1. Fansipan Trek (Sapa)

• Where: Fansipan Trek, Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Tram Ton Pass, Sapa
• End Point: Fansipan Summit, the highest peak in Indochina
• Time Needed: 2-3 days (including overnight stay in a mountain hut)
• Distance and Type: 18.6 kilometers point to point.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to Hike: Best time is from March to May and September to November, avoiding the rainy season and extreme cold in winter.
• Where to Stay: Overnight stay in a mountain hut or camping on the mountain

The Fansipan Trek is a challenging mountain trek that takes you to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 meters. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, bamboo groves, and rugged mountain terrain. The trek involves steep ascents, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions, making it suitable for experienced hikers who are physically fit and well-prepared. Overnight stay in a mountain hut or camping on the mountain is required, and hikers should be prepared for basic facilities and cold weather at higher elevations.

2. Bach Ma National Park (Hue)

• Where: Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Bach Ma National Park entrance
• End Point: Summit of Bach Ma Mountain
• Time Needed: 1-2 days (including overnight stay in a mountain hut)
• Distance and Type: Varies depending on the trail chosen, typically 10-15 kilometers circuit.
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Best time is from March to September, avoiding the rainy season and extreme heat.
• Where to Stay: Overnight stay in a mountain hut or camping in the park

Bach Ma National Park is known for its lush jungles, scenic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. There are several trails in the park that vary in difficulty, ranging from moderate to challenging. The hike typically starts at the park entrance and leads to the summit of Bach Ma Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trails pass through dense forests, bamboo groves, and streams, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Overnight stay in a mountain hut or camping in the park is required, and hikers should be prepared for basic facilities and changing weather conditions.

3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Mai Chau)

• Where: Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Ban Hieu Village
• End Point: Hang Village
• Time Needed: 1-2 days (depending on pace and stops)
• Distance and Type: Approximately 15-20 kilometers circuit.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: Best time to hike is during the dry season from September to May.
• Where to Stay: Local homestays or lodges in Ban Hieu or Hang Village.

The trail starts at Ban Hieu Village, and takes you through scenic rice terraces, lush forests, and traditional villages of the Thai ethnic minority. You’ll pass by water wheels, bamboo bridges, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Hang Village is the end point of the loop trail, where you can stay overnight in a local homestay and immerse yourself in the local culture. The trail offers moderate difficulty, with some steep sections and uneven terrain, suitable for those with moderate hiking experience. The best time to hike is during the dry season when the weather is favorable, and the trails are not too muddy.

4. Cat Ba National Park (Ngu Lam Peak Trail)

• Where: Cat Ba National Park, Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Cat Ba National Park Visitor Center
• End Point: Ngu Lam Peak
• Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season from October to April to avoid heavy rainfall and muddy trails.
• Where to Stay: Cat Ba Island offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.

The Ngu Lam Peak Trail in Cat Ba National Park takes hikers through lush forests, limestone karsts, and scenic viewpoints. The trail starts at the Cat Ba National Park Visitor Center and follows a loop route to Ngu Lam Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail involves some steep sections and rocky terrain, requiring moderate physical fitness and hiking experience. Hiking during the dry season is recommended for the best experience. Cat Ba Island offers a variety of accommodations for visitors to stay and explore the island’s natural beauty, including beaches, caves, and hiking trails.

5. Cuc Phuong National Park (Mac Lake Trail)

• Where: Cuc Phuong, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Cuc Phuong National Park Visitor Center
• End Point: Mac Lake
• Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
• Distance and Type: Approximately 9 kilometers circuit.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season from November to April to avoid heavy rainfall and muddy trails.
• Where to Stay: Cuc Phuong National Park offers accommodations within the park, including guesthouses and lodges.

The Mac Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cuc Phuong National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The trail starts at the Cuc Phuong National Park Visitor Center and follows a loop route to Mac Lake, passing through dense forests, limestone caves, and ancient trees. The trail involves some elevation gain and uneven terrain, requiring moderate physical fitness and hiking experience. Hiking during the dry season is recommended for the best experience. Cuc Phuong National Park offers accommodations within the park for visitors to stay and immerse in the natural beauty of the area.

