Are you someone who is always seeking new challenges, eager to explore the untouched beauty of nature, and craving diverse life experiences? If the answer is yes, then trekking is perfect for you. Vietnam, with its varied terrain from majestic high mountains to pristine rainforests, is a trekking paradise waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore the most outstanding trekking tours in Vietnam with Discovery To Wonders, where you can conquer your limits and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
Vietnam boasts countless ideal conditions for memorable trekking trips. From the North with the majestic Fansipan peak and the cloud-hidden Mount Lao Than, to the Central region with pristine Pu Mat, and the South with mystical Ta Dung, each trekking route offers unique beauty and challenges. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, there is sure to be a trekking tour suitable for you to explore and conquer.
Mount Fansipan (Phan Xi Pang) – The Roof of Indochina
When it comes to trekking in Vietnam, Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina at 3,143m, is a must-mention. Located in Lao Cai, Fansipan is not only a symbol of majesty but also a dream destination for every trekker. The journey to conquer Fansipan will take you through dense primeval forests, misty valleys, and windy peaks, where you can admire the panoramic view of poetic Sapa and the majestic Hoang Lien Son range.
There are two popular trekking routes to Fansipan:
- Tram Ton Trail: This is the most popular and easiest route, suitable for beginners or those with average fitness. Trekking time usually lasts 2-3 days.
- Sin Chai Trail: This route is more challenging, requiring good physical condition and trekking experience. In return, you will discover pristine and lesser-known landscapes.
The best time to trek Fansipan is from September to April of the following year, when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. You need to prepare carefully in terms of equipment, physical fitness, and should have an experienced guide to ensure safety for the trip. The reward for your efforts is the majestic natural scenery, floating sea of clouds, and the feeling of conquering the peak with pride.
Trekkers on a rocky path surrounded by lush greenery on Fansipan mountain
From the summit of Fansipan, you will witness a brilliant sunrise over the sea of clouds, an unforgettable experience in life. If you don’t want to trek long distances, you can choose the Fansipan cable car to reach the summit and enjoy the view, but trekking is still the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of this mountain.
A panoramic view from Fansipan peak showing rolling clouds and distant mountains
Nui Dinh Mountain – Ideal Trekking Spot Near Saigon
If you are looking for a trekking spot near Saigon to escape the city’s hustle and bustle on weekends, Nui Dinh Mountain is a great choice. Located in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, about 80km from Saigon, Nui Dinh attracts visitors with its pristine beauty, fresh air, and diverse trekking routes.
Nui Dinh has a height of about 500m, suitable for short day or weekend trekking trips. The difficulty of the routes here is rated as medium, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. You can choose easy-to-walk paved roads or forest trails to challenge yourself.
A winding paved road leading up Nui Dinh mountain surrounded by trees
The road up Nui Dinh has many interesting attractions such as Hang Pagoda, Van Son Pagoda, and large rocks with unique shapes. From the mountain peak, you can admire the panoramic view of Vung Tau and the surrounding area. The weather in Nui Dinh is quite pleasant all year round, you can trek in any season, but the dry season from November to April is the best time.
A group of hikers resting on large rocks at the summit of Nui Dinh overlooking the landscape
Mua Cave Mountain – “Great Wall of China” of Ninh Binh
Mua Cave Mountain, also known as Hang Mua Mountain, is a famous tourist destination in Ninh Binh, not only for its beautiful scenery but also for its unique trekking route. The path to the top of Mua Cave Mountain is built in the form of winding stone steps like a miniature Great Wall of China, offering a trekking experience that is both interesting and challenging.
To conquer the summit of Mua Cave Mountain, you need to overcome nearly 500 stone steps. Although it may be tiring, in return, you will admire the stunning panoramic view of Trang An from above. The majestic mountains, peaceful rivers, and lush green rice fields will make you forget all fatigue.
Stone steps winding up Mua Cave Mountain resembling the Great Wall of China
Trekking Mua Cave Mountain is not too difficult, suitable for many types of visitors. The time to climb up and down the mountain is about 2-3 hours. The best time to trek Mua Cave Mountain is in spring and summer, when the weather is warm and the trees are green. In addition to trekking, you can also combine visiting Mua Cave and other famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh.
A breathtaking view of Trang An landscape from the top of Mua Cave Mountain
Ta Giang – Green Grassland in the Heart of Khanh Hoa
Ta Giang, a hidden gem in Khanh Hoa, is an ideal trekking destination for those who love wild nature and want to experience new trekking routes. Ta Giang is famous for its vast green hills, clear streams, and fresh mountain air.
The Ta Giang trekking journey usually lasts 2 days and 1 night, taking you through diverse terrains such as dense forests, rocky streams, and terraced fields of the Raglai ethnic people. The difficulty of the Ta Giang trekking route is rated as medium, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
A vast green grassland in Ta Giang with rolling hills and scattered trees
A special feature of trekking Ta Giang is that you will camp in the middle of a vast grassland, enjoy the peaceful space, and stargaze at night. You also have the opportunity to explore the local culture of the Raglai people, enjoy local specialties, and learn about their lives. The best time to trek Ta Giang is in the dry season from March to June.
A tent set up in a grassy field under a starry night sky in Ta Giang
Lung Cung Mountain – Cloud Hunting Paradise of Yen Bai
Lung Cung, a 2,913m high mountain in Yen Bai, is known as the “cloud hunting paradise” of Northern Vietnam. With cool year-round climate and cloud cover, Lung Cung is an attractive trekking destination for those who want to conquer heights and admire the beautiful sea of clouds.
