Vietnam, with its varied topography ranging from the steep mountains of the north to the tropical forests of the center and the coastal landscapes of the south, is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Each region offers unique experiences, promising unforgettable adventures in the heart of lush nature. Let's explore together six Vietnamese national parks that stand out for their natural beauty and exceptional trekking opportunities.
Paradise Cave, a festival of stalactites and stalagmites - Credit : Mr Linh's adventures
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha-Ke Bang fascinates with its spectacular karst formations and gigantic caves, including the famous Son Doong, the largest in the world.
Activities: Trekking in the jungle, cave exploration, kayaking on the rivers.
Biodiversity: Rich tropical flora and fauna, including rare species.
Best time to visit: February to April (dry season)
Highlight Treks
Paradise Cave (1 day, moderate)
A festival of stalactites and stalagmites, ideal for beginners. Accessible but sometimes crowded in high season.
Phong Nha Jungle (2-3 days, easy to moderate)
An immersion in lush biodiversity with the possibility of spotting rare animals. Watch out for leeches during the rainy season.
Stunning landscape of Ba Be National Park - Credit : Mr Linh's adventures
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be, a natural gem housing Vietnam's largest freshwater lake, is surrounded by karst mountains offering breathtaking landscapes.
Activities: Hiking, boat rides on the lake, kayaking, cave visits.
Biodiversity: Rich in animal and plant species.
Best time to visit: November to April
Must-Do Hikes
Lake Circuit (1-2 days, easy to moderate)
A journey offering panoramic views of the lake, lush forests, and waterfalls. Can be slippery during the rainy season.
Ethnic Villages (1 day, easy): A cultural immersion in the heart of Tay and Dao communities. Well-maintained trails but not very challenging for experienced hikers.
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam's first national park - Credit : Mr Linh's adventures
Cuc Phuong National Park
Vietnam's first national park, Cuc Phuong is known for its ecological diversity and impressive mountain landscapes.
Activities: Forest hikes, visits to animal sanctuaries, cave exploration.
Biodiversity: Over 300 bird species and nearly 100 mammal species.
Best time to visit: October to January
Trails to explore
Ancient Forest (1 day, moderate)
A dive into a world of millennia-old trees and rare birds. Watch out for mosquitoes and humid heat.
Mount May Bac (2 days, difficult)
A demanding ascent with rocky passages, rewarded by breathtaking views of the valley. Requires good physical condition.
Trekking in Cat Ba Island - Credit : Internet
Cat Ba National Park
Located on
Cat Ba Island, this park offers a unique combination of sea and mountain with spectacular landscapes.
Activities: Trekking through the tropical forest, kayaking in the bays, exploring the beaches.
Biodiversity: Home to a variety of marine and terrestrial species.
Best time to visit: October to April
Not-to-Miss Itineraries
Ngu Lam Peak (3-4 hours, moderate)
An ascent with steep stairs leading to a panoramic view of Halong Bay. Very crowded and hot in summer.
Ao Ech Willow Forest (2-3 hours, easy to moderate)
A unique ecosystem ideal for bird and coastal wildlife watching. Terrain can be muddy and mosquitoes are present.
Bach Ma offers challenging hikes to trekking lovers - Credit : Mr Linh's Adventures
Bach Ma National Park
Known for its impressive mountain landscapes and picturesque waterfalls, Bach Ma offers challenging hikes to trekkers.
Activities: Hiking on mountain trails, camping, bird watching.
Biodiversity: Wide variety of animal and plant species.
Best time to visit: May to August
Iconic Routes
Five Lakes Trail (4-5 hours, moderate)
A steep descent to idyllic natural pools, with passages over rocks. Challenging ascent.
Bach Ma Mountain (1 day, difficult)
A demanding ascent with significant elevation gain, offering exceptional views of the coast. Frequent fog at the summit.
Hiking in the less-known Nui Chua National Park - Source: Collected
Nui Chua National Park
Nestled in the Ninh Thuan province, Nui Chua combines steep mountains and wild coastline in a preserved and less crowded setting.
Activities: Trekking in the mountains, swimming on secluded beaches.
Biodiversity: Home to a diversity of unique plant and animal species.
Best time to visit: Mid-June to mid-July or mid-August to September
Discoverable Treks
Cau Gay Jungle Tea (3-4 hours, moderate to difficult)
An immersion in unique vegetation and local culture. Rocky terrain and strong sun exposure.
Nui Chua Mountain (1 day, difficult)
A strenuous ascent on rugged terrain, rewarded with exceptional sea-mountain panoramas. Few water sources, requires good preparation.
Based on the provided structure, here's a similar description for trekking trails in Cat Tien National Park:
Wild life awaits in Cat Tien National Parck - Credit : Mr Linh's Adventures
Cat Tien National Park
Located in southern Vietnam,
Cat Tien National Park offers a diverse ecosystem of tropical rainforest and wetlands, home to rare wildlife and ancient trees.
Activities: Trekking through dense jungle, wildlife spotting, boat trips on Dong Nai River.
Biodiversity: Rich in flora and fauna, including endangered species like Asian elephants and Siamese crocodiles.
Best time to visit: December to May (dry season)
Discoverable Treks
Crocodile Lake Trail (4-5 hours, moderate)
A scenic trek through lush forest to a serene lake. Opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds and reptiles. Some muddy sections during wet season.
Ta Lai Indigenous Village Trek (1 day, moderate to difficult)
An immersive journey combining natural beauty with cultural exploration. Visit ethnic minority villages, traverse bamboo forests, and cross streams. Requires good physical fitness due to varied terrain.
Each park offers a range of experiences suitable for all levels, from family strolls to seasoned expeditions. The diversity of landscapes, from mysterious caves to dizzying peaks and serene lakes, promises varied and captivating adventures.
Regardless of your destination, meticulous preparation is essential. Stay informed about weather conditions, equip yourself properly, and respect the environment. The accompaniment of local guides is often recommended, and sometimes mandatory in certain areas, to ensure your safety and enrich your experience with valuable local knowledge.
Vietnam awaits you for exceptional treks, combining natural discovery, cultural immersion, and personal challenge. So, lace up your boots and embark on an adventure in these extraordinary national parks!