Hiking destinations in Vietnam
1. sapa - the hiker's paradise
Sapa is a picturesque mountain town in the north-west of Vietnam, surrounded by breathtaking rice terraces, green valleys and majestic mountains. It is a popular hiking destination that attracts nature lovers and adventurers alike. The region is known for its diverse ethnic minority communities that preserve their unique cultures and traditions. Hikers can explore a number of trekking routes in Sapa that take them through idyllic villages and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sapa is also a popular starting point for accessing Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, known as the "Roof of Indochina".
Highlights
- Spectacular mountain landscapes
- terraced rice fields
- Fansipan - the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143 metres
Tip
Sapa is particularly easy to reach by night train from Hanoi.
in the north-west of Vietnam
From 2 hours to multi-day tours
Light to heavy
The best time to visit Sapa is from March to May and September to November. However, Sapa is most beautiful to visit from May to September, when the rice terraces are particularly green.
Cat Tien is an enchanting national park in the southern part of Vietnam, characterised by its rich and diverse flora and fauna. As a popular hiking destination, the park offers hikers a unique opportunity to experience the unspoilt beauty of nature. The lush forests, picturesque rivers and diverse wildlife make Cat Tien a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Visitors can wander through the park on the well-marked hiking trails and discover an abundance of plant and animal species. In addition to hiking, cycling and kayaking tours along the river are also available for an even more intense experience of nature. For adventurers and nature lovers, Cat Tien is an unforgettable hiking destination in Vietnam.
Highlights
- Night hike in the national park
Giant tung trees
- Jungle adventure
Tip
Take the tour as early as possible, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed.
about 150 km north-east of Ho Chi Minh City
Tours from 2 km to approx. 28 km
easy to moderately difficult
The best time to visit the national park is from October to May.
3rd Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a breathtaking province in the north of Vietnam and a true paradise for hikers. With its spectacular mountain landscapes, impressive rice terraces and authentic mountain villages, Ha Giang offers an unrivalled nature experience.
As one of the top hiking destinations in Vietnam, Ha Giang attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. The numerous trekking routes take you through majestic valleys and past fascinating cultural sites inhabited by the region's ethnic minority communities.
The hikes in Ha Giang not only offer impressive landscapes, but also the opportunity to experience the local culture up close. Meet the friendly people, explore their traditional villages and taste local specialities.
Plan your next hiking trip in Vietnam and be enchanted by the unspoilt beauty and cultural diversity of Ha Giang. Experience the fascination of this region, which is undoubtedly one of the best hiking destinations in the whole of Vietnam.
Highlights
- Terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi district
- Dong Van Old Town
- Ma Pi Leng Pass
Tip
To get to Ha Giang you should definitely be motorised. You can hire jeeps or motorbikes in Hanoi.
The provincial town of Ha Giang is located around 320 kilometres north-east of Hanoi.
individually selectable
Light to heavy
The best time to visit Ha Giang is from September to November and from March to June.
Ba Be National Park is a true oasis of nature and one of the most fascinating hiking destinations in Vietnam. With its picturesque lake, dense forests and impressive karst landscapes, this park offers unforgettable hiking experiences.
For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, Ba Be National Park is a true paradise. The well-signposted hiking trails lead you through lush forests, along the glistening Ba Be Lake and to hidden waterfalls, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The national park is also home to diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and various types of mammals. During your hikes, you can observe this fascinating wildlife in its natural habitat.
Highlights
- Numerous lakes and rivers
- Dau Dang Waterfall
- Puong Cave
250 kilometres north of Hanoi lies the Ba Be National Park
individually selectable
Light to heavy
You can visit Ba Be Park all year round, but the best time to visit is the dry season (December to April). It is very cold from November to February, with temperatures sometimes dropping to freezing point.
5th Bach Ma National Park
The Bach Ma National Park is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The well-marked hiking trails lead you through a diverse landscape, ranging from dense forests to green valleys and high mountains. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna and be enchanted by the beauty of nature.
A highlight of the park is the Bach Ma summit, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the sea. The climb may be challenging, but the reward at the top is definitely worth it.
Immerse yourself in nature and let yourself be surrounded by the gentle sounds of the forest and the roar of the waterfalls. The Bach Ma National Park offers you the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience pure relaxation in the midst of nature.
Highlights
- breathtaking view of the Truong Son Mountains
- Five Lakes Hiking Trail
- Thac Do Quyen waterfall
Tip
To discover the national park, you should hire a car with a chauffeur so that you can reach the summit and explore the surrounding area from there. You should also have a personal tour guide with you who can explain everything about the park.
Bach Ma National Park is located about 45 kilometres south of Hue
Hiking tours from 1 km in length up to day tours
light to medium
The best time to visit Bach Ma National Park is February to September.




