there are many shrubs, thorns, strong winds, and strong sunlight. You should prepare hats, clothes for good.
Some Tips When Trekking in Vietnam
1. Trekking is really only suitable for you if you meet the requirements of experience, fitness, time, etc.
2. Plan carefully and learn the necessary information before trekking.
3. Autumn is the ideal time to trek; neither too hot nor too cold, nor need to face the deep drizzle.
4. You should hire an indigenous guide who not only knows the steps but can also help you easily solve difficult problems when in danger.
5. Prepare necessary and compact items:
- Backpacks with many compartments
- Sleeping bags or hammocks
- Warm clothes
- Dry food – fast food
- Knife
- Lighters
- Compass
- Medical instruments
- First Aid Kits
Discover more: Best Trails and Destinations for Hiking in Vietnam
Vietnam is an attractive destination for travelers who want to have a trekking. It is a huge mountainous region with many stunning landscapes as well as the various culture of the ethnic community. You can discover the culture and people by the trekking throughout some local villages, such as Sapa (Lao Cai), Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang). On the way, you can see many magnificent mountains, the local village hidden in the mist with the terraced fields stretching along the hillsides. Sometimes you can catch the image of local ethnic children or local people, they are very friendly and willing to help them anything.
Thank you for your comment.
You are right, Vietnamese people are very friendly and warm. Trekking in Vietnam is a perfect combination between discovering the nature and experiencing the hospitality culture, which is both long-lasting and appreciating. And thank you for all the detailed information that you provided above, it is so great to see foreign friends all over the world (like you) showing your love for our country.