Expert Guide: 14 Breathtaking Sites For Trekking In Vietnam

Trekking in Vietnam is unquestionably a favorite activity for many adventurous travelers. Since Vietnam’s diverse topography provides many stunning trekking routes with varying difficulty levels, people having different health conditions and experience levels will find a suitable trek. A list of the top 14 best treks in Vietnam worth exploring has been compiled based on the votes of both locals and foreign travelers.

14 Best Treks In Vietnam For Adventure Seekers

Sung La Valley: A Vibrant Flower Garden

• Location: Ha Giang Province
• Level of trekking: Easy
• Best time to trek: February, March, and April. It is the beautiful springtime to witness natural beauty here.

The Sung La Valley is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque and natural surroundings. It is considered a beautiful flower garden in the center of the Dong Van Karst plateau. The roofs of the clay huts, the rows of buckwheat flowers covering every hill, the lush cornfields, etc., evoke an inexplicable feeling in those who have set foot in this place.

A visit to Sung La in Ha Giang promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. The stunning natural beauty of the region, combined with the warmth and friendliness of the local people, is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to visit.

>> See Tour: Discover Ha Giang & The Far North

Fansipan Mountain: The Highest Peak in Indochina

• Location: Lao Cai Province
• Level of trekking: Moderate
• Best time to trek: September through October are the ideal months due to the pleasant weather.

Admire the Giant Buddha statue lying on the top of Fansipan

Located in the mesmerizing Hoang Lien Son mountain range of Vietnam, Fansipan offers a plethora of reasons to embark on its challenging trails.

The breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds the mountain is not the only thing captivating every climber. Trekkers can immerse themselves in lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora and fauna, making each step a visual delight. Along the way, encountering the rich cultural diversity of the local ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong and Dao, and interacting with these communities allow trekkers to learn about their traditions, taste authentic local cuisine, and witness their vibrant handicrafts.

Conquering the top mountain of Indochina can be a life-changing experience, and it must be added to your bucket list!

Muong Hoa Valley: A Picturesque Hiking Trail

• Location: Lao Cai Province
• Level of trekking: Easy
• Best time to trek: March to May, September to November, and December to February are the stable time for trekking in this valley. 

The scenic Muong Hoa Valley in Sapa is a true wonder of nature that hikers can not miss when visiting Vietnam. With its stunning rice terraces, majestic mountains, and vibrant forests, it’s no wonder that this valley has captured the hearts of so many. Moreover, it’s a cultural melting pot, bringing together various Vietnamese minorities such as Mong, Tay, and Ta Van, showcasing the beauty of diversity and unity.

Hiking through Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages can offer you a chance to witness the beauty of Muong Hoa Valley and explore the rice cultivation techniques of the locals. The most exciting part of these hikes is staying at a local homestay, where you can learn about the unique customs and traditions of Vietnamese ethnic minorities.

Ta Lien Son Mountain: An Enchanted Forest

• Location: Lai Chau Province
• Level of trekking: Moderate to Hard
• Best time to trek: The period from December to January may have frosts or snow, but you can admire a sea of clouds on the top of the mountain. Meanwhile, the springtime from March to April is ideal due to the pleasant weather.

Ta Lien Son, one of Vietnam’s top 10 highest mountains, towers at nearly 3,000 meters. If you’re looking for a place that seems like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, this stunning location can offer picturesque scenery and a diverse range of plant life that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a magical world.

Even more, to encourage advanced adventurous sports and foster the passion for trekking, a trekking competition will take place on the magnificent Ta Lien Son mountain range in December 2023, promising to take trekkers to actual charmed woods.

Phong Nam Valley: A Wonderland With Magnificient Mountains

• Location: Cao Bang Province
• Level of trekking: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to trek: During the autumn, from August to October, to witness the breathtaking ripe rice fields.

Phong Nam Valley is a serene stream that can be discovered by taking various interesting trails leading from the main river to the southern regions. Alternatively, you can hike to the viewpoint of Phong Nam Valley, but you need to be careful with the slippery path.

However, the effort to reach the top is rewarded with an awe-inspiring view. Watching the sunrise over the valley is a truly magical experience as the sun gradually brightens up the entire landscape.

