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Source (Wild & Away)
Hiking in Vietnam is a traveler’s favorite. This is due to its extensive topography. From high mountains all the way down to the coastal walks along the beach, passing through treacherous jungle trails. Vietnam has it all. No matter your skill level or your fitness, there is a walk that will suit you, your needs and your thirst for adventure.
There are treks for those in search of adventure. Treks who want an easier walk but are looking to see wildlife. And some treks want to climb high to get the best views in the country.
Sapa
Sapa is one of the preferred destinations for hikers of all skill levels and fitness. It offers a variety of trails that interlink, so you are bound to find one that is right for you. What Sapa also offers are some of the best mountainous views in the whole of Vietnam. It is a 10-day trek to enjoy Sapa fully, but the views are worth it. You can also hike to Nam Pung Village, and from there take 6-days of down and uphill trails through Vietnam’s remotes villages and learn about their tribal history.
Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park is the best, and most popular, a destination for those who are looking to encounter local wildlife. The highlight for many who have trekked its paths are the gibbons, which are endangered. But that is not the only wildlife you can encounter, over 70 species of reptiles live there and so do over 400 different types of butterfly. Not forgetting the sambar deer and wild boar. With a few very lucky travelers claiming to have seen a tiger or an elephant.
Make sure to book in advance for this park, as the number of visitors is limited to protect the wildlife.
Bach Moc Luong Tu Mount
Bach Moc Luong Tu Mount is a less know mountain than the Fansipan Mountain, but it still stands at 3,046 meters, making it the fourth tallest in Vietnam. This is a challenging route, made for those adventure seekers who really do want a great view. The terrain can be boggy, steep rocks and dense with trees. Sometimes the rocky terrain can be hours or days worth of hiking. It is best seen at dusk and dawn. Raise early to start your climb through the ocean of clouds. When you get to the top, sit down to enjoy the sunset and you will not be disappointed.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is one of the more tranquil hikes in the country. It is made up of two glorious mountain ranges and the valley that lies between them. Here you will find amazing photo opportunities of rice fields, limestone mounts and a rich and diverse forest. Which, of course, comes with its included wildlife. Most travelers will recommend an overnight trek, but the park is also amazing for a day visit.
Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a four-day trek through some of the best hill tribes of Vietnam. On your route, you must pass and see the countries largest waterfall and one of the most impressive in South-East Asia, Ban Gioc Waterfall. You will also pass through several tribal villages and encounter Tay people, Hmong, Nung, and Red Dao people too. You will head to Poc Bo Village, where you will find the caves of Coc Bo, made famous by Ho Chi Minh and his revolutionary activities. This simple trek also looks over Ba Be National Park.
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park was opened in 1992 and is also known as the Ba Be Lake because the park is centered around Vietnam’s largest lake. The park has various hiking trails, all full of diverse flora and fauna for you to see. Alongside astonishing views of lakes, forests and mountains. You can also explore the many caves that are in the reason. Make sure you pack for a few days when you come to visit Ba Be National Park.
Mai Chau
Mai Chau is in Northeast Vietnam, around 130 kilometers away from Hanoi and its busy city lifestyle. While the town itself has nothing really to offer, the region is one of the best casual trekking regions in the country. It has a very well interlinked system of paths and trails, which lead you through rice fields and villages, creating incredibly picturesque views. It is a dense network with great facilities. A perfect trip for an avid hiker who may not be as young as they used to be.
Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a well-worth but complicated trek up the highest point of Dong Van, a border town filled with mountain passes and valleys. Many of the trails can be tricky and challenging as there are several summits to climb and tight mountain passes. But once you reach Ma Pi Leng Pass all the challenges will be worth it. The views are stunning. And the hike back down is just as impressive with canyons, limestone mountains and rice fields fill your view.
While trekking this area, be sure to visit Hmong Palace. The Palace features a traditional Chinese-style mansion, which boasts of four two-story wings. It was built in 1902 by Chinese tradesmen with the consent of French colonizers.
Finding More to do in Vietnam
Those are eight amazing hiking trails for those who are seeking to get out into the wild and explore the country’s natural beauty. However, that is not all there is to do in Vietnam. There are plenty of cities, getaways and other experiences for you to try. Find out what there is to do to quench your thirst for adventure on Explore One Vietnam. Here you can find where the best places to eat, shop, dance and so much more.
Whatever your reasons are for visiting the beautiful country of Vietnam, we hope you enjoy your time here. Please let us know if you have been on any of these trails and tell us what you thought about it!