Trekking Vietnam Like a Pro – Top 9 Trekking Trails

Adventure seekers rejoice! From steep jagged peaks to plunging green valleys and jungles filled with abundant wildlife, a Vietnam hiking trip enables you to experience some of the most remarkable scenery in Southeast Asia. 

Presenting a range of challenges, trekking in Vietnam suits anyone from novice trekkers to extreme hikers; whatever the case, everyone will love the pristine landscapes presented by Vietnam’s walking trails. For those heading north, tours to Sapa from Hanoi are among the most popular trekking trails offering travellers an insight into the hill tribes of the northern regions and a favourable colder climate. 

However, there isn’t just one place to find the best hiking in Vietnam; each destination offers something different from tiers of rice fields and soaring limestone mountains to mouthwatering food, rich history, ancient villages and a pristine coastline. 

With over 2,000 miles of coastline, a 1,500-year history, three major city hubs and traditions that will warm your heart, choosing to trek Vietnam will be a trip you’ll never forget. 

Trips you may like

10-Day Yoga and Culture in Vietnam and Cambodia

Treat yourself to a much-needed break from your daily grind with a rejuvenating yoga and culture holiday combination. Pamper yourself in a tranquil surrounding, among the beauty of nature, relax your mind with our yoga retreat exercises. Let’s see the world and strengthen your inner balance! When you are not relaxing, there are a host of sightseeing activities that allow you to see the essentials while also having intimate cultural experiences with time to meet locals. You will also get to explore villages in the mountains and countryside on this Cambodia and Vietnam retreat. As a real treat, you’ll see two cultural dance performances, one in Hanoi and one in Cambodia to finish your time in each country.

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7-Day Mekong Delta Cycling Trip

A flat Delta with lush tropical-fruit gardens, floating houses and crisscross waterways, the Mekong is the perfect place for a cycling tour. This trip is a little bit different from other short cycling tours in the Mekong, as it is longer and takes you deeper into the countryside to see more interesting things in not only to Can Tho and Tra Vinh with their floating markets and orchards but southwards deeper to visit Chau Doc and Cao Lanh to understand more about the beautiful countrysides as well as the life of the locals by the river. After 1 week in Vietnam, your Mekong Delta experience will leave you feeling like you have a true understanding of life on the river.

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5-Day Intriguing South Vietnam

Southern Vietnam has a vast river and canal system with a rich history of trade and transportation, and it is located right outside Ho Chi Minh City! These waterways are well known for their role in the Vietnam-American War. This short tour will show you the highlights of both in just five days. You’ll visit Vietnam’s Cu Chi tunnels, excellent war museums, and learn about the history of former Saigon, before setting out to explore the culture and floating markets of the Mekong Delta by boat.

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11-Day Vietnam Insights

Relish in an eleven-day journey on a north to south Vietnam tour; a country filled with a fascinating history and stunning landscapes. You’ll travel from the bustling Hanoi in the north, brimming with French colonial architecture, to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, which is the financial hub of Vietnam. Along the way, you’ll discover Vietnam and experience firsthand the lifestyle of the people in the different regions of the country. You’ll engage in various activities like cyclo-riding, hiking through the scenic countryside, and boating along the Mekong Delta while watching the locals go about their daily lives along the river banks. This trip offers the perfect balance of Vietnam with its chaotic cities, soothingly calm nature, and rich cultural heritage and history.

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7-Day North Vietnam Highlights

Northern Vietnam is home to many treasures and on this week-long trip, you’ll discover the highlights. Beautiful azure bays, limestone karsts shooting out from green pastures, incredible mountain scenery, friendly locals and delicious northern food awaits you. Beginning in Hanoi, you’ll explore this 1,000-year-old city and its 36 streets which make up its atmospheric Old Quarter. You’ll then head to Mai Chau Village where you’ll learn about life in a northern ethnic village and take in the beautiful scenery from your ecolodge. Moving on, you’ll head to the ‘Halong Bay on Land’, Ninh Binh, where you’ll float along the Tam Coc River taking in the scenery and hike to the top of the Mua Cave Peak to take in the wonderful views. The last stop of this 7 day Vietnam itinerary will be coastal as you board your overnight cruise in Halong Bay. You’ll float among the magnificent karsts, go snorkelling, kayaking, caving and more!

