Vietnam offers serene mountain landscapes that trekking enthusiasts dream of. Particularly, the northern Tonkin region is renowned for its rice terraces and breathtaking scenery, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and interact with locals of diverse ethnicities. Moving southward, central Vietnam boasts a famous trekking destination recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage site. Can you guess which one it is?
In this article, we showcase our selection of the top 6 trekking destinations in Vietnam, spanning from the northern to central regions. We also provide practical tips and advice on the best times to explore these magnificent places.
Ha Giang is the northernmost province of Viet Nam. Truly the most spectacular landscapes in this country, with the lunar rocky mountains of Dong Van, the vertiginous Meo Vac Pass with its karst ridges, and authentic ethnic Hmong villages surrounded by stone walls. A trek in Ha Giang promises to be very rewarding, offering many hiking itineraries from just a few hours for Sunday hikers to several days for experienced sportsmen.
Beyond sumptuous landscapes and traditional ethnic village crossings, you will have a chance to interact and be warmly greeted by the inhabitants for the most pleasant overnight stay. Memorable moments punctuated by friendly smiles and passionate exchanges around a few glasses of corn liquor. A parenthesis in Ha Giang's limestone landscapes.
Meanwhile, Hoang Su Phi is a district in the west of Ha Giang with sublime rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. In the bucolic natural setting, several walks lead across this area where different ethnic groups live harmoniously together. On the way, you pass by several traditional villages and observe beautiful houses with varied architecture and beautiful rice terraces. This is the most authentic trekking in northern Viet Nam!
Sapa is an ancient climatic rest station located at an altitude of 1600 meters. Several colonial buildings were built here, including the Church of Sapa, the Cat Cat hydroelectric power station, and the Abbey of Ta Phin. Today, they are historical vestiges and tourist attractions.
Sapa is also home to the Hmong, Tay, Zay, Dao, and Xapho ethnic groups. You will be captivated by its villages and rice terraces that border the Muong Hoa Valley. It's a natural and cultural getaway that even the most seasoned traveler will appreciate!
Trekking in Sapa is a must-do, offering routes for both beginners and experienced hikers. From short, few-hour trails to multi-day treks with steep climbs, there's something for everyone. Popular trekking paths include visits to ethnic villages like Ta Phin, Ban Ho, Seo My Ty, Sin Chai, Lao Chai, and Ta Van village.
The awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, capped by the ascent to Mount Fansipan, the "roof of Indochina", present a breathtaking view of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos's rugged terrains. Staying overnight with local families enriches the experience, providing a unique insight into the diverse cultural tapestry of Vietnam's mountain ethnic groups.
>>> Explore Now: What to Do In Sapa, Vietnam? Top 10 Things You Should Know
Another destination in Lao Cai province similar to Sapa is Bac Ha, which is especially famous for its lively and colorful weekly ethnic markets, particularly the Bac Ha market, which takes place every Sunday morning.
Bac Ha also has beautiful trekking and hiking trails. The area is surrounded by high mountains harmoniously shaped by the inhabitants to build rice terraces and villages filled with charming traditional houses. A hike through Bac Ha will not only be an opportunity to meet ethnic groups with unique customs but also to admire the beautiful rice fields and traditional dwellings.
It’s a delightful walk, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a unique experience. After several hours of walking through the isolated villages of the Hmong and Tay, you will love being warmly welcomed by your hosts and participating in the preparation of one or more local dishes.
A gastronomic and cultural exchange awaits you—a way to create unforgettable moments during your trekking adventure in northern Vietnam!
Situated close to Hanoi, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is famous for its rice terraces, mountains, and ethnic groups, namely the Thai and Muong.
You can choose between:
From here, we not only visit Ban Hieu with its waterfall, primeval forests, and traditional water wheels but also enjoy some relaxing moments contemplating the sunset glowing over the valleys after a long day's trek.
>>> Don't Miss: 6 Questions to Consider Before Going to Pu Luong
Location: Bac Kan province, northern Vietnam, about 240 kilometers north of Hanoi.
Ba Be lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and is known for its rich biodiversity. It is nestled among green mountains and magnificent wild landscapes.
On the shores of the lake, several ethnic groups live in perfect harmony, particularly the Tay and Dao people. Ba Be trekking is the best way to get to know these charming ethnic groups, and you will find everything you need to make your stay a success! You will discover beautiful trekking itineraries in idyllic settings, with one or more nights spent with an ethnic Tay family in the village of Pac Ngoi. Whether in a group or with family, lovers of hiking and experienced athletes—all can find the trekking experience in Ba Be that suits them!