The Lung Cung trekking route has a medium difficulty level, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The journey takes you through primeval forests, green valleys, and majestic hills. Trekking time usually lasts 2-3 days.
A hiker standing on a mountain ridge in Lung Cung surrounded by clouds
The best time to trek Lung Cung is in the dry season from September to April of the following year. Especially in spring, peach and plum blossoms bloom on the trekking paths, creating an extremely romantic scene. Coming to Lung Cung, you will not only trek but also discover the pristine beauty of Yen Bai mountains and forests and experience the culture of the Hmong people.
A field of blooming peach blossoms along a trekking trail in Lung Cung
Ba Den Mountain – The Roof of Southeast Vietnam
Ba Den Mountain, the highest mountain in the South of Vietnam with a height of 986m, is known as the “roof of Southeast Vietnam”. Located in Tay Ninh, Ba Den Mountain is a familiar trekking destination for many tourists, especially those living in the Southern region.
Ba Den Mountain has many different trekking routes, from easy to difficult, suitable for all levels. The Pagoda Route is the easiest route, suitable for beginners. Other routes such as the Power Line Route, Ma Thien Lanh Route, Nui Heo Route, Nui Phung Route, and Da Trang Route are more challenging, suitable for experienced trekkers.
A panoramic view from Ba Den Mountain showing the surrounding plains and cityscape
The weather in Ba Den Mountain is cool all year round, you can trek at any time. However, autumn is the best time, when the weather is dry, sunny, and the air is fresh. From the summit of Ba Den Mountain, you can admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh and the surrounding area, especially the beautiful sunset and sunrise on the mountain peak.
Hikers climbing stone steps on Ba Den Mountain surrounded by lush vegetation
Ta Dung – “Ha Long Bay” of the Central Highlands
Ta Dung, Dong Nai 3 Hydropower Lake in Dak Nong, is likened to “Ha Long Bay” of the Central Highlands because of its unique beauty with thousands of large and small islands rising on the blue lake surface. Trekking Ta Dung is not only about conquering mountains but also about discovering the poetic beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains and forests.
The Ta Dung trekking journey usually lasts 2 days and 1 night, taking you through 3 main routes: Chu Bluk Cave – Nam Ka Volcano, Phi Lieng Waterfall – gold mining area, and through the forest to Ta Dung National Park. The difficulty of the Ta Dung trekking route is rated as medium to difficult, requiring good physical fitness and trekking experience.
A scenic view of Ta Dung lake with numerous small islands and hills emerging from the water
The best time to trek Ta Dung is in the dry season from November to March of the following year. Coming to Ta Dung, you will immerse yourself in pristine nature, admire the beautiful lake scenery, and conquer the highest mountain peak in the Central Highlands. The feeling of standing on the mountain peak, admiring the panoramic view of Ta Dung will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
A campsite on a hill overlooking Ta Dung lake at sunset
Bidoup Nui Ba National Park – Kingdom of Orchids
Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, is an ideal trekking destination for those who love wild nature and want to explore the diverse ecosystem of the Lam Dong highlands. Bidoup is famous for its whispering pine forests, majestic waterfalls, and especially the kingdom of rare forest orchids.
The trekking routes in Bidoup have different levels of difficulty, suitable for many levels. The easy route from Provincial Road 723 to Bidoup peak and K’long K’lanh station is suitable for beginners. The more difficult route from K’long K’lanh station to Bidoup peak requires good physical fitness and trekking experience.
A dense forest path in Bidoup National Park with tall trees and lush undergrowth
The best time to trek Bidoup is in spring from December to April, when the weather is dry, warm, and forest orchids bloom. Coming to Bidoup, you will not only trek but also explore the diverse ecosystem, learn about rare flora and fauna, and raise awareness of environmental protection.
A colorful orchid blooming in the forest of Bidoup National Park
Lao Than Mountain – The Roof of Y Ty
Lao Than, a 2,860m high mountain in Y Ty, Lao Cai, is known as the “roof of Y Ty”. With a cool year-round climate and majestic natural scenery, Lao Than is an attractive trekking destination for those who want to explore the beautiful Y Ty region and conquer high mountain peaks.
The Lao Than trekking route has a medium difficulty level, suitable for many levels. The journey takes you through primeval forests, grassy hills, and windy peaks. Trekking time usually lasts 2-3 days.
A hiker silhouetted against a sunset view from Lao Than Mountain
The best time to trek Lao Than is from October to December or from March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. Lao Than is famous as the best place to watch the sunset and sunrise in Y Ty. Standing on the mountain peak, you can admire the panoramic view of Y Ty and the floating sea of clouds.
A panoramic view of Y Ty valley covered in clouds from Lao Than Mountain
Important Notes When Joining a Trekking Tour:
- Thorough Preparation: Learn carefully about the trekking route, prepare appropriate equipment (trekking shoes, clothing, backpack, flashlight, food, water, etc.), check your health, and make detailed plans.
- Safety First: Go in groups, have an experienced guide (if needed), follow safety regulations, and do not take risks beyond your capabilities.
- Protect the Environment: Do not litter, do not destroy plants and animals, maintain general hygiene, and respect local culture.
- Share and Learn: Share your trekking experiences with the community and learn from others to have more meaningful and safer trips.
A cartoon style avatar of a hiker with a backpack and trekking poles
Trekking is not just a sport but also a journey of self-discovery, connecting with nature, and creating memorable memories. Hopefully, with the list of outstanding trekking tours in Vietnam above, you will find a suitable destination and have wonderful experiences on the trekking routes of Vietnam. Wishing you safe and joyful trips!