A Guide to 4 Underrated Hiking Trails in Vietnam

Running a trail app has its perks. I get to test routes, talk with local communities, and explore corners of Vietnam that don’t make it into guidebooks. But more than that, I get to see how travel changes when you trade tourist trails for quiet ones—and discover the true magic of underrated hiking trails in Vietnam.

So today, I’m stepping out of my CEO shoes for a moment to share something more personal: a few of my favourite underrated hiking trails in Vietnam. These are the ones I recommend to friends when they’re craving something peaceful, beautiful, and just a little unexpected. They’re not bucket list giants but they’re full of heart.

Read more interesting posts here:

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• You Belong Outside: A Gentle Guide to Hiking for Beginners
• Built for Wanderers: The Story Behind Our App for Everyday Explorers

Suối Yến Loop: a quiet escape near Hanoi

If you’re in Hanoi and want to escape the honking horns without going far, this gentle 4km loop near the Perfume Pagoda is a hidden gem. The trail weaves through low hills and lotus ponds, with glimpses of limestone cliffs in the distance. It’s mostly flat, shaded in parts, and ideal for slow walkers or families with kids, making it one of the most accessible underrated hiking trails in Vietnam for city dwellers.

• Bonus: Stop for chè đậu xanh at one of the quiet riverside food stalls. If you’re lucky, you’ll see boats ferrying pilgrims downstream—a scene that feels more like poetry than transport.

Rừng Thông Path: a pine forest trail in Pleiku

Pleiku doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but the wild forests here are some of the most majestic in the country. This 3.5km path begins near a small lake and winds through whispering pine groves, with scattered picnic spots and hardly another soul in sight. This is a perfect example of the peaceful, underrated hiking trails in Vietnam has to offer.

• ExoTrails tip: Pack a thermos of tea or coffee and a blanket. There are benches at the halfway point that are perfect for a slow sit-down and some reflection.

Tà Năng Foothill Trail: a family-friendly section in Lam Dong

Tà Năng is often talked about in terms of its multi-day trek, but what most people don’t know is that the base of the trail offers a shorter, family-friendly route. This 2.5km path features red clay tracks, gentle ridges, and endless grassy hills where kids can run wild while parents breathe a little deeper.

• Highlight: You’ll see local farmers tending to crops, and if it’s the right season, wildflowers that light up the valley.

Minh Đạm Secret Trail: a historic coastal hike in Ho Tram

This one’s a personal favourite for coastal trips. Just a short detour from Hồ Tràm’s resort scene is a historic forest trail that climbs gently through the Minh Đạm Resistance Base. The trail is only about 3km but rich with history, ocean views, and cool breezes, making it one of the most unique underrated hiking trails in Vietnam.

• Best for: Families looking to break up a beach trip with some soft adventure. Kids love scrambling over old bunker stones, and the final viewpoint over the coast is surprisingly quiet.

Conclusion

What I love about these paths is that they’re not loud. They don’t ask for attention, but they give so much in return. The true beauty of Vietnam often lies in its quietest corners, and these underrated hiking trails in Vietnam prove that you don’t need a famous destination to find a memorable adventure. That’s what we’re all about at ExoTrails: making the undiscovered accessible, one quiet trail at a time.

Ready to find your own path? Join our community of explorers in the ExoTrails Facebook Group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage for daily inspiration and trail tips!

FAQs

What are some underrated places to hike in Vietnam?

Consider the pine forests around Pleiku, the foothills of Tà Năng in Lam Dong, and coastal forest paths like the Minh Đạm trail near Ho Tram.

Where can I go to escape the crowds in Vietnam?

Explore regions outside the main tourist loops, such as the Central Highlands, or use an app like ExoTrails to find local paths near popular cities.

Are there any easy, quiet trails near Hanoi?

Yes, the Suối Yến Loop near the Perfume Pagoda is a perfect example of a gentle, scenic, and uncrowded trail just a short trip from Hanoi.

What is there to do in Pleiku besides coffee?

Pleiku offers beautiful, quiet hiking through its vast pine forests and around serene lakes, providing a peaceful escape into nature.

How do I find non-touristy trails in Vietnam?

Use a curated trail app like ExoTrails that focuses on local knowledge, or ask for recommendations at small, locally-owned homestays and cafes.