Looking for the best trekking destinations in Vietnam? You’ve come to the right place.
Vietnam is a true paradise for trekking and nature lovers. From towering mountains in the north to pristine national parks in the central highlands, the country offers an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures, and trekking experiences.
At Hiking Vietnam, we’ve carefully selected the best trekking spots across the country — perfect for travelers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day hike near Hanoi or a challenging expedition to the peak of Mount Fansipan, you’ll find the perfect adventure here.
Around Hanoi
Mai Chau
Tucked away in a lush green valley, Mai Chau is home to the White Thai ethnic people living in traditional stilt houses. Trekking here is relaxed and scenic, weaving through rice fields, bamboo forests, and sleepy villages. You’ll be welcomed warmly by local families and have the chance to experience authentic rural life. With its gentle terrain and cultural richness, Mai Chau is ideal for easy hiking and short escapes.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Hidden among the mountains of northern Thanh Hoa province, Pu Luong is a paradise of terraced rice fields, jungle trails, and charming ethnic villages. Treks here take you through valleys, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and thick bamboo forests. The scenery changes beautifully with each season, from vibrant green fields to golden harvests. Pu Luong offers an authentic, peaceful alternative to the more touristic areas around Hanoi.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first and oldest national park, famous for its ancient trees, limestone landscapes, and biodiversity. Trekkers can explore scenic forest trails, visit caves, and spot rare wildlife like langurs and butterflies. The park’s conservation centers also offer insight into Vietnam’s efforts to protect endangered species. Easy to moderate trekking options make it accessible for families and casual hikers.
Xuan Son National Park
Less known to international travelers, Xuan Son offers raw, untouched beauty with its limestone peaks, dense forests, and traditional Muong villages. Trekking routes wind through caves, rivers, and remote valleys, often without another tourist in sight. It’s an excellent destination for those seeking a quieter, more adventurous experience. The park’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals make every step rewarding.
Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park lies just an hour from Hanoi, offering refreshing forest hikes in a cooler mountain climate. Trails pass through ancient French ruins, misty cloud forests, and flower gardens, culminating at sacred temples on the mountain peaks. Rich biodiversity and panoramic views across the Red River Delta make it a popular yet peaceful escape from the city. Ba Vi is ideal for nature lovers looking for a short but fulfilling trek.
North-West Vietnam
Sapa
Sapa is Vietnam’s legendary trekking capital, renowned for its cascading rice terraces, misty valleys, and vibrant ethnic markets. Treks range from easy village walks to strenuous mountain climbs. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals from groups like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. Sapa’s combination of spectacular landscapes and rich culture makes it a must-visit for trekkers of all abilities.
Bac Ha
Less visited than nearby Sapa, Bac Ha offers quieter trails, vibrant markets, and colorful ethnic communities like the Flower Hmong. Treks lead through peaceful valleys, steep hills, and remote hamlets untouched by mass tourism. Bac Ha is perfect for travelers looking for cultural immersion and scenic beauty without the crowds. The region’s welcoming atmosphere adds to its charm.
Mount Fansipan
Known as “The Roof of Indochina,” Mount Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam at 3,143 meters. Climbing Fansipan is a challenging but rewarding adventure, offering breathtaking views over the Hoang Lien Son range. Treks can take one to three days depending on the chosen route and fitness level. It’s an essential goal for ambitious trekkers visiting northern Vietnam.
Lai Chau
Adventure awaits in Lai Chau, one of Vietnam’s most remote provinces. Trekking here reveals high-altitude valleys, deep river gorges, and ethnic villages tucked into dramatic landscapes. Fewer tourists venture this way, offering a true sense of exploration and discovery. Lai Chau is ideal for experienced hikers seeking raw, off-the-beaten-path adventures in Vietnam’s far north.
North-East Vietnam
Cat Ba National Park
Set on the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba National Park combines tropical jungle trekking with rugged limestone mountains and coastal beauty. Trails vary from easy nature walks to more challenging climbs to viewpoints overlooking the bay. Wildlife lovers may spot rare species like the Cat Ba langur. Cat Ba offers a unique blend of jungle, karst scenery, and sea, making it an unforgettable trekking destination.
