For adventure lovers, hiking and trekking are always captivating activities. Vietnam which is known for its botanical diversity is a wonderful place to do that. Jungle trekking, mountain biking, walking, and country hitch-hiking are the most popular types that have been chosen by many adventurers both locally and globally. Realistic Asia would like to recommend 9 places for hiking and trekking.
Being a breathtaking mountainous terrain, Sapa is the most spectacular destination in Northwest Vietnam. Located in Lao Cai province, neighboring China, Sapa allures tourists with jade-hued rice paddies stretching over this land and diverse ethnic minorities. The most popular hiking trails are Cat Cat village, Ta Phin village, Muong Hoa village, etc. Not to mention, Fansipan mount which is the highest peak of the Indochina peninsula standing at the altitude of 3143m is a must-try destination for adventurers worldwide.
Mai Chau is an easy hiking trail. If you want to revel in an idyllic paradise of lush terraces surrounded by mountains, you should give it a try. Mai Chau is also home to White Thai and Black Thai. For those who are in love with cultural exploration, this place is highly recommended to you.
Besides, That Bo temple, Thung Khe pass, White Rock pass, Hoa Binh lake, and Go Lao waterfall are worth discovering.
Located in the secluded area in the North part of Vietnam, Cao Bang depicts a mystical and charming beauty of majestic limestone karst mountains, rice terraces, waterfalls, and caves. The only way to reach Cao Bang is through the winding road as there is no rail connection here. The serene Thang Hen lake is the most beautiful in the rainy season. Cao Bang is also famous for Nguom Ngao cave, and Pac Po cave where Uncle Ho used to live several weeks after his exile for 30 years.
Cat Ba Island comprises both ocean and lush jungle creating diverse ecosystems. Cat Ba National Park gathers so many popular treks such as Kim Giao Forest – Ngu Lam Peak, Trung Trang, and Uy Ban Grottoes, National Park – Ao Each – Viet Hai.
Trekking in Cuc Phuong is an incredible experience, especially for those who are in love with botanical richness. As the oldest national park located in Ninh Binh Province, Cuc Phuong covers 25,000 hectares with many thousand-year-old trees and primeval forest. Remarkably, you can also have a chance to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, watch birds, and observe vibrant wildlife.
Ba Be Lake is the largest natural lake in Vietnam surrounded by majestic soaring limestone karst mountain range. This place depicts picturesque scenery with many dense rainforests, waterfalls, valleys, and caves. As it has a lot to offer, it’s advisable to dive into a multi-day trek. Po Lu village, An Ma Island, Puong Cave, and Dau Dang Waterfall are recommended treks for you.
Well-reserved Cat Tien National Park is a mesmerizing place to get back to nature. The impressive diverse ranges of fauna and floral and many endangered species are alluring. Waterfalls and rivers are striking and waiting for you to discover. 30 Botanic Garden Trails, Ban Sau – Crocodile Lake, and Ta Lai Ethnic Village are iconic trekking trails that you can choose.
Lang Biang Mountain is not only an enchanting destination for trekking but also home to some ethnic minorities such as K’Ho and Lach. Reaching the mountain top is an intoxicating experience, you can contemplate the beauty of Da Lat overlooking it from here. On the way to the peak, you can go across some vegetable farms, pine trees, and jungle forests.
Son Doong Cave is the biggest cave on the planet measured by cross-section. Discovered in 1990 by a local man named Ho Khanh, this cave is a captivating place for adventure lovers. Getting a chance to discover the cave can be a challenging task as each year the number of people allowed to explore the caves is 200 people. Therefore, prepare carefully and enroll early to get a spot for your trekking.