Ba Be National Park: A Rural Tropical Trail To Explore

• Location: Bac Kan Province
• Level of trekking: Easy
• Best time to trek: From February to April, with the dry and comfortable weather.

The Ba Be National Park is a must-visit destination in the Vietnamese highlands. It boasts lush greenery, majestic limestone peaks, and beautiful lakes. The park is home to various species of birds, mammals, and butterflies, all hidden in the dense jungles. The villages here are inhabited by the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong communities, allowing visitors to experience their culture. Moreover, Ba Be is not yet overcrowded, making it a serene spot to explore.

Trekking here is similar to how it was in Sapa a generation ago, offering visitors an authentic experience of mountain culture. You can also witness stunning waterfalls and intricate cave systems and stay overnight in peaceful homestays overlooking the lakes.

>> See Tour: Vietnam – The Northwest Loop

Tu Le Valley: A Northwestern Mountainous Trekking Path

• Location: Yen Bai Province
• Level of trekking: Easy, Moderate, Hard
• Best time to trek: During the harvest season, from mid-September to early October, for beautiful sceneries.

Beautiful rice traces in Tu Le Valley

The Tu Le Valley is a breathtaking sight, with its terraced rice paddies, mountains, and streams. The hiking trail here may be small and narrow, but it’s still one of the most diverse and stunning options for trekking in Vietnam. Taking a stroll around the valley will give you a closer look into the lives of the Mong, Thai, and other ethnic minorities residing in Vietnam.

This trekking trail offers trekkers an excellent opportunity to submerge in nature, appreciate the cultural heritage, and create cherished memories.

Mai Chau Valley: A Peaceful Environment With Relaxed Vibe

• Location: Hoa Binh Province
• Level of trekking: Easy
• Best time to trek: From late September to early November and from February to early May are perfect to enjoy the view.

If you’re looking for hiking terrain near Hanoi, Mai Chau township is a great option. Just 135 kilometers (84 miles) southwest of the capital, it’s surrounded by lush green rice fields. The trekking terrain here may not be very challenging, but it is undoubtedly beautiful.

The most popular spots for hikes are the villages inhabited by the White Thai people, famous for their vibrant textiles. You can buy these textiles without much haggling. To taste the region’s offerings, try the 18-kilometer (11-mile) trek from Ban Lac village to Xa Linh village.

Cat Ba National Park: A Stunning Place For Hiking

• Location: Hai Phong Province
• Level of trekking: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to trek: The perfect months would be from September to November and from March to May.

The lush greenery of Cat Ba National Park

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cat Ba National Park in Halong Bay, where you’ll be mesmerized by the scenic natural green. From the moss beds to the forest glades, every corner of this place showcases a spectrum of emerald, lime, and chartreuse hues that will leave you in awe.

To fully immerse oneself in this vivid landscape, it is best to explore on foot, starting from the park headquarters at Trung Trang. Cat Ba is a perfect destination for those with extra time and a desire to explore the island and its national park. The island is spacious enough to accommodate a challenging trekking tour that can last up to 5-6 hours per day, making you sweat. 

Cuc Phuong National Park: A Massive Natural Museum

• Location: Ninh Binh Province
• Level of trekking: Easy to Moderate
• Best time to trek: October through January are the ideal months for a trail in Cuc Phuong National Park when leeches and mosquitoes hibernate. Meanwhile, April and May can be great for watching the “butterfly festival,” and February and March are when flowers are at their finest.

If you’re interested in experiencing the natural wonders of Vietnam, Cuc Phuong National Park is a must-see. This park is the cornerstone of Vietnam’s conservation efforts and is easily accessible, only 120 kilometers from downtown Hanoi.

It is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails that lead to ancient trees, caves, and Muong villages. You can obtain a basic map from park staff to locate the trailheads, but a guided tour is highly recommended for both short and long treks. If you have more time to spare, longer walks to Ngoc Son Nature Reserve and Pu Luong Nature Reserve, overnight treks, and camping trips are also available.