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5-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay Tour

During this short 5-day Vietnam tour, you will get to experience the amazing natural beauty of northern Vietnam, taste local dishes, and catch a glimpse into what local life is like here. Spend the first part of your trip in the stunning Ninh Binh, which is known as the Halong Bay on land for its winding river nestled between towering limestone cliffs. Here you will visit numerous pagodas and shrines and take a scenic boat tour in the heart of nature. You will also get to spend three days on an exciting Halong Bay cruise, a must-see experience for anyone visiting Vietnam! Here you will enjoy the thousands of islets that make up Halong and get to go swimming in caves and kayaking on the emerald green waters for an unforgettable trip.

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8-Day Sneak Peek of Vietnam

This 8-day Vietnam tour is a fantastic option for travellers who want to really experience Vietnam but find themselves a little short on time. The tour kicks off in Hanoi, which is a 1000-year-old city that brims with culture and historical significance. You will then depart and travel down to Halong Bay where you will cruise explore, and stay overnight on the boat. Hoi An will be the next stop, an ancient and picturesque town that always delights visitors. The last few days of your trip will be spent in Southern Vietnam where you will explore Ho Chi Minh City as well as the Mekong Delta.

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The Top 9 Iconic Destinations for Trekking in Vietnam

Presenting some of the subcontinent’s best nature experiences, we’ve narrowed down the nine most iconic trekking destinations that will offer something for everyone regardless of where they sit on the hiking experience spectrum. 

#1 Sapa Vietnam Trekking

A vibrant green northern paradise, Sapa is no secret. Sapa trekking tours from Hanoi are extremely popular with those that would like to extend the cultural reach of their Vietnam trip to spending a few days in the hills hiking to remote villages.

Whilst Sapa is well-trodden (excuse the pun), there are still many routes and trails that make it feel as though trekking Northern Vietnam is still a secret. Depending on how long you are looking to spend hiking Sapa, Vietnam, you can choose from a wide range of routes, all varying in distance, difficulty and length. 

One thing is for certain that on any Sapa trek in Vietnam, you’ll be greeted with spectacular mountain views, tiered rice paddies and unique culture as you encounter some of the Vietnamese ethnic minorities that call these mountains home. 

Explore the villages of Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, Sin Chai and more on this three-day Sapa Vietnam trekking tour.

#2 Jungle Trek in Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park

Home to 30 national parks protecting the abundant wildlife and beautiful marine, coastal and inland scenery, jungle trekking in Vietnam presents an array of opportunities. If you’re looking to go trekking in South Vietnam then look no further than Cat Tien National Park, the country’s own treasure trove of biodiversity. 

From gibbons to wild boars and sambar deer, Cat Tien National Park enables visitors to see a number of endangered species in the wild. Just 160 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re not looking to spend multiple days trekking in Vietnam’s jungle then Cat Tien gives you the opportunity to delve into the rare flora and fauna on an overnight trip from the southern metropolis.

With trails of varying distance, you’ll be led through the park’s great ecosystem, past 100-year-old trees with exposed roots taller than you. You’ll hope to spot rare gibbons, over 400 species of butterfly and a number of the 79 reptile species which call these lands home. 

Let one of our expert Local Designers in Vietnam take the headache out of organising and planning your Vietnam hiking trip. 

#3 Cao Bang – Alternative Hiking in Northern Vietnam

One of the greatest destinations for Vietnam trekking tours, Cao Bang’s karst mountain scenery, deep gorges, tiered rice paddies and astonishing waterfalls form the perfect backdrop to any adventure. 

Situated on the Chinese border in the depths of Northern Vietnam, the Cao Bang province is home to the Ban Gioc Waterfall which makes for one of the most scenic hikes in the country. One of the most majestic waterfalls in Southeast Asia, Ban Gioc can be reached in less than a day on a short trekking tour of North Vietnam.

Alternatively, it can make up one part of a four-day tour which takes you through a series of tribal villages, to famous caves and through the fascinating Ba Be National Park. Connect with one of our Local Designers in Vietnam if this sounds like your ideal trip. 