Bai Tu Long National Park
Neighboring Halong Bay but much less touristy, Bai Tu Long National Park features serene islands, hidden beaches, and limestone cliffs. Short trekking trails lead to caves, viewpoints, and quiet villages scattered across the archipelago. It’s perfect for travelers looking to combine gentle hikes with kayaking and island hopping. The untouched landscapes and peaceful atmosphere make Bai Tu Long a true hidden gem.
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park, home to Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake, offers scenic treks through jungles, waterfalls, and karst mountains. Trails meander through Tay and Hmong villages where traditional life continues undisturbed. Trekking here can be combined with boat trips on the lake and visits to caves and rivers. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a slower-paced, nature-immersed adventure.
Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a dream for adventure seekers, featuring dramatic limestone mountains, endless valleys, and remote ethnic villages. Trekkers can explore majestic spots like Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Nguom Ngao Cave system. The region’s untouched beauty and cultural diversity offer endless opportunities for off-the-beaten-path hiking. Cao Bang promises breathtaking landscapes and authentic local encounters at every turn.
Ha Giang
Regarded as one of Vietnam’s last frontiers, Ha Giang stuns visitors with its high mountain passes, deep canyons, and colorful ethnic diversity. Treks take you through jaw-dropping landscapes, terraced rice fields, and ancient stone villages. Ha Giang offers both day treks and multi-day expeditions through areas like Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s raw, wild, and truly unforgettable.
Vietnam Central Coast
Ben En National Park
Dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ben En features emerald lakes dotted with islands, surrounded by forested mountains. Trekking trails lead through tropical forests teeming with birds and butterflies. Visitors can also explore the park’s rivers and caves by boat, combining hiking with peaceful water journeys. Ben En is perfect for a tranquil escape into nature.
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma lies between Hue and Da Nang and offers cool climate trekking among misty peaks and lush rainforests. Hikes lead to stunning waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and abandoned French colonial villas. The park’s rich biodiversity and cooler temperatures make it an inviting retreat from the lowland heat. Bach Ma is a beautiful stop for trekkers traveling through central Vietnam.
Vietnam Central Highlands
Bidoup Nui Ba National Park
Located near Dalat, Bidoup Nui Ba is one of Vietnam’s most biologically diverse areas. Trekkers can venture through towering pine forests, misty cloud forests, and rich mountain ecosystems. The park’s challenging trails and scenic beauty attract nature enthusiasts and adventurous hikers alike. Bidoup offers a true wilderness experience in the Central Highlands.
Chu Mom Ray National Park
Bordering Cambodia, Chu Mom Ray is a massive wilderness area known for its rich biodiversity and indigenous communities. Trekking here means remote trails, sightings of rare wildlife, and camping under ancient forest canopies. The park is perfect for experienced adventurers seeking rugged, unspoiled nature far from tourist hubs.
Chu Yang Sin National Park
One of the least explored national parks in Vietnam, Chu Yang Sin challenges trekkers with steep mountain trails, dense rainforests, and wild rivers. The park’s dramatic terrain and rich biodiversity make it a thrilling destination for serious hikers. For those seeking adventure and solitude, Chu Yang Sin delivers an unforgettable experience.
Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Hidden in the Central Highlands, Kon Ka Kinh National Park offers trekking through dense jungles, past waterfalls and across rolling hills. The park is a protected area for endangered species and showcases stunning landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Quiet, remote, and beautiful, it’s a fantastic destination for nature lovers.
Southern Vietnam
Cat Tien National Park
Located about 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park is a vast area of lowland tropical rainforest, wetlands, and rich biodiversity. Trekkers can explore trails through dense jungle, spot wildlife like gibbons, hornbills, and even wild elephants, and visit ancient trees and crocodile lakes. The park offers both short nature walks and full-day treks, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-travelers. Cat Tien provides an authentic jungle trekking experience without venturing too far from southern Vietnam’s main cities.