Trekking in Vietnam: Start Your Adventure on The Best Hiking Trails
Vietnam diverse landscapes provide an incredible variety of trekking opportunities for all types of adventure lovers. Hiking in Vietnam ranges from moderate ascents to extreme climbs, guiding you along scenic riversides, through lush forests, and over rugged terrain.
With right plan, the trekking in Vietnam will take you through lush valleys and far villages, pristine national parks, peaceful tribal hamlets, and offer stunning viewpoints. Whether you seek an easy walk or a challenging hike, Vietnam’s hikes suit all skill levels. Here’s a list of the 14 best trek and trails in Vietnam, you don’t want to miss in 2025
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14 of the best Trekking in Vietnam for Every Type of Hiker
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Vietnam? Colorful tribes? Gorgeous beaches? Halong Bay? Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or perhaps trekking through the lush forests?
The towering mountains in northern Vietnam offer the best trekking opportunities, but trails can be found throughout the country, from the Chinese border to the lowland jungles near Ho Chi Minh City. Here’s our list of the top 14 treks in Vietnam.
1. Treks from Sapa
Easiest hikes for beginners
Distances vary, 1–2 days, easy
Hill-tribe treks in Sapa are a must-do for many travelers visiting northern Vietnam, and hiking here has become increasingly popular. Although trekking in Sapa is now a mainstream activity, you can still enjoy a unique experience by hiring a local guide who speaks the local Hmong languages and able to talk about diverse ethnic culture. The French colonizers once grouped these communities together under the term mountain-dwellers.
While the most visited villages in Sapa are touristy, with entry fees, souvenir shops, and a commercial approach to tourism, you can find less-crowded treks to areas like Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Ban Ho, and Y Linh Ho. These villages offer a more peaceful experience for those who want to escape the crowds. For a truly authentic experience, try a two-day trek with an overnight stay in a local homestay, or venture to more remote areas like Bac Ha or Ba Be National Park. Check out Sapa Vietnam
2. Treks around Bac Ha
Best treks for tribal encounters
7–10km (4–6 miles), 1–3 days, easy to moderate
Bac Ha stands out as one of Vietnam’s hidden trekking gems, and it deserves to become a top trekking destination. It also serves as a perfect starting point for trekking to the villages of 11 distinct ethnic groups, including the Flower Hmong, Dzao, Giay, Han, Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Phula, Tay, Thai, and Thulao. This diversity makes the area a cultural treasure trove, where you can immerse yourself in the traditions of these mountain communities.
For an easy yet scenic day trek, consider the 8km (5-mile) hike from the Flower Hmong village of Thai Giang Pho to the Tay village of Na Lo. As you walk, you’ll pass stunning rural landscapes—lush rice terraces, gently rolling hills that are some of the best in the region. If you’re up for a more challenging adventure, try the 10km (6.2-mile) trek through cinnamon forests and misty hills, leading you to the Dzao villages of Nam Det and Nam Khanh. This trek offers an immersive trails through the heart of Bac Ha.
No matter which trek you choose, remember to visit Sunday market that draws ethnic tribes from all corners of the region. The nearby Saturday market in Can Cau and smaller village markets in Coc Ly, Lung Phin, and Sin Cheng also provide opportunities to experience authentic local life. Bac Ha’s combination of trekking routes, rich culture, and picturesque scenery truly makes it one of the best hiking destinations in Vietnam.
3. Fansipan
Best mountain trek
9–20km (5.5–12.5miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult
At 3,147 meters (10,326 feet), Fansipan stands as the highest peak in Vietnam, offering one of the country’s most challenging hikes. The rugged terrain and frequent rain create slippery, difficult trails. As you climb, expect adrenaline-pumping scrambles up steep slopes.
No Guides No trekking. Fit trekkers can finish the Tram Ton trail in a day and return by cable car across the scenic Muong Hoa Valley. However, most people prefer to spread the trek over two or three days, camping along the way to fully take in the stunning views. Fansipan provides a challenging and rewarding trekking experience, making it a must-do for serious hikers looking for the best treks in Vietnam.
4. Ba Be National Park
Best treks for escaping the crowds
Distances vary, from 1 day, moderate
Ba Be National Park, with its lush green landscapes, offers some of the best hiking in the Vietnamese highlands. The park features towering limestone peaks, misty valleys, ribbon-like lakes, and dense jungles full of birds, mammals, and butterflies. It is home to villages inhabited by the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong. Best of all, Ba Be remains mostly untouched by mass tourism.
