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Hiking in Vietnam: 9 best trails to explore in 2026
Vietnam offers endless trekking routes spanning from Cat Tien National Park in the South to Ban Gioc Waterfall in the very North. Follow along to learn about the best ones.
Vietnam offers incredible hiking diversity, from conquering Fansipan’s 3,147-meter summit to exploring remote tribal villages in Bac Ha. Whether you’re after challenging mountain treks or easy nature walks, these nine trails showcase Vietnam’s best landscapes.
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To help you choose the right trail for your adventure, here’s a quick overview of what each offers:
| Trail | Difficulty | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fansipan | Moderate | 2 days | Summit seekers |
| Sapa Rice Terraces | Easy | 1-2 days | Culture & scenery |
| Cat Tien National Park | Varies | 2-3 days | Wildlife lovers |
| Bach Ma National Park | Varies | 1-3 days | Waterfall chasers |
| Lang Biang Mountain | Moderate | 4 hours | Day hikers |
| Ban Gioc Waterfall | Easy | Half day | Photographers |
| Phong Nha-Ke Bang | Varies | 1-3 days | Cave explorers |
| Bac Ha | Easy | 1-3 days | Village trekking |
| Pu Luong | Varies | 1-2 days | Off-the-beaten-path |
Now let’s dive into each trail in detail.
1. Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.5 km round trip
Time: 16 hours round trip, typically 2 days
Elevation gain: 1,600 meters
Entry fee: $2-3 park entrance (cable car $30-35 if not hiking)
Best season: October-November, March-May
Located in Hoang Lien National Park, Fansipan stands at 3,147 meters (10,325 feet) as Vietnam’s highest peak. While not technically demanding, the steep ascent requires good physical fitness. For those who prefer to skip the climb, a cable car operates daily to the summit.
The hike takes 6-8 hours to reach the summit, with most trekkers opting to split it into two days. Less-experienced hikers benefit from hiring a guide to avoid getting lost and ensure the easiest route. The main overnight camp sits at 2,800 meters, offering a memorable high-altitude camping experience under the stars.
At the summit, panoramic views stretch across Northern Vietnam’s lush landscape. The peak features a striking 21-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue surrounded by additional religious structures worth exploring. Start early to catch sunrise from the top.
How to get there: From Sapa town (9 km away), take a taxi or rent a motorbike to reach the trailhead. Most hotels in Sapa can arrange transport.
2. Sapa Rice terraces
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5-20 km depending on route
Time: 1-2 days
Elevation gain: Minimal (rolling hills)
Entry fee: Free (village homestays $5-10/night)
Best season: September-October (harvest season)
Rice terraces are woven into Vietnam’s cultural fabric, and Sapa’s mountain-framed paddies rank among the country’s most photogenic. These stepped fields cascade down hillsides, creating a patchwork of emerald and gold that shifts with the seasons. The terraces surrounding Sapa town offer both easy walks and longer multi-day treks.
Ancient villages, such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Y Ty, and Sin Chai, dot the landscape, each offering authentic glimpses into local life. Wander on foot between villages, stopping to observe farmers tending their crops using centuries-old techniques. The gentle terrain makes this ideal for families and those seeking culture over challenge.
Visit in September and October for the most spectacular views, when ripe rice glows golden before harvest. Consider staying overnight in a village homestay to experience daily life firsthand. Book a guided trek if you want deeper cultural insights and access to more remote areas.
How to get there: Sapa town serves as your base. Villages are within 2-15 km and accessible on foot, by motorbike, or via organized treks departing from town.
3. Cat Tien National Park
IDifficulty: Varies (easy to moderate)
Distance: Trails range 5-15 km
Time: 2-3 days recommended
Entry fee: $2 park entrance
Best season: December-May (dry season)
Located 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien protects one of Southern Vietnam’s largest remaining lowland forests. Ancient trees tower overhead while diverse wildlife moves through the undergrowth. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers multiple trails through different ecosystems, from dense jungle to wetland areas.
Popular trails include Crocodile Lake (15 km round trip), Gibbon Loop (8 km), and Bat Cave Loop (5 km). Each showcases different aspects of the park’s ecology. Keep your eyes and ears alert—the park shelters multiple monkey species, exotic birds, and Vietnam’s largest elephant population. Early morning walks offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Spend at least two days properly exploring the park. Night safaris reveal nocturnal creatures, while boat trips along park waterways provide different perspectives. Book accommodation inside the park to maximize wildlife encounters at dawn and dusk.
How to get there: Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Dong station (4-5 hours, $8-10). Buses drop you near the park entrance, where you’ll arrange park entry and guides.
