Are you a young and adventurous soul who loves to conquer challenges? Do you dream of setting foot on the highest peaks of Vietnam, gazing at the majestic beauty of the mountains from above? Then don’t miss this article! We will take you to the top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam, where you can satisfy your passion for trekking, explore pristine nature, and experience unforgettable emotions. Prepare your gear and let’s begin the journey to conquer the Roof of Indochina!
Fansipan – The Majestic Roof of Indochina (3143m)
When mentioning the highest mountains in Vietnam, Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina with an altitude of 3143m, is a must-mention. Located about 10km from Sapa town, Fansipan is a dream destination for many trekkers, both domestic and international.
- Difficulty: Despite being the highest mountain, Fansipan is considered relatively easy to conquer, suitable for beginners to trekking.
- Duration: The most popular trekking routes are Tram Ton (2 days 1 night) and Cat Cat (3 days 2 nights).
- Experience: Standing on the summit of Fansipan, you will witness the panoramic view of Sapa shrouded in mist, the rolling mountains, and the floating sea of clouds.
Pusilung – The Border Roof (3083m)
Pusilung, the second highest mountain in Vietnam with an altitude of 3083m, is located in Muong Te, Lai Chau. This place is also known as the “border roof,” offering you a challenging and meaningful trekking experience.
- Difficulty: Pusilung requires good physical fitness and trekking experience due to its very long route, arguably the longest in the top 10.
- Note: As the trail passes border marker 42, you need to obtain permission from the Pa Ve Su Border Guard Station before conquering it.
- Experience: The journey to conquer Pusilung is not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of the border region and immerse yourself in magnificent nature.
Putaleng – The Beauty of Primeval Forest (3049m)
Putaleng, the third highest mountain in Vietnam (3049m), located in Lai Chau, is famous for its mesmerizing primeval forests.
- Route: The trekking route usually starts from Ho Thau commune, Tam Duong district, and ends in Ta Leng commune.
- Experience: The journey to conquer Putaleng will take you through primeval forests with diverse vegetation, crystal-clear streams, dark bamboo forests, and vibrant ancient rhododendron trees.
Bach Moc Luong Tu (Ky Quan San) – Cloud Hunting on High Peaks (3046m)
Bach Moc Luong Tu, also known as Ky Quan San (3046m), located on the border between Lao Cai and Lai Chau, is one of the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in Northern Vietnam.
- Name: The official name of the mountain is Ky Quan San, but Bach Moc Luong Tu has become more popular.
- Highlight: Sunrise in the high clouds has become the trademark of this mountain.
- Experience: Standing on the summit of Bach Moc Luong Tu, you will witness the floating sea of clouds, the mountain peaks undulating in the early morning mist, and feel the majesty of nature.
Sea of clouds at Bach Moc Luong Tu peak, a popular cloud hunting spot.
Phan Lien San (Khang Su Van) – The Controversial Border Region (3012m)
Phan Lien San (Khang Su Van), the fifth highest mountain in Vietnam (3012m), located in Phong Tho, Lai Chau, is one of the mountains with the most controversial names.
- Location: Located on the Vietnam-China border and passes border marker No. 79.
- Name: The official name has not been announced yet, but currently, an inox marker with the name Khang Su Van has been placed on the summit.
- Experience: Conquering Phan Lien San, you will explore the pristine border region, admire historical landmarks, and experience interesting stories about the mountain’s name.
Ta Lien Son (Co Trau) – The Fairytale Forest (2996m)
Ta Lien Son, also known as Co Trau (2996m), located in Ta Leng, Tam Duong, Lai Chau, is famous for its diverse primeval forest and mystical scenery.
- Name: The name Co Trau (Old Buffalo) probably originates from the shape of the mountain when viewed from the village, resembling the back of a mighty buffalo.
- Experience: Ta Lien forest with lush ancient trees, moss-covered surfaces, white camellia flowers scattered on the path, fiery red maple leaves, and charming green moss carpets will make you feel like you are lost in a fairytale forest.
Source: Hachi8
Ta Chi Nhu (Pu Luong) – Cloud Paradise in the Lower Realm (2979m)
Ta Chi Nhu (Pu Luong), the seventh highest mountain in Vietnam (2979m), located in Tram Tau, Yen Bai, is one of the most ideal cloud hunting locations.
- Terrain: Bare hills, short and slightly steep paths.
- Ideal time: From November to April of the following year.
- Experience: Ta Chi Nhu is not only a cloud paradise but also a “kingdom of sunshine and wind,” where you can admire herds of cattle raised by ethnic minorities on the hills.
Po Ma Lung (Bach Long) – The Novel Border Mountain (2967m)
Po Ma Lung (Bach Long), the eighth highest mountain in Vietnam (2967m), located in Phong Tho, Lai Chau, is one of the newly discovered mountains.
- Name: Also known as Bach Long (White Dragon), associated with a legend about a Dragon diving into a deep lake.
- Terrain: Long slopes, going along streams and waterfalls.
- Experience: Po Ma Lung offers you a challenging trekking experience with pristine natural scenery and interesting stories about the mountain’s name.
Source: Viettrekking
Nhiu Co San – The Ancient Stone Path Through The Forest (2965m)
Nhiu Co San, the ninth highest mountain in Vietnam (2965m), located in Bat Xat, Lao Cai, is one of the pristine destinations with primeval forests and rich vegetation.
- Special feature: It is the starting point of the 80km long ancient Pavi stone path through the forest, built by the French in 1927.
- Experience: Conquering Nhiu Co San, you will admire the majestic mountain scenery and explore the ancient Pavi stone path, a unique historical relic.
Lung Cung – The Green Valley of Grass (2913m)
Lung Cung, the tenth highest mountain in Vietnam (2913m), located in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, boasts diverse terrain with green grass valleys and dense primeval forests.
- Terrain: Trekking in the forest, long steep slopes.
- Experience: Lung Cung is an interesting destination for experienced trekkers, with beautiful natural scenery and not too difficult to conquer.
Source: Viettrekking
With detailed information about the top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam, we hope you have gained more motivation to plan memorable trekking trips. Prepare thoroughly, train your fitness, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments on your journey to conquer the Roof of Indochina! Are you ready?