Trekking in Ba Be provides a deep dive into mountain culture. You’ll experience village life and witness a way of living that still follows nature’s rhythms. Additionally, explore dramatic waterfalls, navigate winding caves, and stay overnight in peaceful homestays overlooking the lakes. For those looking for moderate trekking and a rich cultural experience, Ba Be National Park is an option.
5. Cat Ba National Park
Best island adventure trek
Distances vary, 1–2 days, moderate
Cat Ba National Park, located in Halong Bay, offers some of the best trekking near Hanoi, offers moss-covered beds and lush forest glades reveal a stunning range of emerald, lime, and chartreuse hues, creating a popular place for hikers. To fully experience, start your hike from the park headquarters at Trung Trang. Guides aren’t required, however if you hire one, you’ll learn more about park’s wildlife & an endangered primate, the golden-headed langur.
For a moderate trek, take the short but challenging hike to Ngu Lam peak. For a more adventurous experience, tackle the 9km (5.5-mile) trek across the park to the fishing village of Viet Hai, where you can relax in a local homestay. Cat Ba National Park is also a great spot for rock climbing, with several operators offering climbing trips to local karst formations, include all the necessary gear. Cat Ba is one of Vietnam’s top trekking destinations.
6. Trek through Cat Tien National Park
Best trek in near Ho Chi Minh City
2–26km (1.2–16 miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult
Trekkers often skip the trails in southern Vietnam, however, there are some of the most rewarding hikes and treks near Ho Chi Minh City at Nam Cat Tien National Park, a 72,000-hectare (177,916-acre) lowland tropical rainforest full of biodiversity. While elephants and leopards roam the park, you’re more likely to spot primates like gibbons, pygmy lorises, and langurs, as well as a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, and bird species.
For a hiking in South Vietnam, book a guided trek in advance, this often takes you deep into the jungle in search of golden-cheeked gibbons. To hear the primates’ early morning hoots, you’ll need to start early. Most trekkers also visit the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre, where you can learn about conservation efforts while observing more primate species. Trekking in Nam Cat Tien or exploring other areas of the park in south Vietnam, shouldn’t be missed.
7. Mai Chau ethnic village
An easy hikes near Hanoi
5–18km (3–11 miles), 1–2 days, easy
Located within 135km (84 miles) southwest of the capital, Mai Chau lies amidst beautiful rice fields. The terrain is more scenic than challenging, making it ideal for a an easy trekking experience. The most popular hiking destinations in this area are the villages of the White Thai people, known for their vibrant textiles, which are easy to buy.
Go for an 18km (11-mile) trek from Ban Lac to Xa Linh minority village. A local guide will help you navigate the slippery trail, and you’ll need to arrange transport back to Mai Chau. For those seeking longer treks, local homestays and lodges offer multi-day hikes. If possible, visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. Mai Chau offers short treks near Hanoi.
8. Cao Bang
Best off-the-beaten-track treks
Distances and durations vary, moderate to difficult
It’s along the border belt with Chinese border in the far northeast of Vietnam, Cao Bang offers an off-the-beaten-trekking experience. The main trekking trails in Cao Bang are the hillside villages of the Tay, Nung, Hmong, Dzao, and Lolo people, each with vibrant markets that move between villages on different days of the lunar calendar.
Easy hikes, like the walk around Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave, are accessible by local buses from Cao Bang. Most treks are multi-day journeys, with guides organizing overnight stays. If you’re planning a trek in Cao Bang or other remote areas, combine it with a motorbike tour for a full adventure experience. Whether you seek a short hike or a longer adventure, treks in Cao Bang offer a unique chance to experience Vietnam’s rural landscapes and tribal cultures. Check out Motorbike tours in Vietnam
9. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Best treks through the rice fields
Distances and durations vary, moderate
Treks in Pu Luong Nature Reserve showcases Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty, with terraced rice fields like those in Sapa, dramatic mountain passes reminiscent of Ha Giang, and vast fields similar to Mai Chau. A Pu Luong trek offers more than just stunning landscapes—it immerses you in the daily lives and cultures of the Thai and Muong tribes.
