Northern Vietnam, with its majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and unique cultural identity, has long been a dream destination for adventurous souls. Especially for those who love trekking, this region is a paradise with countless stunning routes that challenge courage and offer unforgettable experiences. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) as we explore the most beautiful trekking spots in Northern Vietnam, where you can immerse yourself in pristine nature and admire breathtaking scenery.
Fansipan – Conquering the Roof of Indochina
When it comes to trekking in Northern Vietnam, Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” is a must-mention. The journey to conquer Fansipan is challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Visitors can choose from various trekking routes, from the popular Tram Ton trail and the romantic Muong Hoa valley route to the challenging Doc Mit route for experienced trekkers.
Whichever route you choose, Fansipan will welcome you with magnificent natural scenery, a diverse ecosystem with thousands of blooming flowers, and hundreds of rare animal species. As you ascend, you’ll be amazed by the floating sea of clouds embracing the mountain peaks, creating a natural masterpiece like a fairyland. The moment you set foot on the summit of Fansipan, gazing at the panoramic view of the majestic mountains, will undoubtedly be an unforgettable memory in your life.
Fansipan peak, the Roof of Indochina, as captured online.
Bach Moc Luong Tu – Welcoming Sunrise Above Cloud Sea
Bach Moc Luong Tu, the fourth highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,046m, is a captivating trekking spot in Northern Vietnam, especially for those seeking to witness a glorious sunrise above a sea of clouds. The Bach Moc Luong Tu trekking route is approximately 30km long, with diverse terrain ranging from bare hills and bamboo forests to challenging steep cliffs.
Overcoming hardships and fatigue, you will be rewarded with stunning natural scenery. Sunrise on Bach Moc Luong Tu peak is a magical moment, as the first rays of dawn gradually appear, painting the floating sea of clouds in pink, creating a magnificent and colorful natural painting. Standing on the mountaintop, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the vast sea of clouds will surely make you forget all worries and feel full of energy.
Ta Lien Son – Discovering the Primeval Forest
Ta Lien Son, also known as Co Trau, with an elevation of 2,996m, is another ideal trekking spot in Northern Vietnam, particularly appealing to those who love exploring pristine nature. Located in Lai Chau province, Ta Lien Son offers a challenging yet fascinating trekking journey, leading you into a primeval forest with rich and diverse flora.
As you ascend, you’ll be increasingly captivated by the beauty of Ta Lien forest. Lush ancient trees, carpets of pure white camellia flowers at your feet, vibrant red maple leaves, and mossy green carpets stretching across the rocks, all blend together to create a vivid and colorful natural painting. Standing on Ta Lien Son peak, you can overlook the beautiful city of Lai Chau and admire the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests.
Ta Lien Son peak, an ideal trekking tour location in Northern Vietnam, as found online.
Lao Than – Y Ty’s Roof for Cloud Hunting
Lao Than, at 2,800m, is known as the “Roof of Y Ty” and is one of the most popular trekking routes in Northern Vietnam among young people. Located in Lao Cai, Lao Than is an ideal destination for combining trekking and cloud hunting. The journey to conquer Lao Than usually lasts 2 days and 1 night, giving you the opportunity to admire the magical sea of clouds and the poetic mountain scenery of Y Ty.
For a smooth Lao Than trekking trip, you need to prepare well in terms of physical fitness and equipment, and it is advisable to hire local guides to ensure safety and fully explore the beauty of this mountain. Standing on Lao Than peak on a beautiful day, you will witness a vast white sea of clouds floating, covering the entire space, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Lung Cung – Admiring the Diverse Beauty of the Northwest
Lung Cung, a mountain peak named after a highland village in Yen Bai, with an altitude of 2,913m, is a challenging yet extremely attractive trekking route in Northern Vietnam. The journey to conquer Lung Cung usually takes about 2 days and 1 night, taking you to explore the diverse and unique natural landscapes of the Northwest region.
From vast reed grass hills, fluttering in the wind, to lush green bamboo forests, then primeval ancient forests, Lung Cung offers you a colorful and experiential trekking journey. Overcoming slopes and forest paths, you will be rewarded with beautiful, majestic natural scenery and the proud feeling of conquering the mountain peak.
