Best Trekking Adventures for Your Vietnam Tour

The land of the stunning natural beauty that intersects with the strong culture and history, Vietnam is the country that is situated in the southeast of the Indochina Peninsula. It consists of green valleys and cloudy mountains to the north, to dense forests and cliffs in the south. Vietnam is heavenly to trekkers and people who are adventure enthusiasts. There are a great number of different trekking routes in the country that are good at all levels, including easy walks in the countryside and hard mountain ascents that make your breath run out.

The presence of nature and culture is what makes Vietnam really unique in terms of trekking. It is not only a walk across mountains and rice terraces, but centuries-old ethnic villages, local people that represent many different ethnic groups, everything that has remained the same way since generations. Every part possesses its rhythm, scenery, and soul and, thus, every hike is an expedition in both nature and people.

In a bid to surmount misty clouds of Fansipan, stroll over limestone plateaus of Ha Giang, or relax over tropical green islands such as Cat Ba, Vietnam provides treks, which are equal parts thrill, beauty, and soulfulness.

Now that you are visiting Vietnam, check out some of the best treks that you can not afford to miss.

1. Sapa 

Sapa is the most famous trekking destination in the country and is situated deep into the mountains of northern Vietnam. Sapa with its rolling rice terrace, misty-topped mountains, and its ethnic minority villages like the Hmong and Dao is an experience that is memorable and is a perfect mix of adventure and culture.

When you are strolling along the small ways, which are cut through the terraced fields, you will see farmers at work in green meadows, children running after each other, and women wearing their clothes of color, handwoven. Every step is profoundly satisfying to the cool mountain air and the picturesque view.

Highlights of the Sapa Trek:

Fansipan Mountain: Fansipan Mountain is considered as the highest mountain of Vietnam, being the tallest at 3,143 meters or the roof of Indochina. It is a difficult and yet satisfying climb to its top. The road leads you through dense bushlands, rocky roads and foggy mountains. On the top, clouds are whirling under your feet, and in-depth shots of Hoang Lien Son range are endless. The ones who are not as ambitious can use a cable car to have breathtaking aerial views.

Muong Hoa Valley: It is a picturesque hiking trail through among the most beautiful valleys in Vietnam. You will find terraced rice fields which reflect on the rainy season like a mirror and are golden when harvesting. Other minority villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van also pass through the trail and can be used to witness everyday life and traditional hospitality.

Cat Cat Village: This is a small village in the Black Hmong that can be reached in a short hiking trip starting at Sapa town. The trail is easy and is ideal in case of first-time hikers or individuals who desire to have a cultural experience with no hard climbing. You may visit wooden houses, waterfalls, shops on embroidered textiles and jewelry.

Tips:

When to come: March-May and September-November when the weather and sky is pleasant.

Always get a local guide to guide, and to mingle fruitfully with the people of the village.

2. Ha Giang

In case you are seeking wild, untamed beauty and fewer people, Ha Giang Province is your utopian trekking location. It is in the most northwestern part of Vietnam characterized by the dramatic limestone mountains, winding roads, and colorful hill tribes. Coming to this place is like entering a different world, the world of nature and with time passing at a lower rate.

The Ha giang trek highlights:

Dong Van Karst Plateau: A UNESCO Global Geopark, the plateau is a geological marvel that is full of limestone mountains and deep pits. On your way through the mountainous landscape, you will come upon ethnic villages that sit atop mountainsides, and you will have endless landscapes that resemble those that have been painted by nature itself.

Ma Pi Leng Pass: Ma Pi Leng Pass is considered to be the most beautiful road in Vietnam, and this road follows the route between Dong Van, and Meo Vac. It is possible to hike (or ride a bicycle) over the mountain pass and get splendid views of Nho Que River flowing through green cliffs. The expedition is an adventure, photography and serenity all in one.

Lung Cu Flag Tower: Hike to the northernmost point in Vietnam and climb the tower to have a panoramic view of the borderlands of Vietnam with China. The undulating mountains and rowed rice fields down below form a spectacular mosaic.

Tips:

Pay a visit in month September-November or in month March-May when weather is moderate and the visibility is open.

There are bare minimum facilities, and you should carry along your own equipment, water and snacks. True cultural immersion is offered in homestays in the village.

3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a serene retreat into rural Vietnam and it is located in the north-central Thanh Hoa Province. The lesser-known site is a perfect combination of forest land, limestone mountains and terraced fields all undisturbed with the mass tourism.

The Pu Luong Trek highlights include:

Kho Muong Village: This is an isolated Thai ethnic village, encircled with green valleys and limestone cliffs. The journey to this place goes through bamboo trees, beautiful farmland, and breathtaking scenery everywhere. You may even visit the Kho Muong Cave which is a huge grave created when a river passes through the mountain.

Don Village: Don Village is the central point of Pu Luong, which consists of traditional stilt homes, where you can spend the night and feel the hospitality of the local people. Your stay is also memorable with evening bonfires, folk music, and homemade rice wine.

Hieu Waterfall: The Hieu Waterfall is a moderate hike through the jungle-filled Pu Luong woods, which have one of the more picture-optimate locations of the park. The multi-level cascade is enclosed by wild vegetation and is perfect to take a cool swim at the end of a tiring hiking journey.

Tips:

Best season: the period between May and October to see green terraces, or between September and October to see golden rice fields.

Bring an umbrella or raincoat- it is prone to rain.

4. Cat Ba Island 

Cat Ba Island is a component of the Halong Bay archipelago that grants the best experience to those who would like to mix trekking with the beautiful coastal landscape. It is a tropical forest, limestone cliff and turquoise waters island paradise – a dream of an adventure lover.

Highlights of the Cat Ba Trek:

Cat Ba National Park: covering more than 15,000 hectares this is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which has treks that are both short nature walks and day long climbs. The path to Ngu Lam Peak is especially payoff and it is a panoramic view of the Island and Lan Ha bay.

Viet Hai Village: It is a remote village reachable by boat and forest path and offers an insight into the traditional Vietnamese island way of life. It is an excellent eco-tourism destination, as well as cycling, but is surrounded by green jungle and karst rocky mountains.

Hospital Cave: It is a secret underground hospital that served as a base hospital in the Vietnam War. The journey to the cave goes through thick forestry and going through the rooms gives one a very interesting view of the ingenuity in war.

Tips:

During the period between October and April, the weather is very pleasant and the seas are calm.

Trekking with kayaking in Lan Ha Bay or snorkeling around Monkey Island will result in the full adventure.

Ba Be national park – Lake of legends

To get a full-fledged adventure in the wilderness of North Vietnam, visit Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan Province. Ba Be has a large freshwater lake, unexplained caves, and high biodiversity, which make it the dream of all the trekkers who want to have some solitude and raw beauty.

Highlights of the Ba Be Trek:

Trekking Trails: The park has numerous trails which pass through bamboo forest, waterfalls and karst mountain. Hike between Pac Ngoi Village and Dau Dang Waterfall to have a cultural experience and have a glimpse at nature.

Boat Ride on Ba Be Lake: You can have a boat ride on the green lake, after you have already walked around it, which is encircled by the jungles on the cliffs. Stop by Puong Cave where thousands of bats reside and get the quiet contemplation of the water.

Homestay Experience: Experience the ethnic community of Tay in the traditional stilt houses on the lake. Savor homemade food, hear the local folklore, and get up to cloudy mornings on the water.

Tips:

Most spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) is mild.

Carry insect repellent, waterproof shoes and a camera – the landscape is out of this world.