>> Read More: Ninh Binh Trip From Hanoi – Top 5 Excursions For a Wholesome Adventure

Pu Luong Nature Reserve: A Favored Weekend Escape

• Location: Thanh Hoa Province
• Level of trekking: Moderate to Hard
• Best time to trek: During the rice harvest season from September to November or February to May, to see the stunning golden rice fields.

Pu Luong water wheel on stream

Belonging to the remote regions of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Pu Luong Nature Reserve beckons with its breathtaking beauty. Its verdant forests, stunning limestone vistas, and gorgeous rice terraces create an awe-inspiring landscape that is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Popular activities include hiking through the forest and rice paddy fields and visiting small villages like Ban Sai, Ban Hang, Ban Kho Muong, and Ban Hieu. 

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: An Extensive Cave System

• Location: Quang Binh Province
• Level of trekking: Moderate to Hard
• Best time to trek: During the dry season, from March to August.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh has an amazing karst environment, an extensive network of caverns and subterranean rivers, as well as distinctive flora and wildlife to discover. This park’s karst-specific geomorpYou can take the impressive hiking trail to Phong Nha Cave, which is one of the largest, longest, and most stunning caves in the world.hology, biodiversity, and stunning landscape make it home to some of Vietnam’s top trekking paths.

If you enjoy wilderness, consider taking a night tour or visiting animal rescue centers on a two-day hiking eco-tour. You can take the fantastic hiking trail to Phong Nha Cave – one of the world’s largest, longest, and most breathtaking caves.

>> See Tour: World Heritage Sites of Vietnam

Lang Biang Mountain: A Misty But Romantic Trekking Trail

• Location: Lam Dong Province
• Level of trekking: Moderate
• Best time to trek: From September to November, with vibrant weather.

Tranquil pine tree in the Natural Park of Lang Biang Mountain

Situated around 12 kilometers from Da Lat city center, Lang Biang Mountain is not just a captivating tourist destination but also famous for a tale of intense love. Visiting Lang Biang Mountain provides an opportunity to experience a different culture in addition to enjoying the natural world with your partners. The hike to the summit of Lang Biang is worthwhile despite being a little tough.

Climbing to Lang Biang Peak, a representation of Da Lat city, is the most well-liked trip. You may pass a pine tree, a tropical forest, and a vegetable garden on the route. After that, savor the sensation of being at the summit and gazing down at Dalat and the surroundings.

Cat Tien National Park: A Natural Getaway

• Location: Dong Nai Province
• Level of trekking: Easy
• Best time to trek: Between December and May, when the routes are dry.

The biodiversity of Cat Tien National Park, which lies halfway between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City, is an astounding place for trekking in Vietnam. Many of the most endangered species in the world may be found there, such as Asian elephants, clouded leopards, sun bears, and hundreds of other species of fish, birds, and reptiles.

It’s the ideal location to escape the bustling metropolis, spend time in the center of a forest, and enjoy outdoor activities. 

Essential Tips For Trekking in Vietnam

Well preparation for your trekking journey

What You Should Know Before The Trip

• Consider your trip time, the destinations you wish to visit (such as ethnic communities, mountains, or national parks), and the time of year you will be in Vietnam (dry season is optimal for trekking in Vietnam).
• Stay prepared and ready for both mental and physical obstacles.
• Check the weather forecasts. Hiking is not recommended on days with heavy rain and extremely slick roads.
• Consider hiring a local tour guide to accompany you or asking the locals for further information.

Necessary Items To Bring Along

• Enough food and water and a first-aid kit.
• Hiking boots with the best quality.
• Raincoats or waterproof jackets and pants in case it rains.
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• GPS navigation devices and a map.
• For long-day treks, prepare a tent and warm sleeping bag.
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Plan Your Vietnam Adventure With APT

If you want to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam, immerse in unspoiled nature, and enjoy the stunning scenery, look no further than Asia Pioneer Travel, your trusted guide who can ensure seamless transportation, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides.

With our passion for designing tailor-made vacations, we will curate a personalized itinerary that takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore Vietnam’s hidden gems and cultural treasures. Let’s Craft An Immersive Experience according to your preferences and interests for a lifetime journey!