You will advantage amazing sites: the magnificent Hua Ma and Puong caves, the Dau Dang waterfall, and the villages of the Dao ethnic group. This is a memorable destination, a truly quiet nest, and an ideal stay during a trekking circuit in Vietnam.
>>> 💡💡Let's see what makes this national park so attractive in the following article: Ba Be Lake
Location: The cave is located in central Vietnam, about 210 kilometers north of Hue and about 340 kilometers north of Hoi An.
Son Doong Cave is the largest natural cave in the world, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam. Discovered in 1990 by a local, the cave was recognized as a natural wonder in 2009 by a British expedition. It is so vast that it is estimated to have a capacity of 38.5 million cubic meters, enough to accommodate an entire borough of New York with 40-floor skyscrapers.
Compared to other trekking destinations, Son Doong is said to be the most attractive yet also the most challenging. Access to the cave is restricted to those who book in advance through Oxalis, a Vietnam Trekking Tour, the only company with official permission. It is illegal to enter without permission.
Hiking in Son Doong, Vietnam costs $3,000, and tours for 2024 and 2025 are already fully booked. If you wish to book a trekking tour now, it's quite difficult. Isn't that evidence enough to prove that Son Doong Cave is such a hot destination?
>>> Read More: Adventure Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
A must-go zone for adventure-hungry trekkers is Dong Van and Meo Vac in Ha Giang province. This far corner in the northern hills of Vietnam is revealed as a world unto itself with limestone plateaus carved by time, dizzying passes like Ma Pi Leng, and trails winding between karst peaks and secluded valleys. In such forgotten places, having abandoned those trails would lead one to meet the white Hmong, a great and forgiving people, ready to pour a glass of corn alcohol in their hilltop hamlets. Between the breathtaking sights and the true feel of ethnic markets like Meo Vac on Sundays, this duo provides an intense memory, akin to discovery itself, that is best suited for northern Vietnam.
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The capital of Dak Lak province, Buon Ma Thuot, is the largest city in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Often ignored by travellers, it nevertheless offers unspoiled landscapes that are worth a visit. Between the huge Ea Kao Lake, the forests of Yok Don National Park, the villages of ethnic minorities, and refreshing waterfalls like Dray Nur, this area is perfect for an off-the-beaten-path getaway. Buon Ma Thuot is also the heart of Vietnamese coffee, and a hike here can include a break at a plantation to see coffee tree cultivation up close, from bean to cup.
For trekkers, imagine trails through green hills, dense forests populated by wild elephants (if you're lucky!), and paths leading to waterfalls where you can rest after a good walk. It's a simple adventure, away from the crowds, in a rural and authentic atmosphere.
The Con Dao archipelago, with its 16 islands, only one of which is inhabited, is a paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature, far from the classic tourist circuits. Located in the south of Vietnam, this place focuses on ecotourism with its national park covering nearly 20,000 hectares between land and sea. Here you will find dense rainforests, deserted beaches, and colorful coral reefs. For trekking, the trails wind through the jungle, offering ocean views and encounters with a variety of wildlife. More than 130 animal species live here, including monkeys and rare birds.
North Viet Nam's best trekking periods are from September to November and from March to May, when in general the weather is quite dry and cool enough to bring pleasure on treks. It is better to avoid the summer months (June to August), which can be very hot and humid, as well as winter (December to February), when the temperatures can be very low and the trails could be high in snow and ice.
While it might be the rainy season (from June to September) at times, it may make a few hikes harder because of muddy and slippery roads.
In the Son Doong - Phong Nha region, there are four seasons a year. Due to weather and safety concerns, only visits to Son Doong from January until the end of August are permitted.
During September to December, there will be no guests allowed into the cave for safety and ecosystem restoration. It is best to visit between January and March for cold months, or in April to May for climate change. Check the mentioned article above for weather information.
>>> Discover the experience lived by our travelers by consulting the circuit: Top 10 Best Vietnam Trekking & Hiking Tours
The trekking experience in Vietnam not only offers the challenge of conquering nature but also a deep cultural immersion, especially in the northern mountainous region. With the suggestions of these 6 trekking destinations, have you been able to identify which one is the most suitable for you? We hope that with this useful information and practical tips, you will have a successful and enriching trip in this beautiful country.
>>> ✈️Other Must-Visit Places in Vietnam:
>>> See more about things to do in Vietnam by month:
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