The best time to plan on a trek in Pu Luong is during the rice harvest season, from September to October, or during the cooler months of February to May. Popular treks in Pu Luong include routes through the jungle and scenic villages such as Hang, Kho Muong, and Kia. Better trails include Hieu village to Nua village and Nua village to Son village. Pu Luong offers one of the best trekking experiences in Northern Vietnam.
10. Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang Skypath)
Trek the cliffs above Nho Que river
Distances and durations 8km, easy hike
I have to mention a hidden gem for adventure seekers and hiking & trekking travelers: the Skypath, a thrilling half-day hike with breathtaking views high above the Nho Que River and Ma Pi Leng Mountain Pass, one of the most dramatic roads in Ha Giang and all of Asia.
Starting at Ma Pi Leng Village, the Skypath takes you on an active trek through farmland, eventually leading to a striking white cliff. The path then descends through small hamlets. The trail ends at Ma Pi Leng Ecolodge, where you can relax and enjoy some refreshments. Afterward, you can easily hitch a ride back to Ma Pi Leng Village.
Ha Giang is known for it’s motorbike adventure trails, but few know about this off-the-beaten-path trek. The trek is perfect for solo travelers or those seeking a responsible travel experience, offering a deeper connection to the area’s nature & wildlife. The Skypath trek is a great way to experience Ha Giang in a completly different way.
11. Rhododendron Falls trail
Do Quyen Waterfall In Bach Ma National Park
Distances and durations 10km, easy hike
Bach Ma National Park offers several excellent hiking trails, with more being developed to promote adventure tourism. The trails toward Do Quyen Waterfall, also known as the “Rhododendron Waterfall” offers one of the most popular hikes in Vietnam’s Bach Ma. This family-friendly trail features a panoramic viewpoint and leads to a stunning waterfall with rock pools perfect for swimming.
12. The Nui Cam trail
The trek is a 20km-trail run in An Giang region
Distances and durations 20km, moderate
The Nui Cam trek is a 20km running trail that was designed a few years ago for an annual race. Starting in rice paddies, the trail following the tropic fruit farms and waterfalls, offering a mix of adventure and natural beauty. Located in a deeply spiritual area of the Mekong Delta, the trek features atmospheric shrines cared for by friendly locals. This An Giang trekking route provides a unique experience for those seeking southern Vietnam hiking with a cultural twist.
13. Ta Nang Phan Dung trek in Dalat
Two days trek from Dalat to Mui Ne
Distances and durations 30km, moderate
This trek is one of well-known in central highlands of Vietnam, the trails stat in Dalat and ends in the coastal town of Mui Ne. The journey starts with a car transfer to Ta Nang, a district filled with pine forests and rice paddies. From there, you’ll hike into Phan Dung, a neighboring area known for its gushing rivers and lush farmland. After the hike, a car will pick you up and drive you to the beach town of Mui Ne.
14. Son Doong cave expedition
Four days cave expedition & Camping
Distances and durations 17km hiking, 8km caving
When people ask about the cost of the Son Doong Expedition, which is USD $3,000, I always respond the same way: Yes, it’s expensive, especially in Vietnam. But this cave is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and the Son Doong Expedition is certainly more unique.
To note this, there are several other caves in the same area to which you can join on expedition and explore other caves with much less to spend. Check out more about Caves in Vietnam
Hiking trails in Vietnam
Sapa, often called Vietnam’s hiking capital, with way too much overdevelopment since a decades ago. Many short hikes here fail to take you to the breathtaking landscapes shown in tourism ads. To truly experience the region’s beauty, you need to hire a local guide and choose a route that leads deep into the countryside.
Most favourite Vietnam hike: I recommend any of the following hikes in Vietnam. If I had to pick just one, I’d suggest Son Doong or one of the caving treks in Phong Nha. These hiking & caving tours rank among the best outdoor experiences in Vietnam, and I’d recommend them to anyone seeking adventure.
Before sharing a good hiking advice; Vietnam is densely populated, which impacts its natural environment. Despite the stunning photos you’ll see on Instagram, you won’t often find untouched, pristine landscapes while hiking in Vietnam. Though some might miss the idea of true wilderness, most hikers find that connecting with the warm, friendly Vietnamese people adds a unique richness to the experience.
The best time for hiking in northern Vietnam is from September to October, or early December, when the weather is cool and dry. In central Vietnam, March to May offers the best hiking conditions. Southern Vietnam stays warm year-round, but the cooler months of December and January are ideal for hiking in south Vietnam.