6. Hoang Lien Son Trail (Sapa)

• Where: Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
• Starting Point: Sapa Town
• End Point: Mt. Fansipan Summit
• Time Needed: 2-3 days.
• Distance and Type: Approximately 36 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to Hike: The best time to hike is during the dry season from October to April to avoid heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
• Where to Stay: Accommodations are available in Sapa town before and after the hike.

The Hoang Lien Son Trail is a challenging and adventurous trek that takes you from Sapa town to the summit of Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. The trail offers stunning views of terraced rice fields, lush forests, and ethnic minority villages along the way. The trail involves steep ascents, rocky terrain, and possibly adverse weather conditions, requiring good physical fitness and hiking experience. Camping equipment and supplies are necessary for overnight stays along the trail. The best time to hike is during the dry season to avoid muddy and slippery trails.

7. Ba Be National Park (Ba Be Lake)

• Where: Ba Be, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
• Starting point: Pac Ngoi Village or Buoc Lom Wharf
• End point: Dau Dang Waterfall or Hua Ma Cave
• Time needed: 3-5 hours.
• Distance and Type: 7-12 kilometers (depending on the route) circuit.
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• When to hike: Year-round, but the best time is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier.
• Where to stay: There are several homestays and guest houses available in Pac Ngoi Village and nearby areas for overnight stays.

The best trail in Ba Be National Park is the hike from Pac Ngoi Village or Buoc Lom Wharf to either Dau Dang Waterfall or Hua Ma Cave. The route passes through scenic landscapes of rice fields, rivers, and limestone mountains, with opportunities to spot local flora and fauna such as orchids, monkeys, and birds. The trail is well-marked and has varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The best time to hike is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. There are several homestays and guest houses available in Pac Ngoi Village and nearby areas for overnight stays.

8. Pu Ta Leng Peak (Lai Chau)

• Where: Pu Ta Leng Peak, located in Lai Chau province, Vietnam.
• Starting point: Den Sang Village, Sin Suoi Ho Commune.
• End point: Pu Ta Leng Peak Summit.
• Time needed: 2-3 days.
• Distance and Type: Approximately 25 kilometers circuit.
• Difficulty: Difficult
• When to hike: The best time to hike Pu Ta Leng Peak is from September to April.
• Where to stay: There are homestays in Den Sang Village, which is the starting point for the hike.

Pu Ta Leng Peak is one of the highest peaks in Vietnam, with an altitude of 3,049 meters above sea level. The trail passes through remote villages and stunning landscapes, including terraced rice fields and lush forests. The hike typically takes two to three days, with overnight stays in local homestays along the way. It is recommended to go with an experienced guide, as the terrain can be difficult to navigate.

9. Mui Ne Sand Dunes

• Where: Mui Ne, Vietnam
• Starting point: Mui Ne fishing village or nearby resorts
• End point: Mui Ne Sand Dunes
• Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: Around 5-10 kilometers point to point, depending on the route taken.
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• When to Hike: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
• Where to Stay: Accommodations are available in Mui Ne fishing village or nearby resorts.

The Mui Ne Sand Dunes are a popular tourist attraction in Vietnam, known for their picturesque views and unique landscape. Hiking in the sand dunes can be a challenging but rewarding experience, as you navigate the shifting sands and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. It’s best to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and consider hiring a guide for the hike. Mui Ne fishing village is also worth exploring, with its bustling markets, fresh seafood, and vibrant culture.

10. Hang En Cave (Phong Nha)

• Where: Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam
• Starting point: Ban Doong Village
• End point: Hang En Cave
• Time needed: 2 days and 1 night.
• Distance and Type: 22 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to hike: February to April, and August to December
• Where to Stay: Camping in Hang En Cave

Hang En Cave, located in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, is one of the largest caves in the world. It is accessible by a 22 km round trip trek from Ban Doong Village, which takes about 2 days and 1 night. The trail is considered moderate to challenging, and hikers need to be physically fit to complete it. The best time to hike is from February to April, and August to December when the weather is favorable. The cave offers stunning views of the limestone formations and underground rivers. Camping inside the cave is allowed and offers a unique experience of spending the night in one of the largest caves in the world.