Top 10 Vietnam Trekking & Hiking Tours in 2025 Favored by American Travelers
Vietnam Active Escape - Trekking, Caving & Water Thrills 12 days
Hanoi - Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Dong Hoi - Hai Van PassTheme: Nature, Off the beaten trackHighlights- Discover Hanoi’s hidden alleys and iconic train street on a private motorbike tour.
- Trek through terraced rice fields and ethnic Thai villages in Pu Luong.
- Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and explore its majestic caves.
- Kayak, zipline, and swim through the adventurous Dark Cave in Phong Nha.
- Camp inside Hang En Cave and wake up surrounded by one of the world’s largest cave chambers.
View tourUS$1,449$1,449/paxJourney Through Ethnic Heartlands of Ha Giang & Sapa 1 week
9.6Excellent - 7 reviewsIncredible landscapes and very well organized. The homestays were cozy and authentic.…Mr.James Wilson -New Zealand
Hanoi - Yen Minh - Dong Van - Ma Pi Leng - Meo Vac - Du Gia local village - Y Linh Ho Village…Highlights- Ride along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass and Sky Path, hailed as the most spectacular road in Vietnam
- Trek through the remote valleys of Sapa, visiting Black H’mong and Giay communities in Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van
- Connect with diverse ethnic minority groups during village visits and authentic homestays in Ha Giang
- Ascend to the summit of Mount Fansipan via cable car and conquer the final 600 steps to the “Roof of Indochina"
View tourUS$779$779/paxCultural Trails: Vietnam and Cambodia Trekking Journey 12 days
Hanoi - Sapa - Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Siem ReapTheme: Nature, Cultural, Off the beaten trackHighlights- Trek deep into remote mountain villages of northern Vietnam and engage with Hmong, Thai, and other ethnic minorities
- Cruise through the emerald waters and towering limestone karsts of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay
- Wander the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, from the enigmatic Bayon to tree-wrapped Ta Prohm
- Ride an ox cart through a peaceful Cambodian village and receive a traditional monks' blessing
View tourUS$1,928$1,928/paxNorthern Trekking & Hiking Trails Ha Giang to Ba Be 5 days
9.5Excellent - 7 reviewsWe really enjoyed the tour—everything was well organized and thoughtfully paced.…Mrs. Marie C -Australia
Ha Giang - Dong Van - Ba Be lakeTheme: Soft Adventure, NatureSuitable: Active TravellersAdventure Level: ModerateHighlights- Traverse the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain roads
- Immerse yourself in the traditions of ethnic minority communities in Northern Vietnam
- Venture into the mysterious Puong Cave, a stunning natural wonder carved by the Nang River
- Stay in cozy, authentic homestays and enjoy home-cooked meals featuring regional specialties
- Delve into Vietnam’s vibrant history with visits to Duong Lam ancient village and H’mong King Palace
View tourUS$798$798/paxScenic Sapa Trekking & Halong Bay Cruise 5 days
9.2Excellent - 3 reviewsWe really had a wonderful time in Sapa and Halong Bay. The hotels were quite comfortable,…Mr.Douglas Chappell -United States
Hanoi - Sapa - Halong BayTheme: Off the beaten track, Interact with local, Cultural, NatureSuitable: Active Travellers, Singles & SoloHighlights- Appreciate the culture of Northern Vietnam as well as immerse in the pure nature of Sapa and Halong Bay
- Take a trekking tour through the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley to fully immerse yourself in the diverse Sapa ethnic communities
- Take in the amazing scenery of glistening waters and breathtaking limestone karsts at the natural heritage of Halong Bay
View tourUS$389$389/pax
FAQs
Vietnam offers diverse trekking routes, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for hikers of all levels.
- Diverse and Breathtaking Landscapes: Adventurers can trek through Sapa’s terraced rice fields, Ha Giang’s rugged mountain passes, or Pu Luong’s serene rice paddies. Each region offers unique, photogenic scenery.
- Authentic Cultural Experiences: Travelers can encounter ethnic minority groups such as the H’Mong, Dao, and Thai people. Stay in traditional homestays, experience authentic local cuisine, and learn about the unique way of life of these communities.
