6 Most Majestic Trekking Spots in Vietnam

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.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (local expert)Updated on 04-09-2024

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1. Ha Giang and Hoang Su Phi

• Location: In the far north of Viet Nam. About 320 kilometers from Hanoi (6-8 hours of driving).

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!

2. Sapa and Its Majestic Rice Terraces

• Location: Lao Cai province, northwestern Vietnam, about 376 kilometers from Hanoi (4-6 hours by road).

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.

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

3. Bac Ha and Its Vibrant Ethnic Markets

• Location: In Lao Cai province, northwestern Viet Nam. About 100 kilometers from Sapa to the east (2-3 hours of driving).

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!

>>> 💡 Discover the Secrets of Vietnam's Hill Tribes with a Local Guide: 5-Day Hiking & Trekking Itinerary

4. Pu Luong

• Location: Thanh Hoa province, northwest Vietnam, about 160 kilometers southwest of Hanoi and about 120 kilometers northwest of Ninh Binh.

A nature reserve since 1999, Pu Luong is a region of wild beauty, with towering peaks that have remained largely untouched. Endowed with incredible natural beauty, Pu Luong is a place of easy adventures, offering many opportunities to trek through refreshing streams and waterfalls. With rice terraces clinging to mountainsides and ethnic villages where the Thai and Muong communities live side by side, Pu Luong will surprise you with its diverse landscapes and biodiversity.

This destination offers a rich variety of hikes suited to all physical conditions: be it a bucolic walk of a few hours in the center of the valley from Ban Don, Ban Lan, or Ban Uoi, or more demanding hikes of several days from Ban Hang up to Kho Muong. You will also discover Ban Hieu, where immense wild forests embedded in the karst mountains are mixed with beautiful rice terraces, the stunning Ban Hieu waterfall, and the curious water wheels called "noria" that supply water to the rice terraces.

There is no doubt that this is a great program in perspective! Fear not! Vietnam trekking agencies will help you pick the right trek in Pu Luong. All that is required of you is to keep dreaming of the next trip from the vantage of a house on stilts, drink in hand, as the sun sets across the beautiful valleys of Pu Luong.

>>> Don't Miss: 6 Questions to Consider Before Going to Pu Luong

5. Ba Be Nationak Park

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

6. Son Doong Cave

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

Practical Tips for Trekking in Vietnam

1. What are the best periods for trekking in Viet Nam?

• In the north:

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. 

• Inside Son Doong Cave, the central region: 

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

2. Key Tips for a Successful Trip

• Plan your trip in advance: It is important to plan your itinerary and make reservations in advance to avoid disappointments and unforeseen events.
• Prepare physically: Some hikes can be difficult and exhausting, so it is important to prepare physically to fully enjoy the experience.
• Bring the right gear: Make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes, a sturdy backpack, appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, water, and snacks for the hike.
• Hire a local guide: Local guides are very helpful in navigating rural areas and offer a unique cultural and historical perspective on the region.
• Experience sleeping in the homes of locals: It is a unique and enriching experience to discover the local culture and traditional customs.

Bottom Line

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:

• Ha Giang: 9 Essential Things to Know Before You Go
• Unforgettable Ha Giang Loop: A Motorbike Odyssey Through Vietnam
• Don't Visit Tam Coc, Vietnam Without Knowing These 9 Essentials!
• Cao Bang, Vietnam: 6 Essential Tips For A Successful Trip!
• Bac Ha: 7 questions about the land of Northwest ethnic groups