7 Incredible Trekking Destinations in Vietnam

23, February, 2018

7 Incredible Trekking Destinations in Vietnam

From the most spectacular landscapes, the highest peaks and opportunities to see wildlife, an easy or challenging trek in Vietnam is certain to appeal to adventure seekers on the Vietnam tours package.

Whether it is a relaxed rambling adventure or a mountain hike, there are plenty of regions throughout Vietnam that are ripe for exploration and include national parks, reserves, market towns and hill tribe villages.

Let's take a look at a few of the places that make it possible to appreciate Vietnam's fascinating landscape:

Sapa
Sapa is a well-trodden trekking destination in Vietnam. However, there are still certain routes and villages that offer untamed corners and vast wilderness. A Sapa trekking adventure can last for a one day-trip to a 10-day adventure. There are plenty of pleasures and challenges in the region. A typical trek in Sapa will take in a variety of indigenous communities such as those associated with the Giay, Dao and White Hmong. A well-planned trek will include the fabulous sights of crystal clear streams, mountain peaks and fabulous valleys. Beyond the villages that are visited by the majority of tourists, there are several other remote villages that get less attention and great to visit to really appreciate Sapa’s tribal history.

An overnight trek gives the opportunity to stay in a homestay where it is possible to learn more about the cultural traditions and local cuisine.

sapa trekking tour vivutravel

Ha Giang
An extremely attractive feature of the Ha Giang trek is the ascent to the border town of Dong Van which gives awe-inspiring views of the nearby valleys and mountain passes. The trail difficulty level in this region is a little challenging, especially if travelling over the mountainous terrain from Dong Van to Meo Vac town. This trail includes climbing several summits and crossing many passes. However, the views on reaching the summit are tremendous. For instance, on arrival at the peak of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the landscape is dotted with canyons, limestone peaks and mountain ranges. Most treks will descend into the pristine deep valleys filled with rocky mountain terrain and fields. A great place to visit on the trek in Ha Giang is the traditional Chinese-styled mansion of Hmong Palace that was built in 1902 by Chinese traders.

ha giang tour

Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first protected region of natural beauty with its tropical forest that is rich in 2,000 plant species and hundreds of birds. This national park spans a total area of nearly 222 sq km and incorporates several limestone mountain ranges. It is a practical destination on the tours of Vietnam for both the long hikes to explore the villages of the Muong ethnic minority people, as well as the short treks to see some of the very impressive botanical gardens.

cuc phuong national park vivutravel

Bach Moc Luong Tu Mount
The Bach Moc Luong Tu Mountain is less-known than other mountain peaks in Vietnam such as Fansipan Mountain, but still stands at an impressive height of 3,046 metres. A trek into this mountainous terrain is quite challenging and appealing to those happy to climb over steep, rough rocks and have a great head for heights. A multi-day trek can easily be filled with challenging terrain that gives the rewarding and superb walk. On arriving at the peak of the mountain in the morning, the views are magnificent with oceans of floating clouds. Also, the views are just as mesmerising later in the day, and a great place to sit and watch the sunset.

 bach moc luong tu climbing tour

Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a mountainous region in northeast Vietnam that is surrounded with stunning natural scenery and limestone cliffs. It is one of the finest destinations to experience the hill tribe treks with the opportunity to pass tribal villages of Red Dao, Nung, Hmong and Tay people, as well as visiting Pac Bo village. Visitors to the village get to see Coc Bo Cave which was the working place for Ho Chi Minh at the time of his revolutionary activities. A further unmissable stop on this trekking adventure is the Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is one of the most majestic and largest falls in Vietnam.

A Cao Bang trek is comparatively easy with limited hilly terrain to cross, but is does give picture perfect views of Ba Be National Park, which gives access to a wide range of ponds, lakes and caves.

ban gioc waterfall

Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is a jungle-clad, craggy and rugged island which is Halong Bay's largest island. The island has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, which has led to plenty of adventure sport activities in the region; include rock climbing, hiking and biking. Nearly 50% of the island is reserved for its national park, which includes several trails, including a very tough path that climbs to an 18 km summit. Also, there are several other easier and shorter trails to experience.

cat ba island lan ha bay

Nam Cat Tien National Park
Nam Cat Tien National Park is highly likely to be listed at the top of Vietnam's most impressive trekking destinations. Beyond its rich flora and fauna, this national park is appreciated for its wide-ranging wildlife consisting of black-shanked douc, wild boar, sambar deer, gibbons, and more. An organised tour on the Vietnam travel into the park means it is possible to witness endangered primates in their natural habit. A major trekking highlight of any tour into the Nam Cat Tien National Park will include seeing the gibbons going about the daily lives.

nam cat tien national park vivutravel

Best time for trekking in Vietnam
The best time for trekking on the Vietnam travel packages can vary with the region. For instance, a trekking adventurer in northern Vietnam is best experienced between October and May. A trek taking place in March/April is appreciated for the pleasant climate (warm and less rain) and the sight of spring blooms. Alternatively, a trek in October/November can be enjoyed with the mostly stable weather conditions, which are clear blue skies and cooler temperatures. Any trek taking place between December/February is certain to see bitterly cold weather with the potential for light snow. At this time of year it is the holiday season which can bring out more travellers, especially in a region like Sapa. Also, the weather is less predictable in regions of high altitude, so fog and rain can be expected at any time.