Discover 8 unique Trekking destinations in Vietnam recommended by Lonely Planet

The world's leading travel website, Lonely Planet, has suggested 8 interesting trekking routes for tourists who love to experience travel in Vietnam.

When not in the mood for crowded cities, tourists can explore national parks and mountain peaks through trekking. According to Lonely Planet, these trips require challenges, unpredictable weather and difficult terrain... but are truly worth experiencing, not only for international tourists but also for domestic tourists.

1. Sa Pa (Lao Cai)

This trekking route is suitable for beginners. Visitors should spend 1-2 days walking on the hillsides of Sa Pa and visiting ethnic villages. If traveling with local people, they will provide useful information about the local people and culture through community activities. Famous places that visitors will pass through include Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Ban Ho, Y Linh Ho...

2. Bac Ha (Lao Cai)

This is a low-mountain trekking route where visitors have the opportunity to experience the lives of ethnic groups such as H'mong, Dao, Giay, Nung, Tay, Thai... An experience not to be missed is the overnight stay at a homestay. Bac Ha has a Sunday market, and nearby is the Saturday market in Can Cau. In addition, there are markets in Coc Ly, Lung Phin and Sin Cheng villages. To start the journey, walk 6 km through the H'mong village of Thai Giang Pho to the Tay village in Na Lo... If visitors want a more challenging journey, try the 10 km stretch through rice fields, cinnamon forests and hills..."

3. Climb Fansipan peak (Lao Cai)

"If you are a lover of adventure sports, Fansipan is no stranger to you. This is a challenging journey, requiring good health and regular training. The peak is known as the "roof of Indochina" and can be climbed most easily from Tram Ton in the North. To complete this trekking trip, visitors will need 2-3 days and must have a local person accompanying them.

4. Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan)

If you don’t like crowds, go trekking in Ba Be National Park. This route is of medium difficulty, taking you deep into the culture and lifestyle of the mountains. The limestone peaks in the valley, lakes, old forests and animals… create a peaceful experience. This is also the residential area of Tay, Dao and H’mong people.

5. Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong)

Cat Ba is a place where mountains, sea, forests and wild animals converge. If you just want a relaxing trip, you can choose the 3km trekking route. However, if you are up for a more challenging trip, try the 10km trekking route through the forest from the national park gate to Viet Hai fishing village. Autumn and winter are ideal times for this trip because of the dry weather. The trek only takes one day, but if possible, stay overnight in the fishing village to experience more local life.

6. Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai)"

"Cat Tien National Park is a tropical rainforest with rich biodiversity. One of the most popular tours here is a half-day trekking trip through the forest, however, take more time to explore more of this land. In Cat Tien, visitors will encounter many unique species of trees. Bau Sau is the most famous tourist spot in Cat Tien forest, where visitors can experience seeing crocodiles living in the wild. Cat Tien is also a suitable trip for children, as they can explore and learn many things from nature.

7. Mai Chau Plain (Hoa Binh)

Visit Mai Chau during the rice season, from May to October. There are many popular places to walk in the villages of the White Thai people, famous for their silk weaving. You can try the 18km trek from Ban Lac to Xa Linh, which is not too difficult but requires patience. Local people will share their knowledge of life here. When returning to town, visitors can choose other means of transport to avoid affecting their health.

8. Cao Bang

Cao Bang is a beautiful destination in the Northeast where you can explore the local ethnic communities. For those who enjoy hiking, the hill villages of the Tay, Nung, H'mong, Dao and Lolo are the main destinations, with markets taking place in different villages on different days of the lunar month. Don't miss trekking around Ban Gioc waterfall and visiting Nguom Ngao cave to enjoy the stunning scenery."