Vietnam, with its majestic and diverse natural beauty, has long been an ideal destination for those passionate about exploration and conquest. Towering mountains, mysterious primeval forests, and poetic valleys all combine to create a stunning picture, beckoning the footsteps of adventurers. If you are a hiking enthusiast and want to experience the most beautiful trails in Vietnam, let’s explore the suggestions below to plan your memorable adventure.
1. Northern Mountains: Where Majestic Peaks Beckon
Northern Vietnam is famous for its majestic, overlapping mountain ranges, home to the highest peaks in the country. This is also where the most beautiful hiking trails converge, the most challenging but also the most rewarding to conquer.
Fansipan – The Majestic “Roof of Indochina”
At a height of 3,143m, Fansipan is not only the highest mountain in Vietnam but also a symbol of conquest and exploration. Located in the Hoang Lien Son range, about 9km from Sapa, Fansipan offers visitors unforgettable experiences with its rich vegetation and majestic natural landscapes.
Aerial view of Fansipan mountain peak
To conquer Fansipan, you can choose one of the following three routes:
- From Cat Cat village: The longest and steepest route, suitable for experienced hikers with good physical condition.
- From Sin Chai: A complex route, with steep slopes, crossing many streams, only for those with extremely good physical condition.
- From Tram Ton: The most popular route, easier to conquer, suitable for people with average physical condition.
Note: You need to obtain permission from the Hoang Lien Son National Park Management Board before starting your Fansipan conquering journey.
Lao Than – The Misty “Roof of Y Ty”
Lao Than, with a height of over 2,800m, located in Y Ty commune, Lao Cai, is known as the “Roof of Y Ty”. This place is famous for its sea of clouds covering it all year round, creating a poetic and magical scene.
The terrain of Lao Than is relatively easy to navigate, mainly grassy hills, low forest terraces, and small bushes, suitable for beginners.
The ideal time to conquer Lao Than is from June to September, the season of beautiful “cloud hunting”. In addition, in the autumn, you also have the opportunity to admire the golden beauty of the terraced fields when looking down at Den Sang valley from the top of Lao Than.
Bach Moc Luong Tu – “Cloud Paradise”
Bach Moc Luong Tu, the 4th highest peak in Vietnam (3,046m), located in the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, is a legendary “cloud hunting” destination.
The terrain of Bach Moc Luong Tu is diverse and complex, from bare hills and bamboo forests to dwarf bamboo forests and craggy cliffs. However, the reward for the efforts to overcome difficulties is the unspoiled, majestic landscape with overlapping mountains and floating seas of clouds.
Hiking trail leading to Bach Moc Luong Tu peak
The suitable time for hiking Bach Moc Luong Tu is from August to April, when the weather is cool. There are currently two routes to conquer this peak:
- From Den Sung village, Lai Chau.
- From Ky Quan San village, Lao Cai.
Pu Ta Leng – Mysterious Primeval Forest
Pu Ta Leng, the “Second Roof of Indochina” (3,049m), belongs to Ta Leng commune, Lai Chau, and is one of the rare primeval forests remaining in Vietnam.
Hiking Pu Ta Leng is a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. You will admire giant ancient trees, tangled vines, moss-covered areas, and brilliant rhododendron flower carpets.
The ideal time to explore Pu Ta Leng is from February to April, the rhododendron blooming season.
Ta Chi Nhu – “Paradise on Earth”
Ta Chi Nhu (2,979m), located in Tram Tau district, Yen Bai, attracts visitors with its vast ocean of clouds and hills of rhododendrons, and purple chi pau flower fields.
The terrain of Ta Chi Nhu is quite treacherous, with bare rocky cliffs and steep slopes. However, the beauty of this peak will make you forget all fatigue.
Ta Chi Nhu is beautiful all year round, each season with its own beauty:
- Spring: Plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and ban flowers bloom.
- Autumn: Purple chi pau flowers, poetic sea of clouds, golden terraced fields.
- Winter: Wild sunflowers show off their colors.
Ta Xua – “Dinosaur Backbone”
Ta Xua range, with its famous “dinosaur backbone” peak, lies between the borders of Son La and Yen Bai provinces. With a height of 2,865m, Ta Xua is known as the “paradise on earth” of Son La.
Scenic hiking path in Ta Xua
There are two routes to conquer Ta Xua:
- From Ta Xua village.
- From Bac Yen.
The best time to hike Ta Xua is from November to April of the following year, when the weather is dry and there are many opportunities for “cloud hunting”.
Apachai – The Westernmost Landmark of the Fatherland
Apachai, located in Sin Thau commune, Dien Bien, is where “a rooster crows and all three countries hear”. This is the location of the landmark marking the territory of three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and China.
The terrain of Apachai is quite difficult to navigate, with dirt roads, mountain passes, and steep slopes. Therefore, choosing the weather is an important factor.
The suitable time to conquer Apachai is from November to April, when the weather is favorable.
Note: You need to obtain permission from the Border Guard before conquering Apachai.
2. Preparing for Your Hiking Journey
To have a safe and memorable hiking trip, you need to prepare carefully in terms of fitness, equipment, and knowledge about the destination.
- Fitness: Exercise regularly, especially exercises to improve endurance and stamina.
- Equipment: Specialized hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, warm jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, personal medication, flashlight, map, compass, GPS (if available), snacks and water.
- Knowledge: Learn carefully about the terrain, weather, local culture, and regulations of the area you will be visiting.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. With beautiful and diverse trails, from towering mountains to mysterious primeval forests, you will have unforgettable experiences in your journey to explore the endless beauty of the country. Plan your adventure today and don’t forget to share those wonderful moments with everyone! Wishing you a safe and joyful trip!