Vietnam has incredible hiking spots, but it’s wise to have local assistance due to challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Local guides can help with language barriers and arrange meals and accommodation, especially in hill-tribe areas. Pairing a trek with a village homestay is highly recommended as it allows you to experience Vietnam’s hospitality and rich culture away from the tourist crowds.
While the mountainous north offers the best trekking experiences with its towering landscapes, there are trekking routes across the country, from the Chinese border to the jungles near Ho Chi Minh City. Now, let Ftrip Vietnam dive into Sapa Vietnam trekking and 4 other destination to explore.
Sapa Vietnam trekking
Sapa Vietnam trekking is a must-do for visitors to northern Vietnam. While it’s a popular activity nowadays, choosing a guide who speaks the local minority languages can make your experience even more enriching. These guides can introduce you to the diverse communities that the French referred to as Montagnards.
There are many things to do in Sapa. Though some of the villages along the trekking routes have become quite commercialized, there are still authentic experiences to be found. You should opt for treks to lesser-visited areas like Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Ban Ho, and Y Linh Ho to avoid the largest crowds.
For a genuine immersion, consider a two-day trek with an overnight stay in a homestay, or explore more remote destinations like Bac Ha or Ba Be National Park.
Tribal Villages trekking near Bac Ha
It’s a bit of a mystery why Bac Ha hasn’t been recognized as a trekking hotspot yet. This village remains wonderfully untouched and serves as a perfect starting point for treks to 11 different tribal villages.
Among these are the Flower Hmong, Dzao, Giay, Han, Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Phula, Tay, Thai, and Thulao communities. To truly immerse yourself in local culture, it’s best to go with a local guide and spend a night in one of the villages nestled in the lush green hills.
For a leisurely day hike, consider the 8km (5-mile) route from the Flower Hmong village of Thai Giang Pho to the Tay village of Na Lo. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most picturesque rural landscapes in northern Vietnam.
For a more challenging overnight trek, embark on the 10km (6.2-mile) journey through rice fields, fragrant cinnamon forests, and misty hills to reach the Dzao villages of Nam Det and Nam Khanh.
No matter which route you choose, try to return to Bac Ha by the weekend. The Sunday market in Bac Ha and the Saturday market in nearby Can Cau attract tribal people from all over the region. You can also explore markets in the villages of Coc Ly, Lung Phin, and Sin Cheng.
Trekking Fansipan Mountain
Vietnam’s tallest peak, standing at 3147m (10,326ft), offers an exciting adventure, albeit with rugged trails and slippery footing due to frequent rain. As you ascend Fansipan’s slopes, brace yourself for exhilarating scrambles up steep inclines and breathtaking panoramas of the Tonkinese Alps when the skies clear.
The summit, dubbed the “roof of Indochina,” is best accessed from the Tram Ton pass on the mountain’s northern side, reachable by local bus from Sapa. For those seeking a more challenging route, alternative trails from Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages necessitate one or two nights of camping.
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is a stunning natural area characterized by its verdant landscapes. It boasts towering limestone peaks emerging from mist-covered valleys, picturesque lakes winding through lush forests, and a rich diversity of wildlife including various bird, mammal, and butterfly species.
The park is also home to several communities such as the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong ethnic groups, adding cultural richness to its scenic beauty.
One of the most appealing aspects of Ba Be National Park is its relatively undiscovered status, providing visitors with an authentic and peaceful experience amidst nature. Trekking in this area resembles the experience of Sapa decades ago, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in mountain culture and witness a way of life deeply connected to the rhythms of the seasons.
In addition to exploring village life, visitors can marvel at impressive waterfalls, intricate cave systems, and stay overnight in serene homestays overlooking the tranquil lakes.
Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park boasts stunningly lush scenery characterized by vibrant shades of green, from moss-covered grounds to lush forest clearings.
The best way to immerse oneself in this breathtaking landscape is by exploring on foot, starting from the park headquarters at Trung Trang. Although not mandatory, having a guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the local wildlife, including the critically endangered golden-headed langurs.
For those seeking a relatively easier trek, the hike to the summit of Ngu Lam peak offers rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Alternatively, adventurers may opt for the more challenging 9km (5.5-mile) trek across the park to reach the picturesque fishing village of Viet Hai, where charming homestays welcome weary travelers.
Additionally, Cat Ba National Park is a haven for rock climbing enthusiasts, with various operators organizing excursions to nearby karst formations, complete with all necessary equipment provided.
Conclusion
In short, Ftrip covers you the detailed on Sapa Vietnam trekking and other ideal trails to set off on an incredible tour through the heart of Vietnam. Every route offers a different experience that will make you remember it for a long time, whether you’re looking for unspoiled natural beauty or cultural immersion. Plan your journey now, and prepare to be mesmerized by the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Vietnam.
