The mythical peaks of Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam boasts some of the most spectacular and challenging treks in Southeast Asia. From towering peaks to primary forests, these routes offer intense physical challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Here is a guide to the five most iconic summits that attract seasoned hikers.

► Read also : The 5 best trekking sites for beginners in Northern Vietnam
 

Fan Si Pan is the most accessible of the major summits - Mr Linh's Adventures

- Location : On the border between the provinces of Lào Cai and Lai Châu in Vietnam. More precisely, it lies around 9 km southwest of the town of Sapa, in the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range.
- Altitude: 3,143 meters
- Distance: 12 km
- Duration: 2 days/1 night
- Best period: September to March
- Temperature: 10-20°C (day), can drop below 0°C (night)
- Starting point: Cat Cat Village
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Plus: Return possible by cable car

Standing at 3,143 meters, Fan Si Pan is Vietnam's highest peak and remains the most accessible of the major summits thanks to its modern infrastructure. The route from Cat Cat Village, less frequented, offers a more authentic experience over 12 kilometers. This two-day trek combines wild adventure and comfort with a cable car ride back. Best enjoyed between September and March for a dry climate and February blooms.

A demanding yet rewarding trek
The trek to Fan Si Pan from Cat Cat is a demanding hike that requires good physical condition. The elevation gain is significant, and the trail passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky areas. However, the effort is greatly rewarded by the breathtaking panoramas that await hikers.

► Mount Fansipan: Climbing Guide
 

Pu Ta Leng,a legendary summit - Internet

- Location :  In the Bat Xat district of Lao Cai province and in the Tam Duong district of Lai Chau province.
- Altitude: 3,049 meters
- Distance: 27 km
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Best period: November to April
- Temperature: 11-32°C
- Starting point: Ho Thau (Thau Lake), Lai Chau Province
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Plus: Sunrise from the summit

Less known than its neighbor Fan Si Pan, Pu Ta Leng is still a legendary summit for trekking enthusiasts in Vietnam. With its 3,049 meters in altitude, it charms with its pristine landscapes and rhododendron forests that bloom in spring. The 27-kilometer trek through Lai Chau Province offers a total immersion in untouched nature. The three-day ascent allows reaching the summit at dawn for an unforgettable sunrise. The ideal period extends from November to April.

A challenge for seasoned hikers
The ascent of Pu Ta Leng is reserved for experienced hikers in good physical condition. The elevation gain is significant, the trails are often steep, and the weather can be unpredictable. However, it is precisely this difficulty that adds to the charm of this trek and rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramas.

► Trekking in Hoang Lien National Park: Under the shadow of the Indochina roof
 

Pu Si Lung, at the border between Vietnam and China - Internet

- Location : On the border between Vietnam and China, in Lai Chau province
- Altitude: 3,083 metres
- Distance: 32 km
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Best period: February to May, September to November
- Departure: Muong Te
- Difficulty: Very difficult
- Plus: Boundary marker 42 at 2,800m

Less well known than its big brothers, Fan Si Pan and Pu Ta Leng, Pu Si Lung is nonetheless a choice destination for hiking and wilderness enthusiasts. Straddling the border between Vietnam and China, this 3,083-metre peak represents a real challenge. The 32-kilometre route leads past waterfalls and rapids, steep slopes and dense bamboo forests. The presence of boundary marker 42 at 2,800 metres is a reminder of its strategic nature. This three-day trek is best enjoyed between February and May, or from September to November.

A trek accessible to all
Unlike its neighbors, Pu Si Lung is considered a more accessible trek, though not one to be taken lightly. The gradient is lower and the trails are generally well maintained. This makes it an excellent option for intermediate hikers wishing to discover Vietnam's mountains.

► Travel Diary : Conquering the roof of Indochina
 

Nam Kang Ho Tao, the Vietnamese Everest - Internet

- Location : Nam Kang Ho Tao is located in Lai Chau province.
- Altitude: 2,881 metres
- Distance: 36 km
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Best period: February to March, September to November
- Start: Ban Thao A (Thao A village)
- Difficulty: Extreme
- Bonus: Technical sections on cliffs

Sometimes dubbed the “Vietnamese Everest”, this 2,881-metre peak is reputed to be one of the most difficult and technical treks in the country. Its 36-kilometer route combines vertical cliffs, collapsed trees and color-changing forests. Hikers must negotiate tricky passages over three days of intense effort. Best conditions are from February to March and September to November.

A physical and mental challenge
The Nam Kang Ho Tao trek is a real expedition that tests the limits of every trekker. The difference in altitude is significant, the trails are often steep, even vertiginous, and the dense vegetation makes progress difficult. What's more, the mountain climate can be highly changeable, with cool or even cold temperatures, wind and rain.

► Guide to trekking in North Vietnam: Preparation and advice
 

The trek to the summit of Po Ma Lung is a real expedition - Internet

- Location :In the province of Lai Chau, Phong Tho district.
- Altitude: 2,967 metres
- Distance: Unspecified
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights
- Best period: March to May, September to November
- Departure: Lai Chau
- Difficulty: Very difficult
- Bonus: Double ascent with Chung Nhia Vu (2,918m)

This 2,967-meter summit offers the unique opportunity to conquer two peaks in one trip, with the border peak of Chung Nhia Vu (2,918 m). The route passes through primary forests with fifty-year-old trees, testing hikers' endurance over three days. The best period is between March and May, or from September to November.

A demanding trek in a wild environment
The trek to the summit of Pò Ma Lung is a real expedition, requiring excellent physical condition and solid mental preparation. The altitude difference is considerable, the trails are often steep and the vegetation dense. What's more, the mountain climate can be highly changeable, with cool or even cold temperatures, wind and precipitation.

► Sapa and surroundings: hiking and trekking in the heart of rice terraces and ethnic villages
 

Panorama of Po Ma Lung - Internet

- These treks require excellent physical condition and mountain experience.
- A local guide is essential for safety and navigation
- Equipment must be adapted to the wide variations in weather conditions
- Conditions can change rapidly, so flexibility in planning is recommended
- The September-November period generally offers the best conditions for all peaks.

These treks represent the elite of hiking in Vietnam, reserved for experienced walkers. Each summit has its own unique character, from the rhododendrons of Pu Ta Leng to the technical challenges of Nam Kang Ho Tao, promising unforgettable adventures for high-mountain enthusiasts.

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