Where to go trekking in Vietnam
You have a taste for adventure and are looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination for trekking? Come to Vietnam! Whether you are a beginner, an experienced or an expert, there is something for everyone.
Trekking in Vietnam is an excellent way to discover this country of exceptional cultural richness and natural diversity. During your trek, you will follow trails through high valleys, along rice terraces and even under the majestic limestone mountains. A great breath of fresh air with breathtaking landscapes !
In addition to the picturesque landscapes you will see, you will also have the opportunity to discover the life and beauty of ethnic minorities. The treks contribute to make Vietnam a unique destination for all travelers looking for a unique experience.
Vietnam Evasion has carefully selected the following “Favorite trek” destinations :
1. Trekking in Mai Chau
About 150 km southwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau is an ideal place for occasional trekking in Vietnam. It is a green and quiet valley surrounded by beautiful limestone mountains and typical ethnic villages with beautiful wooden houses on stilts. On the way in the mountains, you will discover green rice fields in the villages of the white Thai ethnic group. Trekking tours also allow you to discover the daily life of the inhabitants.
Best period: September to May
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Level of difficulty : easy
2. Trekking in Pu Luong
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is about 4 hours drive from Hanoi and close to Mai Chau. It is a real natural jewel still preserved from mass tourism. You can make treks of 2 days and 1 night or more. With rice terraces on the mountainside, ethnic villages where Thai and Muong communities live together, this place will amaze you by the diversity of its landscapes and its biodiversity.
Best time: February to May, September to October
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
3. Trekking in Mu Cang Chai
More than 300 km northwest of Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai offers several trekking trails for one or more days. The landscapes are exceptionally beautiful with cultivated valleys, mountains with rice terraces on their slopes. You will cross rice terraces, Hmong villages, streams, suspension bridges, schools… During the trek, you will discover the beauty of the natural landscape as well as the daily life of local ethnic groups. This destination is less touristic than Sa Pa, so you will be able to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, the culture and the kindness of the inhabitants.
Best time: February to April, September to November
Duration: 1 – 3 days
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate
4. Trekking in Sapa
Famous for its rice terraces and ethnic minorities, Sapa is also an ideal destination for those who love adventure and wish to trek through spectacular landscapes. This destination offers a variety of treks suitable for both beginners and experienced sportsmen. You will be seduced by the ethnic villages and rice terraces that border the Muong Hoa valley. During the trek, you will be able to meet many ethnic groups like Hmong, Giay, Dao, Tay…
Best period: March to May, September to November
Duration: 1 – 3 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
5. Trekking in Bac Ha
Bac Ha is a 2.5 hour drive from Sapa and offers many impressive natural landscapes, Bac Ha is rich in ethnic minorities’ cultural identities. You can make treks of a few hours or several days with overnight stay. During the treks, you will pass through rice terraces, corn fields, plum orchards, and ethnic villages. You will immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the natural, authentic landscapes of this remote region far from mass tourism.
Best period: March to May, September to November
Duration: 1 – 4 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
6. Trekking in Hoang Su Phi
Located about 300 km north of Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi is an ideal place for hiking and discovering the culture of ethnic minorities which are numerous here (H’mong, Nùng, Dao, Tày, La Chí…). You will be able to make a trek for the day or during several days through traditional villages, rice terraces to meet the minorities. It is undoubtedly the most authentic trekking destination in northern Vietnam.
Best period: March to May, September to November
Duration: 3 – 5 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
7. Trekking in Dong Van
The Dong Van High Stone Plateau is known as one of the 77 geological parks in the world and the second in Southeast Asia after Langkawi in Malaysia. This plateau is also called “Land of Rocks”. The trek to Dong Van allows you to discover more remote corners, to enjoy beautiful landscapes as well as to meet minorities.
Best time: September to April
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult
8. Trekking in Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a province in the northeast of Vietnam, about 300 km from Hanoi. This destination is less frequented by tourists because of its long distance. If you like adventure but prefer to avoid the tourist flow, Cao Bang is a good choice. Considered one of the most challenging treks in Vietnam, the Cao Bang trek takes you through karst mountains, winding rivers and deep canyons. It is also an opportunity to meet the local people and discover the richness of the local cuisine.
Best period: October to April
Duration: 4 days
Level of difficulty : difficult
In addition to these destinations, you can also do treks in other places such as Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Ba Be… The accompaniment of a local guide is essential for these sport discoveries in Vietnam. Discover the treks which could please you during your next trip in Vietnam !