#4 Trekking Da Lat, Vietnam’s Highland Region

Perched 1,500 metres above sea level in Vietnam’s southern central region, Da Lat was a French colonial resort town that flourished into a city adored by locals and expats alike. If you’re on the hunt for Vietnam’s stunning karst scenery and endless beaches, then Da Lat is not the place. However, what you will find here is a refreshingly cool climate, tumbling waterfalls, a thriving local culture and endless hiking trails. 

For those that love an adventure, Vietnam’s Da Lat is your playground; hiking, rock climbing, camping, caving and more are on offer. From its history as a colonial town, Da Lat has held onto its little ‘touch of Europe’ making for a wonderful place to spend a few days. 

Those interested in trekking Vietnam’s central highlands will want to head just outside of Da Lat’s centre to Lang Biang Mountain, a symbol of the city. The gentle trekking trail, perfect for beginners, takes around four hours to complete. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the view of Da Lat city from the height of 2,167 metres.

Design your own Vietnam hiking tour to Da Lat with the help of one of our trusted Local Designers. 

#5 Ha Giang Trekking 

Much more than a Hanoi day trip to Sapa, the northern province of Ha Giang is equidistant from the northern capital but offers a different experience to its more popular counterpart. As the northernmost province of the country before you hit China, Ha Giang is sometimes referred to as the ‘final frontier of Vietnam’. 

Ha Giang is known for its sweeping views, karst mountains, colourful ethnic minorities and, come spring, its carpet of blooming flowers. Whilst its deep valleys and high peaks are awe-inspiring, trekking Ha Giang in Vietnam is more for those that are looking for shorter routes. Several trails run through the valleys, along the mountains from one remote village to the next. However, the views at every turn are utterly tremendous. 

One of the mountain passes – Ma Pi Leng – offers a panoramic view of limestone peaks, deep canyons and mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see, dotted with green fields and the occasional settlement. 

For those that are looking to ‘get off the beaten track’, Ha Giang is the place. Strolling on the gentle paths between villages home to ethnic minorities you never know what you might find; from grazing buffalo, ladies weaving baskets and over-excited children at the sight of ‘foreigners’. 

Plan your perfect Ha Giang trekking experience in Vietnam with one of our Local Designers who can tailor a trip to suit your budget, interests and travel style. 

#6 Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Hanoi Hiking Day Trip

From a starting point like Hanoi, trekking opportunities are abundant in the north of Vietnam. If you’re not looking to spend your entire trip hiking North Vietnam, then looking to the nature reserves scattered beyond the capital offer the perfect opportunity. 

Just under 100 miles from Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is home to two mountain ranges facing each other with a valley in between. In the valley, you’ll find tiered, lush green rice terraces, limestone hills and forests. Covering an area of almost 18,000 hectares, Pu Luong is the biggest nature reserve in Northern Vietnam. 

Best explored on an overnight trek, you’ll encounter stunning waterfalls, endless rice terraces, mountain scenery and ethnic communities. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, you can hike the 9,793-foot Mount Phu Luong. 

Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve on this three-day North Vietnam trekking trip which takes you on a journey through this tranquil corner of earth. 

#7 Bach Ma – Trekking Hue, Vietnam

Central Vietnam’s beauty cannot be disputed. Stretching mountain ranges, incredible coastal scenery, beautiful waterfalls and abundant wildlife await you when trekking Central Vietnam. Bach Ma National Park in Hue is no exception.

Sitting 1,450 metres above sea level, Bach Ma National Park was first discovered by a French architect in 1932 and was later transformed into a luxury French retreat favoured for its cooler climate. Inside the national park is a vast ecosystem filled with over 2,000 species of plants and over 1,500 species of animals. 

There are three major trekking routes in Bach Ma National Park, the most popular is the 4,757-foot Hai Cong Dai Mountain – the highest point in the park. The route to the top of the mountain is 16 kilometres long and takes around four to five hours to complete. The challenging trek is truly rewarding as from the top, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the entire Bach Ma range, Truc Lam Temple and Truoi Lake. 