4. Bach Ma National Park
Difficulty: Varies (easy to challenging)
Distance: Trails range 3-18 km
Time: 1-3 days
Entry fee: $2 park entrance
Best season: February-July
Bach Ma National Park in Central Vietnam protects over 1,500 animal species and 2,000 plant varieties across its misty mountains. Tumbling waterfalls, cool climate, and excellent biodiversity make it a nature lover’s paradise. The park’s elevation creates notably cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, offering refreshing respite from Vietnam’s tropical heat.
Start with the Vong Hai Dai trail, climbing to a viewpoint overlooking both sides of the park. Other standout trails include Ngu Ho (five lakes), Do Quyen Waterfall, and the path to Truc Lam Zen Monastery. Each trail reveals different ecosystems, from moss-covered forest to cascading water features. The park’s well-maintained paths suit hikers of varying abilities.
Join a guided trekking tour if you want an expert interpretation of the park’s ecology. Guides identify rare plants and animals you’d otherwise miss. Bring layers—summit temperatures drop significantly, especially in early morning mist.
How to get there: The park entrance lies 45 km from Hue. Rent a motorbike, hire a taxi, or join an organized tour from Hue city. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
5. Lang Biang Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8 km round trip
Time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 900 meters
Entry fee: $2 entrance
Best season: November-March
Rising above Da Lat city, Lang Biang Mountain rewards hikers with sweeping views of Central Vietnam’s coffee plantations and pine-covered hills. The mountain holds cultural significance for local ethnic groups and serves as one of Da Lat’s most popular hiking destinations. Those not wanting to hike can take a jeep to the summit for an additional fee.
The trail climbs steeply through pine forest and across open ridges. Despite the challenging gradient, no technical skills are required—just decent fitness and determination. Along the way, you’ll pass through Tram Nam Valley where local communities maintain traditional lifestyles. Sample regional coffee and fresh produce at small farms dotting the route.
Start early to beat the afternoon heat and clouds that often roll in by midday. The summit reveals 360-degree views of Da Lat city, surrounding mountains, and the patchwork of plantations below. Pack water and snacks as facilities are limited on the trail.
How to get there: Lang Biang sits 12 km north of Da Lat city. Rent a motorbike, hire a taxi, or join a tour that includes transportation and guide services.
6. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-3 km (waterfall area)
Time: 3-4 hours at waterfall; multi-day for full tour
Entry fee: $2
Best season: September-November (highest water flow)
On Vietnam’s border with China, Ban Gioc creates one of Asia’s most spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls. Water cascades down limestone cliffs surrounded by karst mountains, creating a scene that rivals any waterfall worldwide. The remote Cao Bang province location means you’ll need to plan transportation carefully, but the journey is rewarded with stunning scenery.
Reaching the waterfall requires minimal hiking since you can drive close to the viewing areas. However, exploring different vantage points and the surrounding area easily fills half a day. Walk along the base to feel the spray, or climb to higher viewpoints for panoramic shots. The powerful rush of water and misty atmosphere create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Consider booking a multi-day tour from Hanoi that includes Ba Be Lake, Ngam Ngou Cave, and other northern highlights alongside the waterfall. If visiting independently, arrive early before tour groups. The waterfall is most impressive during and just after the rainy season when water volume peaks.
How to get there: Ban Gioc lies 90 km from Cao Bang city or 360 km from Hanoi. Rent a motorbike, hire a car, or join an organized tour. The journey from Cao Bang takes 2-3 hours on winding mountain roads.
7. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Difficulty: Varies (easy to very challenging)
Distance: Trails and cave tours vary widely
Time: 1-3 days minimum
Entry fee: $2 park entrance (cave tours $5-$300+ depending on cave)
Best season: February-August (dry season for caves)
This UNESCO World Heritage site protects the world’s most spectacular cave systems, including Son Doong—Earth’s largest cave. Underground rivers carve through ancient limestone, creating otherworldly formations accessible through various tours. Above ground, pristine rainforest offers excellent hiking through diverse ecosystems.
Beyond the famous caves, the park features jungle trails, waterfall hikes, and wildlife watching opportunities. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave offer relatively easy boat and walking tours, while serious adventurers can tackle multi-day cave expeditions. The Dark Cave adds adventure activities like zip-lining and kayaking to cave exploration.
Book cave tours in advance, especially for popular options. Dry season provides the best cave access, though some areas close during heavy rains. Combine cave exploration with jungle trekking for the full Phong Nha experience. Budget at least two days to appreciate the park’s diversity.
How to get there: Phong Nha town serves as the base, located 50 km from Dong Hoi. Buses run regularly from Dong Hoi ($3-5, 1 hour) or you can rent a motorbike for flexibility.
8. Bac Ha
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 10-25 km, depending on the route
Time: 1-3 days
Entry fee: Free (homestays $5-15/night)
Best season: March-May, September-November
The Bac Ha district shelters eleven distinct tribal villages, each preserving unique traditions and lifestyles. This region offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic trekking through Northern Vietnam’s mountains. Flower Hmong, Tay, and other ethnic groups maintain traditional ways of life largely unchanged by modern development.
