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As a regular contributor to the ExoTrails app, I’m constantly amazed by the ethereal beauty that Vietnam has to offer. From mossy forests to cloud-kissed valleys, the country boasts some of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam, with trails that seem to have leaped straight out of a fantasy novel. If you’re seeking an adventure that feels otherworldly, here are ten trails that will transport you to dreamlike landscapes.
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1. Ba Na Hills: A beautiful hike in an enchanted forest
Nestled just outside of Da Nang, the Ba Na Hills trail feels like stepping into a fairytale. As you ascend through the lush greenery, you’re greeted by towering trees draped in vibrant moss. The highlight is the Golden Bridge, where giant stone hands appear to lift the walkway into the sky, solidifying its place as one of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam. With the ExoTrails app, you can easily navigate the best routes to capture stunning photos and soak in the enchanting atmosphere.
2. Sapa: A mystical valley with some of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam
Sapa, known for its striking terraced rice fields, offers trails that feel like a scene from a fantasy epic. The trails here wind through lush valleys where vibrant green fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Trekking to Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, will make you feel as if you’re traversing a mythical realm.
3. Phong Nha-Ke Bang: One of the most beautiful hikes through an alien landscape
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park features some of the most surreal landscapes in Vietnam. The trails lead you through expansive limestone caves and karst formations that resemble an alien world, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. Please note: hiking in this park requires a licensed guide and an official tour for safety and conservation.
The ExoTrails app can help you plan your visit, guiding you to lesser-known paths that reveal the park’s hidden gems. However, this park is restricted to unguided treks. Always use a local guide or tour group for this excursion.
4. Mu Cang Chai: One of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam through cloud valleys and rice terraces
If you’re seeking a trail with breathtaking views, look no further than Mu Cang Chai. This area is famous for its stunning rice terraces that cascade down the mountainsides. When the clouds roll in, the landscape takes on a mystical quality, making it one of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam.
The trail to La Pan Tan is particularly stunning, as you hike through picturesque villages and witness local farmers tending to their fields. The combination of terraced fields and misty mountains creates a captivating scene that feels almost surreal. With the ExoTrails app, you can easily find the best viewpoints and immerse yourself in this enchanting landscape.
5. Ninh Binh: A beautiful hike among ‘Ha Long Bay on land’
Ninh Binh is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” and for good reason. The serene landscape features limestone karsts rising dramatically from the lush greenery. The trails here, easily among the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam, lead you to hidden fairy pools, where crystal-clear waters reflect the vibrant surroundings.
One of the most magical spots is the Tam Coc area, where you can kayak through caves and under the shadow of towering cliffs. The tranquility of the pools, combined with the stunning scenery, creates a sense of peace and wonder. Using the ExoTrails app, you can navigate the area’s trails and plan a perfect day of exploration among these fairy-tale landscapes.
6. Hoang Su Phi: A beautiful hike through cascading golden fields
Located in Hà Giang Province, Hoàng Su Phì is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields. During the harvest season, the golden fields shimmer under the sun, creating a breathtaking landscape that offers one of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam.
7. Cat Ba Island: One of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam where mountains meet the sea
Cat Ba Island, part of the Ha Long Bay archipelago, features dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. The trails here lead through lush forests and offer stunning views of secluded beaches and rocky cliffs. The combination of sea and mountain creates a fantastical atmosphere perfect for exploration.
8. Mui Ne: A beautiful hike along the surreal Fairy Stream
This unique natural wonder near Mui Ne features a winding stream that flows through vibrant red and white sand dunes. The surreal landscape, with its colorful cliffs and tranquil waters, feels like a hidden paradise and offers one of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam. Exploring the Fairy Stream is like walking through a painter’s dream.
9. Cuc Phuong National Park: One of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam through ancient forests
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s oldest national park, home to ancient trees and rich biodiversity. The dense forests, filled with unique flora and fauna, create a mystical ambiance. The trails here lead to hidden caves and waterfalls, offering a sense of adventure and discovery.
10. The hidden waterfalls of Da Lat
Da Lat, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is renowned for its cool climate and stunning landscapes. The trails around this region, easily some of the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam, lead to hidden waterfalls that feel like they belong in a fantasy realm. One of the most breathtaking is Datanla Falls, where water cascades down rocky cliffs into crystal-clear pools surrounded by lush greenery.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a treasure trove of trails that resemble the pages of a fantasy book, each offering a unique and enchanting experience. Whether you’re wandering through the mossy forests of Ba Na Hills or gazing at the alien landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, these trails, truly among the most beautiful hikes in Vietnam, invite you to step into a world of wonder.
With the ExoTrails app as your trusty companion, you can easily discover and explore these magical destinations. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you spellbound. The fantasy worlds of Vietnam await!
To share your own fantasy-like photos and get tips from fellow hikers, join our community on the ExoTrails Vietnam Facebook group and follow the ExoTrails Fanpage!
FAQs
What is the most beautiful hike in Vietnam?
While beauty is subjective, many consider the treks through Sapa’s terraced rice fields or the dramatic mountain passes of the Ha Giang Loop to be among the most breathtaking hikes in Vietnam.
Where are the most scenic landscapes in Vietnam?
The most scenic landscapes are found in the northern mountains (Sapa, Ha Giang), the coastal karsts (Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh), and the unique caves and jungles of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Is Sapa worth visiting for scenery?
Absolutely. Sapa is world-famous for its dramatic terraced rice fields, misty valleys, and majestic mountains, making it a top-tier destination for incredible scenery.
What is the Golden Bridge in Vietnam?
The Golden Bridge is a famous 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge near Da Nang. It is designed to look like it’s being held up by two giant stone hands, offering spectacular views from the Ba Na Hills.
Can you hike in Phong Nha-Ke Bang without a guide?
No, hiking in Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s core zones and major caves requires a licensed guide and an official tour due to strict safety and conservation regulations.
