Vietnam is not only ideal for those who would like to enjoy a relaxing holiday but is also suitable for trekking lovers. Thanks to the diversity in the terrain, Vietnam offers many trekking routes with magnificent sceneries and exciting experiences. Let’s find the top 09 best places for trekking in Vietnam with Handspan Travel Indochina!

This article includes these most famous trekking destinations below. 

Sapa

With the beautiful terraced rice fields, majestic mountains, and waterfalls, Sapa is indeed one of the best places for trekking in Vietnam. It is a fantastic place with everything a traveler is looking for outstanding natural beauty with imposing mountains and green valleys, fascinating cultures and traditions of many hill tribes, and beautiful pleasant weather all year round.

Trekking in Sapa

The best time for trekking in Sapa is from March to May and September to November. There are many trekking routes, from easy to challenging trekking. Let’s refer to some of the paths below.

Sapa Town - Cat Cat Village - Sin Chai Village trekking route

Trekking from Sapa Town to Sin Chai Village and back is one of the accessible trekking routes in Sapa, with a total route distance of about 8 kilometers. By joining this trekking route, besides admiring magnificent mountains and terraced rice fields, you will also have a chance to experience and learn about local people’s culture, customs, and traditional costumes. 

Sin Chai Village

Lao Chai - Ta Van

Lao Chai - Ta Van trekking route is also a medium trekking route in Sapa, which is about 8 - 10 kilometers. Passing through tranquil scenery along the Muong Hoa Valley, you will reach Lao Chai and Ta Van Village, the living residence of Mong, Dao, Giay, and Tay. 

Trekking in Ta Van

Fansipan Mountain trekking

While the top of Fansipan Mountain can be easily reached by cable car, it will be more exciting and memorable if you take a trek. However, ensure endurance and good health, as this trek is pretty hard. You will experience the unspoiled route with many ancient trees and diverse flora. 

Fansipan trekking route

As one of the ideal places for trekking in Vietnam, Sapa attracts domestic and international tourists. For more things to do in Sapa, please visit our article: The most 07 amazing things to do in Sapa you should not miss.

Mai Chau (Hoa Binh)

Mai Chau, 140 kilometers from Hanoi, is also among the perfect places for trekking in Vietnam. This destination is a land formed, shaped, and painted by nature and human beings with different materials: sandstone, limestone, clay, thick layers of humus, diverse cultures, different histories, ways of living, etc. Would you like to experience the combination of cultures and beautiful landscapes in Mai Chau? Then, trekking from one village to another villages is the best way to explore the Mai Chau Valley. You will pass through winding roads with wide fields on both sides, stilt houses at the foot of the mountain, majestic forests, waterfalls, etc. 

Mai Chau Valley

The best time for trekking is from October to April, with the mild weather climate and charming landscape. Below are some famous villages and sights to visit and take a trek in Mai Chau you should refer to. 

Lac and Pom Coong Village

Lac and Pom Coong, two villages with some 170 households, are at the heart of the area. Their friendly owners, the White Thai people, have been living here since their migration 700 years ago. Coming here, you can see local people’s daily activities, such as brocade weaving, farming, etc. 

Lac Village

Pom Coong Village

Hang Kia - Pa Co

Hang Kia - Pa Co attracts tourists with peaceful villages surrounded by rocky mountains on all sides and a cool climate all year round. Thanks to the fascinating landscape and unique cultural features, Hang Kia - Pa Co has become one of the ideal places for trekking in Mai Chau. 

Hang Kia - Pa Co

Van Village

Van Village impresses tourists with its tranquility and some small patches of terraced rice fields. A nice walk around the village and a nearby market visit is recommended, particularly on Sunday mornings. 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa)

If you are looking for rustic places for trekking in Vietnam, you should not miss Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located in Thanh Hoa Province,170 kilometers from Hanoi. This destination possesses unspoiled natural beauty with diverse flora and fauna, primary forest, and charming terraced rice fields. Besides, Pu Luong has a cool and mild climate and the unique cultural beauty of Thai and Muong ethnic people. Therefore, trekking in Pu Luong will bring memorable experiences with impressive scenery and friendly locals. 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong is the most beautiful in the harvesting season, from September to November and from February to May. The scenery is breathtaking, with mountains, forests, rivers, cascades, and terraced rice fields. Among all the villages in Pu Luong, Kho Muong, and Ban Hieu are the favorite places for trekking. Let’s find detailed information on these two villages.

