6 Amazing trekking places in Vietnam

If you’re tired of searching for classic travel routes to destinations crowded with tour groups, why not try an alternative? The many rides and trails that stretch across Vietnam are filled with remarkable landscapes. From snow-capped mountains to layered rice paddies, peaceful farming villages and sacred attractions, it all makes for a wonderful image of a mountain vacation. Wondering where to start? Check out one of these bucket list hikes for your walking vacation of a lifetime.

Sapa

It seems that refined French architecture has enveloped this hill ethnic town. But it is the vast wilderness that makes Sapa an absolute paradise in the summer months. Undoubtedly, this verdant land full of greenery attracts a large number of adventure-seeking tourists thanks to its extensive network of hiking trails. Prominently, there are routes through Lao Chai village, Sin Chai village, Cat Cat village, Y Linh Ho village.

Take up the challenge and the beautiful sights of jade-colored rice fields, soaring mountains and friendly Black H’Mong people in their traditional costumes. Camping is possible but affordable homestays are a better option for resting and welcoming locals. End your trip with shopping for handicrafts souvenirs or visiting famous attractions such as Fansipan Peak, Ham Rong Mountain and Silver Waterfall.

Length: 6km to 18km

Difficulty level: : easy to challenge

Season: March to May (dry season) and September to November to enjoy the rice terraces

Popular backpacking routes: Cat Cat village, Lao Chai village, Ta Van village, Ta Phin village, Y Linh Ho village

Ha Giang

If you’re trying to hike a trail away from the messy tourist hub of Sapa, Ha Giang is definitely a charming alternative. Hikers pursuing indigenous culture and unspoiled corners of cascading rice fields, breathtaking valleys and peaceful bungalows can’t miss the impressive chain of winding roads from Dong Van to Meo Vac, Vi Xuyen to Hoang Su Phi, walking around Quan Ba, and Ma Pi Leng Pass. In particular, the way to the top of Dong Van brings a feeling of remoteness and overwhelming.

If you are lucky enough to stop by Ha Giang on weekends, Dong Van love market and Khau Vai love market (on March 26 & 27 of the lunar calendar) will bring home local products of the Dao, Tay and Learn more about minority traditions. Although independent walking is encouraged, adventurers must stay in very simple, ordinary local inns and homestays. Shipping conditions are also limited, so only true adventure seekers can fit into this destination.

Length: 5km to 11km

Difficulty level: : medium to difficult

Season: March to May & October to December

Popular backpacking routes: Dong Van town, Ma Pi Leng pass, Vi Xuyen to Hoang Su Phi, trekking around Thong Nguyen

Cuc Phuong National Park

As you wander through the ups and downs, the 17km trail will mesmerize you with breathtaking views of thriving dense rainforests and a treasure trove of flora and fauna . Two trails not to be missed in Cuc Phuong National Park are Cuc Phuong primeval forest – Muong Hoa village and May Bac peak. Hiking here leads you through valleys and mountain passes. You will visit Khanh village, where Muong people live in traditional wooden stilt houses. The whole village has been opened to the locals and you can sleep in. Alternatively, schedule your time to visit Prehistoric Man’s Cave, explore wildlife and observe birds in the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and marvel at the 1000-year-old tree .

Leave camping gear at home and rest in clusters of bungalows, stilts, and resorts in the area of ​​Cuc Phuong National Park.

Length: 17km

Difficulty level: : easy to medium

Season: December to April

Popular backpacking route: Cuc Phuong primeval forest – Muong Hoa village, Silver Cloud peak

Cat Ba island

Cat Ba Island is not only rugged limestone mountains and lush mangrove forests; it is said to be one of the best trips of Vietnam where the sea meets the forest. Hikers will pass awe-inspiring terrain, secluded terrain and hospitable villages. Along the way, you can stop for lunch at Viet Hai Village surrounded by rural landscape. As you continue deeper into the park, you’ll have the chance to encounter wild creatures such as monkeys, langurs, civets, and various birds. Besides Viet Hai Village, seasoned travelers will also come face to face with Trung Trang Cave and Hieu Khach Cave, two of the most unusual caves on the island.

Those adventures are very popular, especially during the summer months; therefore, the off-season from October to April will be more attractive to those who are looking for a secret walking holiday in solitude.

Length: 18km

Difficulty level: : easy

Season: October to January

Popular treks: Kim Giao Forest – Ngu Lam Peak, Trung Trang & Uy Ban Caves, National Park Headquarters – Frog Pond – Viet Hai

Best trekking places in Vietnam

Mai Chau

The easy-to-tough trails of Mai Chau await backpackers to challenge themselves and see the diverse landscapes of gentle streams and steep rice terraces. The area boasts a climbing network throughout that is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Vibrant walking paths such as Lang Boc, Hang Kia Village and Cun Pheo Village wind through idyllic trees and the slow pace of Thai & H’Mong ethnic people. Meanwhile, professional climbers should strap on iron spikes and reach a more difficult but scenic stretch through Mai Chau Valley or Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

In addition to the usual hiking experience, tourists have the opportunity to relax in the relaxed rustic atmosphere of Tra Day and Van Village. In addition, Hoa Ban Plus welcomes visitors to stroll around and shop for handmade souvenirs.

Length: 4km to 38km

Difficulty level: : easy to challenge

Season: late September to early May

Popular backpacking routes: Ban Buoc, Hang Kia, Mai Chau Valley, Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Yen Tu

More than just a hike, Yen Tu is also a popular pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhists and mountaineers to soak up the religious vibes of the amazing Buddhist temples and shrines. Magic is scattered along the road. Climb nearly a thousand steps over steep slopes to reach the highest pagoda of Yen Tu mountain. The altitude when you reach 6000m, your eyes will be treated to endless sunshine and beautiful panoramic views from the top.

The entire hike takes almost a day for less experienced hikers with a mix of everything from the moving Giai Oan waterfall to the quiet Nuong craft village specializing in conical hat making and Dong Ho woodblock prints. As such, this journey not only opens up the opportunity to learn more about Buddhist reliefs but also a part of Vietnamese culture.

Accommodation includes luxury resorts, local inns and lodges for an overnight trip and food & drinks are also available along the way.

Best trekking places in Vietnam

Length: 6km

Difficulty level: : medium to difficult

Season: all year round

Length: 6km to 18km

Difficulty level: : easy to challenge

Season: March to May (dry season) and September to November to enjoy the rice terraces

Popular backpacking routes: Cat Cat village, Lao Chai village, Ta Van village, Ta Phin village, Y Linh Ho village

Length: 5km to 11km

Difficulty level: : medium to difficult

Season: March to May & October to December

Popular backpacking routes: Dong Van town, Ma Pi Leng pass, Vi Xuyen to Hoang Su Phi, trekking around Thong Nguyen

Length: 17km

Difficulty level: : easy to medium

Season: December to April

Popular backpacking route: Cuc Phuong primeval forest – Muong Hoa village, Silver Cloud peak

Length: 18km

Difficulty level: : easy

Season: October to January

Popular treks: Kim Giao Forest – Ngu Lam Peak, Trung Trang & Uy Ban Caves, National Park Headquarters – Frog Pond – Viet Hai

Length: 4km to 38km

Difficulty level: : easy to challenge

Season: late September to early May

Popular backpacking routes: Ban Buoc, Hang Kia, Mai Chau Valley, Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Length: 6km

Difficulty level: : medium to difficult

Season: all year round

Best trekking places in Vietnam