If you’re keen to spend your next trip trekking Central Vietnam then connect with one of our Local Designers in Vietnam to make your dream trip a reality. 

#8 Trekking Central Vietnam’s Paradise, Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park (Phong Nha for short) is one of Vietnam’s most unique national parks. Home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, and over 64.6 miles of underground rivers and caves, Phong Nha is a remarkable place to go trekking. 

Trekking national parks in Vietnam offer an array of different challenges and routes, as does Phong Nha. One of the most popular day treks is through Paradise Cave which leads you on a 4.3-mile trek deep into the cave before turning around. There are also a number of overnight treks which take you deeper into Phong Nha’s fascinating karst mountain scenery, deep into the jungle and through caves. You’ll spend your breaks cooling off in waterfalls and underground rivers.

Those with a chunk of spare cash and time on their hands would be in favour of the four-day trek into Son Doong cave, the cave with a cavern so big a Boeing 747 could fly through it. Whatever sort of trekking trip you’re looking for, our Local Designers in Vietnam can make it a reality. 

#9 Trekking Fansipan, Vietnam’s Tallest Mountain

Known as the ‘Roof of Indochina’, Mount Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam at a staggering 3,143 metres (10,312 feet). Situated in the northern mountain province of Sapa, you can reach the start of the varying trails to the top of Fansipan on an overnight train from Hanoi.

The pride of local residents, whilst trekking up Mount Fansipan, you can expect to encounter serene gardens, beautiful pagodas and friendly locals making their way up or down the mountain. From the summit, the views are captivating but don’t expect to be alone up there. With access by cable car and various ‘easier’ routes, Mount Fansipan sees around 1,000 trekkers every day. 

There are three routes to reach the top, each varying in length and difficulty. The easiest route is from Tram Tom which enables you to return on the same trail, taking a total of three days to ascend and descend the mountain.  

If trekking Fansipan appeals to you, then connect with one of our Local Designers in Vietnam to start planning your dream hiking trip to Vietnam. 

How to Prep for Your Vietnam Trek

Take the following preparatory steps into consideration to ensure you experience the best trekking in Vietnam;

• Think about where you want to go and try not to cram too many places into one trip as you could spend most of your trip travelling.
• Be prepared for the mental, as well as the physical, challenge that comes with trekking. 
• Strongly consider hiring a guide for a more authentic, knowledgeable experience. 
• Hire porters for more challenging routes so that you can truly enjoy the trek. 
• Make sure you have comfortable footwear that you have broken in before the trek. 

When to Go Trekking in Vietnam

It almost goes without saying but before embarking on any trekking trip, it’s important to check the weather and be prepared for any eventuality. Vietnam experiences drastically different climates in different regions at the same time of the year. 

With this in mind, it’s important to plan your trip to ensure it coincides with the best possible trekking season for the destination you’ve picked. 

Best Time to Trek North Vietnam

The most ideal time for a Northern Vietnam trekking trip is from late September to October. Post rainy season, the scenery is picture-perfect and the climate is pleasantly cool. Later into the year, the temperatures can drop so bear this in mind. 

Best Time to Trek South Vietnam

Unlike the north, the Southern Vietnam experiences pleasantly warm weather year-round. However, you should look to avoid the height of summer (March to May) and the rainy season (June to November). The best time to trek South Vietnam is the shoulder seasons when the weather is cooler and the rain holds off.

Best Time to Trek Central Vietnam

During its rainy season, Central Vietnam is frequented by big storms and typhoons. In order to avoid these harsh trekking conditions, travellers should avoid Central Vietnam between August and November. November to February can be a little cool and wet but come March, the weather turns and you have a few months of optimal hiking conditions before the heat becomes unbearable in June and August. 

Want to Create Your Own Trekking Tour Through Vietnam?

Our Local Designers in Vietnam are experts when it comes to designing custom trips to suit your budget, travel style and interest. Whether you want to make your entire trip about trekking in different destinations in Vietnam or you’d like a mix of everything, our Local Designers can make it possible.

Browse our Vietnam trip gallery to customise a trip or design your own Vietnam trip from scratch with the help of our Local Designers in Vietnam.