Trekking in Vietnam is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The country offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush mountains to rice terraces, dense jungles, and picturesque valleys. Here are some of the top trekking destinations in Vietnam:
1. Sapa: Located in the northern part of Vietnam, Sapa is famous for its stunning rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. There are various trekking routes you can take, ranging from easy walks to more challenging multi-day treks.
2. Ha Giang: This remote region in northwestern Vietnam offers breathtaking scenery with towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, and terraced farming. Trekking through Ha Giang allows you to experience the authentic culture of ethnic tribes.
3. Cat Ba Island: Situated in the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island offers both marine and mountainous landscapes. You can explore the lush forests, hike to viewpoints, and even kayak through the stunning bay.
4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Known for its underground caves and karst mountains, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a great destination for trekking. You can discover the lush primary forests, go spelunking in caves, and visit the famous Son Doong Cave.
5. Mai Chau: Located in the Hoa Binh province, Mai Chau is a rural valley known for its stunning scenery and traditional stilt houses. Trekking here allows you to explore the scenic rice fields, meet local ethnic communities, and learn about their way of life.
6. Da Lat: Situated in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat offers a cooler climate and beautiful landscapes. Trekking options include visiting waterfalls, pine forests, and the surrounding hills.
It’s important to note that when trekking in Vietnam, it’s recommended to go with a local guide or join a tour for your safety and to have a better understanding of the local culture. Additionally, be prepared with proper trekking gear, including sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sufficient water and snacks.
Packing Tips
There are many indispensable items that one will need to have in his backpack:
- Light and long clothes exclusively for trekking which is waterproof and able to prevent insects for crawling into his body (unless you are more afraid of sweating that getting bitten);
- Light pyjamas made of soft fabric;
- Long socks; scarf; hat; on-the-job protection gloves;
- Other personal stuff like toothbrush, facecloth, shampoo and soap.
- Mosquito repellant and sunscreen
- Raincoat, hiking boots, personal knife and torch.
- Food used for trekking is normally canned or easy to cook, long-preserved and nutritious like dry provisions, dried meat, instant noodles, coffee and vitamins. Some junk food is also very handful and should be stored in the most accessible part of the backpack.
- Acopy of the itinerary, the map of the trekking area, MP3 player and a GPS navigation device will solve all the problems of getting lost.
- Asmall notebook with a pen attached and a camera will save all the interesting moments of the trip.
- A personal medical bag is also very essential, as one can easily get sick in the unfamiliar climate. Crucial medicines include ones for diarrhea, chill, sunstroke, headache, insects’ bites, and allergy. You should also bring adequate dose of medication if you have any.
- A mini set of useful tools like can-opener, a pair of pincers, scissors and a set of needle and thread will complete the preparation for a trekking trip.
On the way
After packing, now you should be ready to set off. There are a few other tips to have a safe and exciting journey that you should keep in mind.
Trekking in group will be great, as people can help each other in case of problems, especially when crossing the river, stream, or in dangerous parts of the road; therefore, exploring the tropical jungle alone is not advisable.
Do not drink water or eat things that can be found in the forest for safety reason. Travellers had better spend their nights in the local villages or camping near the reside area, where they can purchase fresh food or have meals with the natives.
Researching carefully official map as well as the trekking’s area terrain, estimating the distance and watching the weather forecast so that the plan will be best fitted for people’ capacity. And one last thing, do not forget identity card and permission paper when trekking to the border’s area or natural reserves.