Multi-day treks connect villages across the mountainous terrain, passing terraced fields and remote valleys. Hiring a local guide enriches the experience dramatically—they provide cultural context, facilitate authentic interactions, and navigate the best routes through the backcountry. If time is limited, day hikes between Flower Hmong and Tay villages still deliver beautiful scenery and cultural encounters.
Visit on Sunday to experience Bac Ha’s famous market, where villagers from surrounding areas gather to trade. The explosion of traditional costumes and local produce makes it one of Northern Vietnam’s most colorful markets. Stay in village homestays to fully immerse yourself in local life.
How to get there: Bac Ha lies 70 km from Lao Cai city (5 hours from Hanoi). Take a bus from Lao Cai ($3-5, 2 hours) or arrange private transport. Most Sapa-based tour companies offer Bac Ha excursions.
9. Pu Luong
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: Trails range 5-15 km
Time: 1-2 days
Entry fee: $1 reserve entrance
Best season: April-May, September-October
Pu Luong’s plunging green valleys and traditional villages offer Northern Vietnam’s scenery without the crowds found in Sapa. This nature reserve protects pristine forest and agricultural landscapes where Thai ethnic minority communities practice traditional farming. Cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and terraced fields create picture-perfect trekking conditions.
The trek to Mt. Pu Luong showcases the reserve’s best features—panoramic valley views, traditional stilted houses, and interactions with local communities. Trails connect multiple Thai villages where you can observe daily life, try local cuisine, and swim beneath waterfalls. The reserve’s relative obscurity means fewer tourists and more authentic experiences.
Book homestays in advance for the most authentic experience. Learn about traditional weaving, rice cultivation, and local customs from your hosts. Visit during the rice season (April-May for planting, September-October for harvest) when terraces look their best.
How to get there: Pu Luong sits 140 km from Hanoi (4 hours by car). Rent a motorbike, hire a private car, or join an organized tour. The reserve entrance lies 20 km from the main road through winding mountain routes.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam for hiking?
You’ll want to avoid the rainy season when visiting Vietnam for a hiking trip. With Vietnam being quite a long country, seasonality differs depending on the location:
- Southern Vietnam typically has the most pleasant climate and hiking here is possible all-year-round. That said, March to May tend to be pretty hot, while the rainy season lasts from June to November. December to February usually offers the best weather for hiking.
- Central Vietnam experiences pretty bad storms during the rainy season, so it should be avoided from August to November. March to May is usually the best time, before the weather gets too warm around June.
- Northern Vietnam sees the end of its rainy season around late September, making the time up to mid-November the best for hiking. The nature is lush and green and the weather is pleasantly cool at this time.
How to prepare for hiking in Vietnam
While hiking in Vietnam is exciting, it also requires a bit of preparation and planning in advance. Whether it’s packing your bags or planning your routes, here are some things to consider:
- Don’t try visiting everything. Unless you have months to spend in Vietnam, don’t stuff your schedule with multiple hikes a day or visits in too many different regions. You’ll have a better experience taking everything in slowly instead of rushing through each step.
- Pack comfortable footwear. Hiking in Vietnam includes a lot of walking, with many remote trails to take on. Pack comfortable, worn-in hiking shoes for the trip. Trail runners are perfect for a majority of hikes since they’re not too technical, but any hiking shoes will do as long as they’re comfortable.
- Hire a guide. Hiking solo through the stunning Vietnamese landscape is tempting, but a local guide can significantly enhance your experience with local knowledge and hidden gems you wouldn’t find on your own.
- Stay/get fit. Even though the mountains in Vietnam aren’t the highest, most of them are really steep and require good physical fitness to summit. Make sure to get on a regular exercise schedule before your trip to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Get mobile internet. Having access to mobile internet in Vietnam is a must when traveling. Whether it’s a Vietnam SIM card or eSIM, it helps you find your way around with map apps, communicate with locals using translators, and stay in touch with friends and family while you’re away.
Stay connected with Holafly
Hiking Vietnam’s trails is easier with reliable mobile internet. Access offline maps, translate with locals, and share your location with travel companions—all essential when trekking remote areas.
A Holafly eSIM for Vietnam activates instantly and eliminates the hassle of buying local SIM cards or carrying pocket WiFi devices.
What you get:
- Unlimited data for maps, translation, and staying in touch
- Flexible plans from 1-90 days
- Nationwide coverage via MobiFone and Vinaphone
- Keep your number for calls and texts
- 24/7 support when you need help
Whether summiting Fansipan or exploring Bac Ha’s villages, stay connected without worrying about running out of data.
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