Conquering Lung Cung peak, as seen in an online photo.
Putaleng – The Challenging Second Roof of Indochina
Putaleng, with an altitude of 3,096m, is known as the “Second Roof of Indochina” and is one of the most challenging trekking routes in Northern Vietnam. Located in Lai Chau, Putaleng requires conquerors to have good physical fitness and extensive trekking experience. However, the reward for those efforts is pristine, magnificent natural scenery and unique trekking experiences.
The Putaleng trekking journey takes you through clear streams, dense forests, cool bamboo arches, and endless stretches of vibrant red rhododendron carpets. Every step on the Putaleng route is a new discovery, a new challenge, and also a memorable experience in the journey to conquer Northern Vietnam’s nature.
Ta Xua – Floating Cloud Sea in Son La
Ta Xua, a highland commune in Son La, about 200km from Hanoi, is a famous trekking spot in Northern Vietnam known for its floating sea of clouds and majestic natural scenery. The Ta Xua trekking route is not too long but quite steep and challenging, suitable for those who want to experience the feeling of conquering and immersing themselves in nature.
When you reach the summit of Ta Xua, you will be overwhelmed by the white sea of clouds covering the entire valley, leaving only mountain peaks jutting out like islands in an ocean of clouds. The feeling of standing on the mountaintop, breathing in the fresh air, and admiring the floating sea of clouds will surely make you forget all fatigue and feel proud of yourself.
The peak of Ta Xua mountain, as shown in an online image.
Nhiu Co San – Buffalo Horn Mountain Challenging Trekkers
Nhiu Co San, also known as Buffalo Horn Mountain, with an altitude of 2,965m, is a mountain belonging to the Hoang Lien Son range, stretching from Lai Chau to Lao Cai. Nhiu Co San is considered a major challenge for trekkers due to its complex terrain, with many rocky slopes, mossy streams, and slippery paths.
However, conquering Nhiu Co San is also an extremely worthwhile experience. Overcoming difficulties, you will admire the pristine, majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests. Standing on Nhiu Co San peak, you can overlook the panoramic view of the overlapping mountains and feel the vastness and majesty of nature.
Pusilung – Pristine Border Peak
Pusilung, a mountain located on the Vietnam-China border, with an altitude of 3,083m, is the most difficult peak to conquer on this list due to its extremely long journey and treacherous terrain. To trek Pusilung, you need to obtain a border permit and have a local guide.
Despite the difficulties, Pusilung is still a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts because of its pristine, mysterious, and alluring beauty. The Pusilung trekking journey takes you into another world, where you can explore primeval forests, clear streams, and admire the majestic border mountain scenery.
Ta Chi Nhu – Cloud Paradise in Yen Bai
Ta Chi Nhu, with an altitude of 2,979m, located in Yen Bai, is a popular trekking spot in Northern Vietnam because of its beautiful cloud paradise, mountain winds, and short conquering time, suitable for weekend trips. The Ta Chi Nhu trekking route is not too difficult but still challenging enough for you to experience the feeling of conquering and immersing yourself in nature.
Ta Chi Nhu peak is likened to a cloud paradise, where you can admire the floating sea of clouds and the majestic mountain scenery. Especially in the Chi Pau flower season (October – November), Ta Chi Nhu becomes more brilliant than ever with stretches of deep purple Chi Pau flowers extending across the mountainside, creating a picturesque scene.
Ta Chi Nhu's appeal despite its location deep within the Pu Luong range of the Hoang Lien Son mountains, complex terrain with steep slopes, near-vertical sections, and harsh climate, lies in its cloud paradise and mountain winds, as shown online.
Northern Vietnam is truly a trekking paradise with countless beautiful and challenging destinations. From majestic high mountains like Fansipan and Putaleng to cloud-covered peaks like Ta Xua and Ta Chi Nhu, each trekking route offers different experiences and emotions. Hopefully, with these suggestions from “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World), you will choose a suitable trekking spot for yourself and have memorable exploration journeys in Northern Vietnam.