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I’ve lived in Vietnam for years, and I’ve hiked my fair share of trails. But it wasn’t until a quiet solo walk in the highlands near Lâm Đồng, guided by my own app, that I realized something: even in a place I thought I knew, there’s always more waiting to be discovered, especially when you know how to find local hiking trails that aren’t in the guidebooks.
That trail wasn’t dramatic. It didn’t lead to a jaw-dropping waterfall or a summit selfie. It was a soft path, winding through tropical jungle and morning mist. And yet, it changed something in me. It reminded me that exploration doesn’t have to be epic to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is one trail and the right tool to help you find it.
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More than a map: An app to help you find local hiking trails
When we started developing ExoTrails, we didn’t want just another map. We wanted to create a trusted companion for people who love nature but don’t always have time to spend hours planning. The challenge for many is knowing how to find local hiking trails that are safe, accessible, and beautiful.
The truth is, there’s so much beauty in Vietnam that doesn’t show up on travel blogs. Gentle forest loops, community-run trails, riverbank paths you’d never spot on your own. Our mission was to gather those gems, and make them accessible, clearly mapped, lovingly described, and ready to explore.
The power of a simple walk: My realization on a local trail
On that particular morning in Lâm Đồng, I wasn’t seeking anything big. I’d had a long week. I opened the app and filtered for “nearby” to find local hiking trails. Within seconds, I was able to find a local hiking trail I’d never heard of—just 3km, through forest and farmland, with a view of the hills.
As I walked, something shifted. The tension in my shoulders faded. My thoughts slowed. I watched butterflies flutter between wildflowers and noticed a local farmer waving from a distant hillside. I wasn’t in a rush. There was nowhere to be but here. And I hadn’t even left the province. That walk didn’t just clear my head. It reminded me why we built ExoTrails in the first place. Because moments like that—unhurried, grounded, and real—are too important to miss.
How to find local hiking trails without the stress
One of my favourite things about ExoTrails is that it takes the stress out of adventure. No more digging through search results or getting lost in translation. The app offers curated trails, filters by length and difficulty, and even works offline. Whether you’re in Đà Lạt, Ba Vì, or tucked away in the Central Highlands, our goal is to make it delightfully simple to find local hiking trails and turn “I wish I knew where to go” into “Let’s just go.”
And it’s not just about nature. It’s about connection. To place, to people, and often, to yourself.
Discovering a deeper Vietnam, one trail at a time
Vietnam is vast and vibrant. Yes, there are iconic spots, but the magic is often found in the smaller, quieter places. The ones you find when you aren’t trying too hard. With ExoTrails, my hope is that more people get to experience those moments, whether they’re solo, with family, or simply seeking space to breathe.
So if you find yourself in need of clarity, calm, or just something new, open the app. Find local hiking trails. Start walking. You never know what you’ll find but chances are, it’ll be exactly what you needed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the most meaningful adventures are often the ones closest to home. The challenge has always been accessibility—knowing where to go and how to get there safely. Our goal with ExoTrails was to solve that problem, making it easier than ever for anyone to find local hiking trails and reconnect with the simple joy of walking in nature. Because a great journey doesn’t have to be far away; it just has to be found.
Ready to find your own trail? Join our community of explorers in the ExoTrails Facebook Group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage for daily inspiration and trail tips!
FAQs
How can I find hiking trails near me?
You can use a dedicated app like ExoTrails, which uses your location to show you nearby curated trails. You can also check local park websites, community Facebook groups, and online trail databases.
What is the best app for finding local walking routes?
ExoTrails is an excellent app for finding local routes in Vietnam because it’s specifically curated for the region, includes community-sourced information, and offers detailed descriptions and offline maps for a safe experience.
Why are simple, short adventures important?
Simple, short adventures are important because they provide a mental reset, help you disconnect from digital overload, and allow you to find wonder and peace in your everyday environment without the stress of extensive planning.
How can I escape digital overload without a big trip?
You can escape digital overload by taking short, local “micro-adventures.” Use an app to find a local hiking trail, turn off your phone notifications, and spend an hour or two walking in nature to clear your head.
What is the story behind the ExoTrails app?
The ExoTrails app was created out of a desire to make Vietnam’s incredible natural beauty more accessible. The founder wanted to build a trusted companion that would help both locals and travelers easily and safely discover the countless hidden trails and stories the country has to offer.
