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We didn’t build ExoTrails for elite athletes or hardcore trekkers – though they’re welcome here too! We have some amazing hardcore trekkers who support our community by their contributions of unique trekking trails. We built it as an app for everyday explorers, for the curious. For the weekend wanderers, the solo strollers, the first-time hikers, the families with fidgety kids and a shared love of fresh air. For anyone who’s ever asked, “Where can I go today that feels just a little mental escape?”
ExoTrails was born from that question. And building it was as much a walk through local culture and lived experience as it was about code and maps.
Read more interesting posts here:
- A Guide to Mu Cang Chai Ecotourism: Beyond the Rice Fields
- Strong, Soft, and Solo: A Guide to Empowering Trips for Women in Vietnam
- Beyond the Crowds: A Guide to Off the Beaten Path Vietnam
How frustration led us to build an app for everyday explorers
Before we launched the app, I’d spend my own weekends poring over messy blog posts and scattered Google pins just to find a decent trail within driving distance. The info was always fragmented, sometimes outdated, and often lacked the details that matter – is this trail difficult? Is there a local eatery nearby? What other places are nearby? So we started there, with the goal of designing a trustworthy, intuitive app for everyday explorers.
Why curation is key in our app for everyday explorers
We didn’t want ExoTrails to be another “upload and hope” trail app. Our team works closely with local mappers, guides, and regional partners across Vietnam to handpick trails that are scenic, culturally rich, and realistically accessible for the app for everyday explorers. From short forest loops outside Hanoi to half-day climbs near Da Nang, we focused on experiences that feel authentic but doable. And where possible, we tie them to cultural landmarks or village paths, because the trail isn’t just a line on a map—it’s a doorway into the story of a place.
Designing an intuitive app for everyday explorers
A big part of our process was asking ourselves, “What would a tired parent, a curious tourist, or a first-time hiker want to see?”
The result?
- A clean, intuitive interface (UI/UX) that doesn’t require a tech tutorial.
- Trail filters based on effort, terrain, and travel time from major cities.
- Offline maps for when you lose signal (which happens in the best places).
- Our TrackMate feature, so you can share your progress with a loved one for peace of mind.
Designing for wanderers means respecting unpredictability. That’s why we built ExoTrails to be user-friendly, intuitive, and welcoming.
Creating an app for everyday explorers in Vietnam, for Vietnam
This app could only have been made here. Vietnam’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, but so is the way people move through them. Some hike in sandals. Some rise at 5 a.m. for a cool sunrise loop. Our trails reflect that vibrancy, and so does our UI/UX. Every feature was shaped with local Vietnamese and regional lifestyles in mind, creating a true app for everyday explorers in this unique context.
We’re still walking with you. New trails are being added every week, and we’re always listening to feedback because the best designs, like the best hikes, evolve with the people who take them.
So next time you step outside and wonder where to go, open ExoTrails. We built it for you—for the curious heart, the open schedule, and the need to breathe a little deeper.
Conclusion
Ultimately, creating the best app for everyday explorers meant focusing on the “everyday” part. It wasn’t about building for the elite; it was about building for the universal human need to wander, discover, and connect with the world just outside our door.
By prioritizing intuitive design, local knowledge, and real-world usability, we aimed to build not just a tool, but a trusted companion for your next small (or large) adventure.
Ready to start your own adventure? Join our community of explorers in the ExoTrails Facebook Group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage for daily inspiration and trail tips!
FAQs
What is the best app for hiking in Vietnam?
ExoTrails is designed specifically for Vietnam, offering curated, locally-sourced trails with reliable offline maps and a focus on cultural context.
How was the ExoTrails app created?
It was born out of the frustration of trying to find reliable trail information, leading to the creation of a user-friendly, curated platform.
What makes a good hiking app?
A great hiking app should have reliable offline maps, accurately curated trails, easy-to-use filters, and an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
How do I find safe and accessible trails near me?
ExoTrails allows you to filter by difficulty, distance, and proximity to your location, using trails that have been vetted for accessibility.
Does ExoTrails work offline?
Yes, all trail maps and information can be downloaded for offline use, which is essential for areas with poor or no mobile signal.
