Vietnam is a haven for trekkers. Far removed from the turmoil of bustling urban centers, an array of paths, peaks, and untamed landscapes beckon to be discovered.
No matter if you choose to climb Fanxipan Mountain, discover rice paddies and nearby hamlets, or venture into the globe’s largest caverns in Phong Nha, an impressive array of outdoor activities awaits you.
A lesser-known gem for nature lovers in Vietnam can be found in the southern part of the country. While this area doesn’t boast the dramatic karst limestone scenery characteristic of northern regions or the lush greenery typical of central Vietnam, it still offers some remarkable hiking opportunities tucked away near Ho Chi Minh City amidst its generally flat terrain.
Black Virgin Mountain (Ba Den)
Let’s begin with the tallest summit in southern Vietnam, Ba Den or Black Virgin Mountain located in Tay Ninh Province.
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Next to the rice paddies lies Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province. The image was captured by Nguyen Tan Tuan. |
Though the peak of this dormant volcano reaches just 996 meters above sea level, it offers an invigorating and fulfilling trek for those choosing to climb on foot instead of taking the available cable car. Hikers commonly start at the Martyrs’ Monument and follow the path marked by electric power lines, which leads them along a rugged trail upwards. Even though it stands much shorter than peaks found in Lai Chau or Lai Cao further north, climbers face distinct obstacles like sparse tree cover and lack of facilities offering sustenance, rest areas, or refreshments en route.
Even so, individuals who find the climb especially exhausting have the option to descend using the cable car rather than walking back down. For those who decide to hike up and down, they might encounter some slick stones and could potentially see venomous snakes or vibrant geckos native to the region.
Chua Chan
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The peak of Chua Chan Mountain in Dong Nai Province. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan. |
Chua Chan Mountain lies farther east in Dong Nai Province and stands as the second tallest mountain in the southern region at 837 meters high. This location is blanketed in dense vegetation and has gained popularity as a favored campsite for short getaways, especially among Saigon inhabitants who can arrive within about three hours.
Much like Black Virgin Mountain, the primary trail preferred by hikers follows a path marked by electrical lines that are sequentially numbered, providing trekkers with an easy way to gauge their progress as they go uphill and downhill. A regrettable issue shared by Chua Chan and somewhat less so by Ba Den is the accumulation of trash in certain sections, notably close to these mountains’ summits, where campers appear to have left behind debris without proper cleanup.
Cat Tien
Often regarded as the most renowned national park in Southern Vietnam, Cat Tien stands out due to its rich diversity of rare animal and plant species native to the area. It serves as a perfect destination for those who have a passion for exploring nature.
The UNESCO biosphere reserve offers numerous hiking routes that are clearly mapped out at the park headquarters. Among these, the most favored trail involves an early morning gibbon tracking excursion where participants follow the loud calls of the smaller ape species. Those looking to explore deeper into the lowland rainforest can relish capturing pictures alongside towering ancient trees.
tung
The tree is believed to be over 400 years old, or something distinctive.
bang lang
a tree featuring six distinct trunks. Visitors can also choose to explore either the Ben Cu Waterfall or the Ta Lai Ethnic Village, both located farther from the park’s central area.
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The massive 400-year-old tung tree located within Cat Tien National Park. The image was supplied to VnExpress. |
Dinh
Right next to Ho Chi Minh City lies Dinh Mountain, an uncommon elevated region protruding from the extensive network of river deltas in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
The maintained path serves as a serene escape from the urban area and is highly favored during weekends because of its closeness to Ho Chi Minh City. The adjacent waterways, Suoi Da and Suoi Tien, add to its appeal; their fresh waters create several natural pools often occupied by residents for bathing and swimming activities.
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A team of hikers ascends Dinh Mountain located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Image captured by Nguyen Duong Tien. |
The Buddhist temples nestled within the thick vegetation, coupled with the eucalyptus trees that greet you as you draw closer to the mountainside, contribute significantly to the tranquil ambiance of this region. However, those who venture forth on foot ought to remain cautious regarding the perilous inclines, especially when precipitation saturates the ground during monsoon season.
Ta Nang – Phan Dung
The trek across multiple provinces begins in Binh Thuan Province’s Tuy Phong District and ends approximately 35 kilometers farther north in Duc Trong District of Lam Dong Province.
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Hikers on the Ta Nang – Phan Dzung trail. Photo by Nguyen Sy Duc |
This route offers an impressive trek featuring breathtaking vistas of woodlands, slopes, and waterways. Despite the spectacular landscape, the pathway may prove challenging, being both muddy, steep, and frequently slick, particularly following rainfall.
In contrast to the earlier described trails, having a guide is crucial here due to the remoteness of the area and to guarantee your safety since the path can be difficult to track down. Even though these treks present difficulties, they offer an enriching journey for adventurers who appreciate unspoiled natural surroundings. This particular route usually spans from 2 to 3 days based on your walking speed and frequency of breaks; nonetheless, encountering a more relaxed lifestyle and witnessing the dwellings of indigenous communities such as the K’ho and Churu adds a distinctive blend of culture within this wilderness setting.