- Multiple Routes for Different Levels: Beginners can enjoy short treks (5-10km /day) in Sapa and Pu Luong, while experienced trekkers can challenge themselves with multi-day trails in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Affordable with Experienced Guides: Trekking tours range from US $50 - US $200 per person per day, including guides, homestays, and meals. Local guides will provide you with in-depth knowledge of culture and history.
For the best overall experience, October to April is the best time for trekking and hiking in Vietnam, when the weather is cooler and drier, especially in the northern highlands. However, due to Vietnam’s topography, the country has diverse climates in each region:
- North (Sapa, Ha Giang, Pu Luong): The best time for trekking is September - April, with cool temperatures, clear skies, and dry trails. The peak season from September - October offers stunning golden rice terraces in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai.
- Central (Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Pu Luong Nature Reserve): Trekking is ideal from December - April, when the weather is pleasant, and jungle trails are easier to navigate. The rainy season from June - October brings muddy paths and leeches, making hiking more challenging and less comfortable.
- South (Cat Tien National Park, Bidoup Nui Ba): The best time to explore is November - March when dry and cool conditions make for a comfortable trek and excellent wildlife spotting. May – October should be avoided due to heavy rains and high humidity, which can make trails difficult to traverse.
Vietnam offers diverse trekking and hiking destinations, each with unique landscapes and experiences. These destinations cater to various trekking levels, from beginner-friendly nature walks to strenuous multi-day hikes.
- Sapa: Home to Vietnam’s highest peak Fansipan (3,147m), Sapa features scenic trails through terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.
- Ha Giang: Known for its rugged karst mountains and breathtaking passes, Ha Giang offers off-the-beaten-path trekking routes through remote villages and dramatic landscapes.
- Ba Be National Park: A haven for nature lovers, Ba Be features dense jungles, limestone mountains, and Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Trekking here offers serene trails through ethnic Tay villages and scenic boat rides.
- Cao Bang: This northern gem is known for its stunning waterfalls and karst formations. Popular trekking routes include trails around Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve: A hidden gem with lush valleys and terraced fields, perfect for moderate trekking and cultural immersion with Thai ethnic communities.
- Cuc Phuong & Cat Tien National Parks: Ideal for jungle hiking and wildlife spotting, these parks offer well-preserved rainforests, ancient trees, and rare species like gibbons and langurs.
- Bach Ma National Park: Located in Central Vietnam, Bach Ma is famous for its waterfalls, cloud-covered peaks, and a mix of easy and challenging trails through dense jungle.
- Da Lat: The Central Highlands provide cooler weather and pine forest trails, with Lang Biang (2,167m) offering panoramic views of Da Lat.
Vietnam trekking tours offer breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures through mountains, jungles, and ethnic villages.
- Breathtaking Scenic Views: Trek through terraced rice fields in Sapa & Mu Cang Chai, limestone karsts in Ha Giang, lush valleys in Pu Luong, and marvel at Ban Gioc - Vietnam’s largest waterfall.
- Ethnic Village Immersion: Stay in homestays, interact with H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Thai communities, and experience their unique culture and traditions.
- Wildlife Exploration: Hike through tropical rainforests in Cuc Phuong & Cat Tien, spot rare wildlife, and discover hidden waterfalls.
No. Porter support for carrying luggage is not included, travelers usually carry their own luggage. However, if needed, arrange porters can be arranged for an additional fee.
Trekking tours offer flexible pricing based on the experience level you prefer. Prices vary depending on the destination, itinerary, accommodations, meals, and additional activities.
- Mid-range tours range from US $50 - US $100 per person /day, including an experienced guide, comfortable accommodations, and transport.
- Luxury trekking starts at US $100+ per person /day, featuring a private guide, premium lodging, and upscale services.
When going on a trekking or hiking tour, you should prepare:
- Appropriate clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothes, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, a backpack, and trekking poles for support (optional).
- Personal medical kit: Essentials like band-aids, saline solution, painkillers, and digestive enzymes for emergencies.
Beginners should have basic fitness, meaning they can walk for several hours with moderate effort. They should have no chronic illnesses that could affect endurance or breathing. Most importantly, prepare a positive mindset and a readiness to enjoy and explore the natural beauty of Vietnam!