Northern Vietnam is certainly the most spectacular of the three regions that make up the country. Former Tonkin is a vast territory of medium and high mountains but also of rugged karst reliefs. A grandiose region of breathtaking beauty, a kingdom of numerous ethnic minorities with flamboyant costumes and legendary hospitality. Go and meet them by taking the numerous hiking trails that run through the mountains, the small hidden villages and the fabulous rice fields that create some of the most beautiful landscapes in Southeast Asia. Follow us on the trekking trails of the 5 most beautiful hikes in Northern Vietnam!

Sapa or the beauty of the Tonkinese Alps

The Sapa region experienced its growth at the beginning of the 20th century when the French colonial regime built a military garrison there, a Catholic mission and then when it made Sapa a health resort where settlers from Hanoi came for vacation by the Hanoi–Lao Cai train. There is not much left of the French presence due to the vicissitudes of history, but on the other hand, the landscapes are still the same and as fabulous as ever. Imagine high mountains, including the roof of Indochina, Fansipan Mountain peaking at 3,143 meters, sculpted by the sheer force of man to lay magnificent rice terraces on the slopes.

Hiking in Sapa allows you to admire these spectacular works up close and to meet the minority ethnic groups who inhabit the region, Black Hmong and Red Dao in particular. Spend at least one night with them, you will be dazzled by the complexity of their cultures and especially their incredible mountain hospitality.

>> Read more: Top 10 activities in Sapa

Hoang Su Phi and the splendid rice terraces

This is another sector that is on par with Sapa. Indeed, the Hoang Su Phi region is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes of rice terraces in Northern Vietnam. All travellers who have had the chance to go hiking in the Hoang Su Phi district agree that the landscapes there are dizzying.

It has magnificent settings where several ethnic groups live in harmony, mainly the Dao and the Tay. Hiking with homestays remains the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. The comfort is basic but the conviviality is great and touching. The icing on the cake is that the province is home to some of the most ethnic markets in northern Vietnam where every Sunday is a riot of colors and emotions. More difficult to access than Sapa, Hoang Su Phi has the advantage of being less touristy. Fans of unusual encounters can go here.

>> Read more: Trekking Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang in 3, 4, 5, 6 to 7 days, what to do?

The limestone of Cao Bang

In the Northeast of Vietnam, along the Chinese border, the Cao Bang region reveals breathtaking rugged limestone massifs. How can we imagine that these beautiful sceneries were the scene of terrible battles between the French expeditionary force and the Vietminh as well as the Indochina War? The province was crossed by the RC4, the colonial route 4, then called at that time "the bloody road" because of the numerous attacks on convoys by Giap's troops.

Moreover, it is in this region that the French army suffered one of its heaviest defeats in Indochina during the evacuation of Cao Bang when the Charton and Lepage columns were destroyed in the inextricable limestone maze. Hiking in this region of raw beauty will make you walk in the footsteps of French soldiers like in the Coc Xa basin where 5,000 French people perished in one night. After a several-day trek in the world's 2nd geopark in Vietnam, a bath in the sumptuous Ban Gioc Falls will soothe your body.

>> Read more: Cao Bang Vietnam, a captivating region off the beaten track

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

To the Southwest of Hanoi, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a true natural setting that is particularly suitable for hiking. You will be able to appreciate the variety of landscapes: karst mountains, rice terraces, deep forests, thick jungles, waterfalls and deep valleys.

The small villages of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups with their beautiful wooden houses on stilts welcome you at night with kindness and simplicity. Walking there is for all levels, from a simple walk of a few days to several days of hiking to delve deeper into this reserve which offers many natural treasures to discover.

>> Read more: Pu Luong Vietnam, what to do in 2 or 3 days?

The magical Ba Be National Park

Located in the Northeast of Vietnam, bordering Cao Bang Province, Ba Be National Park is an essential stopover for hikers who love beautiful, unspoiled nature and mountain authenticity. The park is a reserve of abundant biodiversity surrounded by karst mountains which within it, nestles a large freshwater lake sheltering several rare fauna and flora species. What a wonder! Hiking there will allow you to appreciate this exceptional natural site at a slow pace.

It will also be an opportunity to meet the ethnic minorities who inhabit the park such as the Tay, the Nung and the Hmong in particular. Sleeping around the lake, taking a boat trip and swimming there will undoubtedly remain a rare travel experience!

Da Bac - a hidden gem for peaceful trekking

Located in the Northwest of Vietnam, 90 km from Hanoi, not too far from Mai Chau, Da Bac is a mountainous district in Hoa Binh Province. This is a hidden place for you to discover. This region is characterized by a topographic alternation of mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and streams. If you are looking for a hike in the most hidden places and emotional encounters with the local population (Dao, Muong), let us guide you through this beautiful hike where each step will be a dazzling discovery.

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