Kho Muong Village

Kho Muong is located in one of the deepest valleys in Pu Luong. The best way to reach this village is via road 15A, which connects Mai Chau and Pu Luong and starts trekking from Ban Sai, where road 15A meets road 15C. The trek from Sai village to Kho Muong village offers the most stunning scenery with big cliffs and green forest on one side and rice terraces and a village on one side. Kho Muong Cave and Thai people’s stilt houses are two spots you should not miss while trekking in Kho Muong Village. 

Kho Muong Village

Ban Hieu Village

One of the best trekking routes in Pu Luong is between Kho Muong and Ban Hieu Village. The hike is a little bit up and down, and the scenery changes from mountains and jungle to rice terrace fields. 

Ban Hieu

With many appealing paths and stunning landscapes, Pu Luong is indeed one of the most attractive places for trekking in Vietnam. In addition to the above villages, Pu Luong has many trekking routes to explore, such as trekking to Bam Village, Uoi Village, Lan Village, etc. Besides, if you would like to challenge yourself with more hard trekking routes, please do not hesitate to contact us. Otherwise, you can refer to our tour: From the mountain to Halong Bay, which offers tours to Pu Luong Nature Reserve in combination with Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay. 

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park, located on Cat Ba Island, is among the perfect places for trekking in Vietnam. Coming here, you can explore the forest ecosystem on the limestone mountain, mangrove ecosystem, and marine forest ecosystem along with coral reefs. Below are popular trekking routes in Cat Ba National Park you should not miss. 

Trung Trang cave’s east area to Uy Ban cave, Kim Giao forest to Ngu Lam Peak

This route lasts two to three hours, suitable for those who do not have much time to explore Cat Ba National Park. Although the road is relatively narrow, it is flat; therefore, it is easy to combine trekking with a bicycle or motorbike. 

Trung Trang Cave

Ngu Lam viewpoint

Kim Giao to Me Con and Tung Di, May Bau to Quan Cave

Departing from Kim Giao, you will trek through different routes through Cat Ba National Park. These routes vary from walking trails to climbing high cliffs with many forest trees growing around the cliffs, climbing stairs, etc. 

Ao Ech to Viet Hai Fishing Village

Before reaching Ao Ech, you will pass through Anh Rang Slope, May Bau Peak, Anh Phay Peak, etc., with different terrains, such as the high bamboo forest above, high steps, and sharp cat ears cliffs. From Ao Ech, you will follow the large rocky roads, and steep slopes to get to Viet Hai Fishing Village. 

Viet Hai Fishing village

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is a nature reserve, a special-use forest belonging to three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa, 120 kilometers from Hanoi to the South. This spot is not only famous for eco-tourism and relaxation holidays but also one of the most suitable places for trekking in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong National Park attracts many adventurous trekkers with complex terrain and primeval forests with mysterious landscapes. The ideal time to take a trek through the park is during the dry season, from December to April. Below are some popular trekking routes in Cuc Phuong National Park you should refer to.

Trekking to Dong Nguoi Xua (the cave of the prehistoric man)

Dong Nguoi Xua, about 8 kilometers from the park’s entrance gate, is the place of living of the primitive people. The cave is 300 meters from the main road, and you must climb more than 200 steps to reach the cave’s gate. Coming inside this cave, you will have an opportunity to admire the stalactites of various shapes and learn about the remains of prehistoric people. 

Nguoi Xua Cave

May Bac Peak

May Bac Peak is the highest peak in the Cuc Phuong National Park, 3 kilometers from the Bong Center. As the route is quite hard, you will need the tour guide to avoid getting lost. 

May Bac Peak

Trekking to Khanh Village

The journey to Khanh Village, an ethnic village of the Muong people, is about 15 kilometers. You can stay overnight here and discover local people's simple and cozy life. 

Besides these above routes, Cuc Phuong National Park also has different paths for you to choose from. Passing through the forest, you will have the chance to admire the rich ecological flora and fauna. 

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province has a primeval forest, the biggest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, with magnificent caves and stretching terraced rice fields. Therefore, it is exceptionally suitable to be on the list of excellent places for trekking in Vietnam. Trekking is one of the most exciting experiences of exploring the splendid landscape of the Ba Be National Park. 

Ba Be National Park

The most popular route in Ba Be National Park is trekking to Hmong villages inside the park. Starting your journey from the lakeside trail, you will reach Coc Toc Village, the traditional village of Tay people living by fishing on the lake. After passing through mountains and majestic primeval forests, you will see the tranquil villages of Hmong people on the high mountains. Walking along these villages, you will see local people wearing traditional Hmong clothes and growing corn and cassava on terraced fields. 

