hiking In vietnam

Hiking In Vietnam

Vietnam is a marvelous destination for hardbound treks as well as short hikes with multitudes of attractions to explore. From Karst Mountain slopes made of limestones, dolomite, and gypsum showing a spectrum of brilliant mineral colors to verdant and peaceful rice terraces spanning far and wide, the visions on Vietnam hiking trails have a uniqueness of their own. Even if you are not up for a long and grueling trek to snowbound altitudes, beautiful downhill trails can be taken inside the forest covers, and meandering through many interesting remote ethnic villages of the Viet people and other peoples.

Why Should You Go for Hiking In Vietnam?

The unique attractions of Vietnam range from its light and flavorsome food, dreamy scenic brilliance found in the adventurous forest covers, and towering karst mountain backdrops. It's a perfect little country to take some great hikes in. Depending on your personal interests, choose hikes deep inside national parks rich in biodiversity as the Cat Tien National Park or Cuc Phuong National Park, ethnic mountain village tours with cozy stays in teahouses as on the Mai Chu hike in the White Thai and Black Thai villettes, or inside some of the world’s deepest caves as the Hang Son Doong.

Which Are the Best Hikes In Vietnam?

Mai Chu Day Hiking
Mai Chu lies in Hoa Binh province in West Vietnam, in a landscape transforming as you travel from Hanoi, into valley-wide rice fields, Karst Mountains, and the cluster of villages made of bamboo walls and wood. Mai Chu offers hikes full of calm and candor along the mountainous cliffs and immerses in the quaint village lifestyle with freshly brewed locally sourced beer and Tai ethnic dances. Explore on foot into the dreamy villages checking out handmade silk brocades by the Muong people, hike with a local guide to the fascinating Karst Mountain caves in the limestone bedrock, and some winsome views from atop Thung Khe Pass,
Apachai Hike in Western Vietnam
Step into the westernmost tip of Vietnam in Dien Bien Phu district where the country comes in contact with Laos and China on this trek spanning 4 to 5 hours. You will get to experience height of 1687m and a lesser explored hinterland in the mountains, some pleasurable acquaintance with minor ethnic groups like the Ha Nhi tribe, and encounter the beautiful Cortaderia Sellona fields. ‘Apachai’ in the tribal tongue means ‘Enormous Land’, and you will surely realize why it’s called so if you come on this Vietnam hiking tour.
Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave)
Perhaps the largest cave in the world, Hang Son Doong is right amidst the wilderness of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh. This UNESCO designated cave of natural historical importance is over five kilometers long and reaches a height of 650 feet. On a hike inside the cave, you will be assisted by two caving experts, three local guides, two chefs, two forest rangers, and a few porters. These amazing cave expeditions take place once each week between February and August.
Yen Tu (Quang Ninh)
Magical Buddhist fables surround the temples of Yen Tu, located deep in the mountains, 35 km from Halong Bay. It will take you 12 hours to hike from the Bay and back, though the trek might be more time taking if the place is enshrouded with clouds. Be prepared to tackle climbing up a thousand stairs and steeply inclined slopes, you will find rest to stop by at the shrines where you can absorb in the ringing good vibes of Buddhism. You will be in advantage if the visit is made during spring. This Vietnam hiking trip has a lovely spring festival of the Buddhist in store!

When to Visit Vietnam for Hiking?

The country enjoys year long moderate temperatures and light rainfall during spring from February to April and autumn from August to October in Vietnam. These are the best seasons for hiking North Vietnam’s higher altitudes as well as the trails near the ocean bays and lower forests.

What Are The Essential Items To Pack For Hiking In Vietnam?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks

How to Reach For Hiking in Vietnam?

There are three major internationally connected airports in Vietnam-- the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi best for accessing Northern Vietnam treks, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City for accessing treks in the southern part of the country, and Da Nang International Airport at Da Nang in the centre.