9 Best Places for Trekking in Vietnam
Tourists coming to Vietnam are often mesmerized by the wildly beautiful nature of the country, from the yellow terraces in harvesting season of the North stretching to central highland or the fascinating bustles of the Mekong Delta in the South. The most popular trekking, hiking types in Vietnam are jungle trekking, mountain hiking, countryside hitch-hiking, walking, and rambling adventures. Here is the list of the most famous trekking areas voted by both local and foreign travellers.
Sapa
As a frontier town of Lao Cai Province in the Northwest region of Vietnam, Sapa has solidified its reputation as one of the premier trekking destinations in the country. Dominated by the majestic Mt. Fansipan, which towers at 3,147 meters, this peak is the highest in Vietnam and across the Indochina Peninsula. In addition to its mountainous terrain, Sapa is a melting pot of several ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao (Yao), Giay, Pho Lu, and Tay.
Sapa - Photo: @Leethanhhaf
Read more about Trekking Routes in Sapa
Pu Luong
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is heralded for its stunning beauty, cultural richness, and high biodiversity. Located in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc Districts of Thanh Hoa Province, the reserve features two parallel mountain ridges separated by a central valley. This lush region is characterized by extensive forests, limestone landscapes, spectacular rice terraces, and breathtaking views that draw nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Pu Luong - Photo: @_uyenhoang
Mai Chau
Located 135 kilometers from Hanoi, Mai Chau is a delightful district in Hoa Binh Province that attracts visitors with its stunning green valley views and traditional stilt houses belonging to the ethnic minorities of White Thai and Black Thai. These two groups are predominant in the area, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
Mai Chau - Photo: @kyoko_overseas
Cao Bang
As a province in the northwest region, Cao Bang is adorned with dramatic landscapes of high mountains interspersed with rivers, streams, and pristine jungles. It is famously home to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most stunning natural attractions along the border with China, captivating visitors with its beauty and serenity.
Cao Bang - Photo: @lee.hinn
Cat Ba Island
Located on the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam, Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 366 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago. Roughly half of its area is designated as a national park, where the unique convergence of ocean and jungle fosters rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems, resulting in incredibly high biodiversity.
Cat Ba Island - Photo: @tripzozo
Ba Be Lake and National Park
Ba Be National Park, home to Vietnam’s largest natural lake, is nestled amidst a sprawling limestone mountain range in Bac Kan Province. Visitors can explore waterfalls, rivers, valleys, and caves, all contributing to a picturesque landscape. The park is heavily forested and inhabited by various ethnic minorities, enhancing its cultural diversity. Tropical and semi-tropical evergreen monsoon forests dominate much of the national park.
Ba Be National Park - Photo: @ferragua
Cuc Phuong National Park
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is recognized as Vietnam's oldest national park, spanning 25,000 hectares and situated approximately 140 kilometers south of Hanoi. The park is celebrated for its remarkable botanical diversity, housing numerous flora species, with patches of ancient forest that feature towering trees, dense root systems, and both parasitic and climbing plants.
Cuc Phuong National Park - Photo: @meriasensio
Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien National Park spans three provinces—Dong Nai, Lam Dong, and Binh Thuan—situated in southern Vietnam. This well-preserved park is renowned for its impressive biodiversity, including ancient trees that can live for millennia. The park is also home to stunning waterfalls and rivers, providing additional attractions for nature enthusiasts.
Central Highlands Area
The Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) of Vietnam offer a stark contrast to the tropical south, featuring an arid climate and rolling hills. Much of this region is composed of flat plateaus, predominantly inhabited by various ethnic groups. While most conventional travel guides may not spotlight the extraordinary sights here, places such as Ngok Linh Mountain, Chu Mon Ray Jungle, and Dak To Hot Spring are essential destinations worth exploring.
Cat Tien National Park - Photo: @ken_tv
Considering a trekking tour? Contact our trekking experts for free advice at info@vietnamonline.com.
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