Vietnam offers lots of amazing experiences for all kinds of trekkers. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or simply a light adventurer, there’s always something for you to discover in this beautiful country. Vietnam’s stunning landscapes offer a truly wonderful and exciting experience. Here, you can hike along the highland valleys, pass through terraced rice fields, or climb the towering limestone mountain ranges. If you are visiting Vietnam soon and wondering where the best places to trek, check out the list below.
1. Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, made famous by the scenic Ba Be Lakes, which is Vietnam’s largest natural lake. As you trek the park, you’ll come across dense rainforests, deep valleys, towering limestone mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails in the park and you can choose to explore it on your own or with a guide. There are also multi-day treks that include camping in the forests, exploring caves, and walking along vast rice fields.
2. Ba Na Hill
For those who are looking for an easy trek in Vietnam, the Ba Na Hills would be a great place to check out. The hiking trails will take you towards the famous Ba Na Hill Resort, which is a popular theme park in the country. During the short treks, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views along the way that includes scenic waterfalls and dense forests. As you arrive at the resort, a replica of a French colonial village will welcome you that it seems like you are taken into a totally different country.
3. Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba is an island close to the famous Ha Long Bay, a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northern part of the country. So if you’re visiting the Halong Bay, you might as well just take a stop at the Cat Ba National Park and walk along its 18-km hiking trail. The trail goes up into the mountain and will take around six hours to complete. You can choose to do the trek on your own or hire a guide. After completing the arduous climb up into the mountain, prepare yourself for the mesmerizing nature views up above.
4. Cat Tien National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Cat Tien National Park at the southern part of Vietnam would be a great place to explore. Here, you could be lucky enough to spot gibbons, different reptiles, and colorful butterflies along the trails. You might even catch a glimpse of elephant and tigers! Since this is a popular destination for trekkers, you might have to book your trek in advance for reservation since the park limits only a number of visitors in order not to disrupt the wildlife, which makes it an even interesting place to explore!
5. Lang Bian Mountain
Lang Bian Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in Dalat and a popular destination for mountaineers. The place offers different adventure activities for all kinds of trekkers. Aside from hiking, you can also go camping or rock climbing. What makes your trek even more interesting is that you get to pass along local tribe villages and get a glimpse of their way of life. From the top of the mountain, you’d be able to see the entire city of Dalat, as well as the silver and golden streams.
6. Mai Chau
If you’re heading to the north, one of the best places to visit for your trekking adventure is Mai Chau. Located more than 130 km. away from the busy city of Hanoi, the city is known for its relaxing and laid back vibe. As you walk along the trails, you’ll be greeted with the scenic views of rice paddies surrounded by tiny villages. This place has several networks of trails with varying difficulties so you can choose something depending on your capabilities.
7. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is definitely a must-visit for nature lovers. It consists of two mountain ranges with a valley in between. As you walk along the trails, you’ll be surrounded with uniquely shaped limestone hills, picturesque rice fields, and dense forests. While it’s possible to go on a short daytime trek in this park, the best way to fully enjoy the place is to go on an overnight trek.
8. Sapa
Sapa is one of the less intensive trekking places in Vietnam, so it’s ideal for light adventurers who are looking for an easy trek. Yet, the gorgeous region will amaze you with its beautiful terraced rice paddies, lush green mountains, and local villages. If you want to learn more about the country’s local culture, take time to visit the local villages and interact with some locals who might be happy to host you into their home.