Ba Be trekking route

Pac Ngoi Village

Besides these trekking routes, Ba Be National Park has many other places and things to explore. If you would like to have a complete experience in Ba Be, from kayaking to trekking and visiting impressive spots, don't hesitate to contact our team.

Ha Giang

Ha Giang is also one of the wonderful places for trekking in Vietnam for adventurous lovers. With a flavorful weather climate all year round, you can visit Ha Giang and take a trek at any time of the year. However, if you come here during the harvesting season between September and December, you will have a chance to admire and join the daily activities of local people while immersing yourself in the stunning landscape. Let’s see some famous trekking routes in Ha Giang that both domestic and international tourists favor.

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng Pass is one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam, at a height of 1500 meters. Coming here, you will be impressed with the towering cliffs, mountains, and the beautiful Nho Que river along the valley. 

Ma Pi Leng Pass

Lung Cu Flag Pole

The trekking route to the Lung Cu Flag Pole, the North Pole of Vietnam, is not easy to take. You will have to pass through the winding roads and craggy steep slopes to reach here. 

Lung Cu flag pole

Thi Waterfall

Thi Waterfall is next to the Na Chi primeval forest in Xin Man District, Ha Giang Province. Trekking through the forest, you will see the cool, clear water between the smooth rocks. 

Besides these trekking routes, Ha Giang has many other attractive roads with a fascinating landscape. If you would like to explore Ha Giang yourself, be sure that you have already found out detailed information about the destination. Otherwise, you can contact us and make your requirements.

Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is about 60 kilometers from Hue, attracting tourists with the wild natural landscapes. It is also among the great places for trekking in Vietnam you should refer to.

Bach Ma National Park

Coming to Bach Ma, you can immerse yourself in nature, green mountains, hills, and the murmuring sound of the waterfall. The trekking in Bach Ma National Park is at a moderate level (suitable for most hikers and generally involves some trekking at moderate altitude, on reasonably difficult terrain). Let’s see some spots on your trekking journey in Bach Ma National Park!

Vong Hai Dai

Passing through narrow trails and primeval forests, you will reach Vong Hai Dai, the highest peak of Bach Ma. Staying here, you will be surprised by the panoramic view of mountains, rivers, lagoons, and the sea. 

Vong Hai Dai

Ngu Ho Waterfall

Although the trekking route to Ngu Ho Waterfall is relatively rough, it’s worth taking to admire the wonderful nature. Ngu Ho Waterfall is a system of 5 lakes with their own beauty interweaving between rocks and forests. 

Do Quyen Waterfall

Do Quyen Waterfall is an artistic masterpiece of nature that you should not ignore. The trail leading up to Do Quyen waterfall is a winding slope but has a fascinating landscape with pine trees, palm trees, and woody ferns. 

Do Quyen Waterfall

Let’s travel to Bach Ma National Park, take a trek, and immerse yourself in impressive scenery!

Da Lat

Mentioning the best places for trekking in Vietnam, it cannot miss Dalat, which is located at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains and forest flora. Dalat offers many trekking routes, from easy to hard level. Whether you are a severe trekker or just want a soft adventure day, you'll find a suitable trekking tour. Below are some popular options for you to choose from.

Hiking to Tiger Falls through the forest, by Lang Bian River via suspension bridges

If you have high endurance, you may want to choose the Tiger Falls trekking route. This fall has a height of 50 meters and stretches along the 100-meter stream surrounded by pine forests, tropical jungles, and hilly landscapes. You will start your journey by hiking through the steep-sided pine forest trail and down to the Lang Bian River. After relaxing and swimming in the waterfall, you will continue your day by walking near the river. Then, you will cross charming suspension bridges and pine forests to the village of the ethnic minorities.

Tiger Falls

Lang Biang trekking route

Samson Mountain peak trekking tour

The peak of Samson Mountain is 1700 meters above sea level. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of Lang Biang Mountain in the North. You will start hiking through the pine forests, sightseeing the pine's vast green stretching along the way. After resting at the lookout spot, you will continue going through the forest area with rich vegetables. You will see diverse flora and fauna along the way, from towering hardwood trees hundreds of years old to delicate blooming flowers.

Elephant Mountain and Chicken Village trekking tour

The Elephant Mountain is 15 kilometers from the Dalat city center. The trekking tour starts at the scenic Tuyen Lam Lake. Trekking to the mountain's peak, you will pass through broadleaf evergreen ecology and pine forest. The trekking trail will end at the infamous Chicken Village.

Elephant Mountain

In conclusion, you have just known some well-known places for trekking in Vietnam. Now, it's time to start your journey, and do not forget to bring your hat, sunscreen, repellent, camera, and comfortable walking shoes such as sports or hiking boots.