Northern Vietnam is a land of big mountains, green forests, and villages full of old traditions. If you love nature and enjoy walking long paths, this is the perfect place for you. Here are five amazing trekking spots where you can enjoy stunning views and learn about local life. Let’s dive in!

Sapa (Lao Cai)

Sapa sits high up, over 1,500 meters, surrounded by the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountains. When you trek here, you’ll walk along small paths past terraced rice fields – they look like steps carved into the hills. In September and October, the fields turn golden with ripe rice, mixed with the green of bamboo and pine trees. The hike to Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam at 3,143 meters, is tough with steep rocky slopes, but at the top, you’ll see clouds floating below you.

The culture in Sapa is special. In villages like Tả Van or Cát Cát, you’ll meet H’mông people wearing colorful handmade clothes or friendly Dao folks. They might offer you warm corn wine and share stories about the mountains. Try some grilled chicken by a fire – it’s simple but so tasty.

Ha Giang

Ha Giang is all about rocks and flowers – wild and beautiful. Trekking here takes you across the Đồng Văn stone plateau, where gray rocks stand tall like sculptures. The Mã Pí Lèng pass winds along the Nho Quế river, its water a bright turquoise. In spring, peach and plum blossoms cover the hills in white, while autumn brings golden rice fields tucked between the stones.

The Tày and H’mông people live in simple mud houses. If you’re lucky, you can visit a highland market where they trade goods and sing old songs. Standing at the Lũng Cú flagpole, the northernmost point of Vietnam, feels sacred and quiet.

Mai Chau (Hoa Binh)

Mai Chau is a peaceful valley surrounded by green mountains. The trekking here is easy, great for beginners, but still full of charm. You’ll walk through wide rice fields, breathing in the fresh smell of young rice plants. Around you are limestone hills covered in forest, with big old fig trees here and there. In the morning, mist hangs over everything, making it feel like a painting.

The Thai people live in wooden stilt houses, simple but cozy. They’re known for weaving bright fabrics with pretty patterns. At night, you can sit by a fire, sip rice wine from a bamboo straw, and watch the girls dance gracefully to flute music. It’s warm and relaxing.

Cao Bang

Cao Bang is home to waterfalls, caves, and deep forests. The star here is Bản Giốc waterfall – one of the most beautiful in the world. Water crashes down over 30 meters, kicking up a white mist in a green valley. You’ll trek past old trees and clear little streams where you can rest. The Ngườm Ngao cave is another stop, full of shiny stalactites shaped like strange figures – it’s like a hidden palace underground.

The Tày and Nùng people live close to nature here. They sing “then” songs with a small guitar called a đàn tính, especially during festivals. In rice season, you’ll see small fields along the hills, with wooden houses peeking out of the morning fog.

Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc)

Just 80 km from Hanoi, Tam Dao is like a cool escape. The trek to the top isn’t too long, but you’ll love the pine forests and misty air. Tall pine trees line the paths, their needles crunching under your feet – it feels a bit like walking in a Nordic forest. From the Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm peak, you can look down at the little town nestled in the valley, quiet and dreamy.

Tam Dao doesn’t have big villages, but the local people are kind and sell tasty food like grilled hill chicken or stir-fried su su greens. Sitting with a cup of hot tea, watching the clouds drift by, is the perfect way to end your day.

 

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Each spot in Northern Vietnam has its own magic – wild nature and friendly faces. If you want a trip that’s both exciting and calming, pack your bag and start walking. You won’t forget it!

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Daisy Land Travel Viet Nam (DLT)

•  Head Office: No. 11, Alley 55, Linh Quang Alley, Van Chuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
•  Phone/ Whatsapp/ Viber: (+84)368020960 / (+84)931307887
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