10 Most Stunning Mountains in Vietnam

Besides the thousand kilometer coastline, Vietnam also captures the heart of tourists with its marvellous mountains. A third quarter of the country’s topography is mountainous areas, so it is no surprise that mountain climbing and hiking are some of tourists’ most favorite activities. Since mountain ranges are located in different parts of the country, each has a unique charm defined by their position. Based on your preferences, you can find the perfect one for physical exertion, or another for a relaxing walking tour. Below, we introduce 10 out of most stunning mountains in Vietnam to visit!

1. Fansipan Mountain

Location: Tam Duong District, Sa Pa, Lai Chau Province

Ideal for: Climbing

Height: 3,143 meters

Time to summit: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty level: Difficult

Fansipan, the so-called rooftop of Indochina region, is the best way to kickstart your mountainous adventure in Vietnam. Standing on the outer part of Sapa, the impressive mountain boasts a height of 3,143 meters.

It is truly a physical challenge for climbers, with its craggy route requiring at least 2 or 3 days to conquer. Also, an experienced guide is compulsory as it is not easy to navigate around. Nevertheless, the trekking trip is absolutely rewarding when you are completely immersed in the breathtaking nature of Hoang Lien Son Ranges.

The walking trail going up and down really challenges your capacity, but flat surfaces appear once in a while so you can take a break. In addition, in monsoon months, the road may get slippery, posing threats to climbers. So try to arrange your climbing around the period of November and March when the weather is fairly arid.

Travelling tip : In recent years, a cable car has been operated in Fansipan, allowing visitors to reach the mountain summit in just 20 minutes. The commercialization of a natural scene, unavoidably, affects the experience of climbers. But still, Fansipan is an adventure playground and an awesome mountain to crest.

2. Pu Ta Leng Mountain

Location: Ta Leng, Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province

Ideal for: Climbing

Height: 3,049 meters

Time to summit: Around 4 days

Difficulty level: Very difficult

Pu Ta Leng doesn’t usually appear in Vietnam travel ads, but it is certainly a great destination for climbing enthusiasts. It may not be as tall as Fansipan, but the track is much more challenging. The time needed to conquer the mountain is longer, and a local guide, as well as a permit from authority, is mandatory.

The track starts off with a flat route, besides a few giant rocks to climb over along the stream. Everything seems to indicate a gentle trek that requires nothing but physical endurance. Don’t be misled by these starting points. Soon, you will feel the route getting steeper and craggier. More obstacles appear, forcing you to utilise different climbing skills and driving you closer to exhaustion.

Undoubtedly, the strenuous trip might discourage people from having a try. But the presents granted by climbing Pu Ta Leng are more than just the victorious moment of reaching the summit. 

Travelling tip: The climbing track of Pu Ta Leng, commonly known as ‘Fair Route’, offers a picturesque, undisturbed scenery. Surrounded by dense forest, you will get a breath of fresh air, a change of atmosphere from crowded tourist sites. Adding to the scenic beauty are poetic streams emerging along the way. They are the perfect spots for your recovery periods.

3. Pu Si Lung Mountain

Location: Pa Ve Su, Muong Te District, Lai Chau Province

Ideal for: Climbing

Height: 3,076 meters

Time to summit: Around 3 to 4 days

Difficulty level: Very difficult

Pu Si Lung (aka Phu Si Lung) is located in the border region between Vietnam and China and it is a dream for both hikers and climbers. Along the 100 kilometer route, you will go through a variety of topography. The curvy mountain roads are only 1 to 2 meters in width, demanding you to be extra careful. The steep mountain slopes, compared with the curvy roads, are wider but packed with rocky obstacles. 

Pristine, untouched nature is one of the main allures of Pu Si Lung. As you walk through the primate jungles, you will observe a diverse range of exotic fauna and flora. As you go on, the phenomenal, vigorous streams of Nam Si Luong come into view. The unique way to cross these streams is through bridges made by broken trees strung together.

Travelling tip: If you are a nature enthusiast, or someone who wants to explore border areas of Vietnam, Pu Si Lung should definitely be on your travel checklist. Just remember to contact local agencies to arrange schedules and prepare paperwork before setting off.

4. Bach Moc Luong Tu Mountain

Location: Trung Leng Ho, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province

Ideal for: Climbing

Height: 3,046 meters

Time to summit: Around 2 to 3 days

Difficulty level: Very difficult

Bach Moc Luong Tu, like many other mountains in the Northwestern area, is not a place for the faint-hearted. Like Pu Ta Leng, the trail begins with a pleasant, though muddy route across bamboo and fruit forests. The foggy weather, however, requires climbers to be extra careful and follow their porter in order not to get lost. 

As you continue walking, the sky becomes clearer. When you reach the rocky path towards a stream, be prepared for the next phase of your trip. From there, the road will get steeper and much more testing for our determination. In return, you get the chance to admire the miraculous scene of Bach Moc Luong Tu. From the obscure mountain ranges to the wintry, pristine streams.

At the altitude of 3,046 meters, you will see the signature scene of Bach Moc Luong Tu: the spectacular sea of clouds. Not only is it a sweet gift for your efforts, it is also a recognition of your dedication and persistence throughout the journey.

Travelling tip: Normally, climbing groups will take a long break when they reach the 2,100 meter camping point. From there, get ready for an even more arduous, but also most rewarding phase. Starting at the 2,100 meter point, you will push yourself forward and claim your victory when you reach the summit. 

5. Tay Con Linh Mountain

Location: Hoang Su Phi District, Ha Giang Province

Ideal for: Climbing

Height: 2,427 meters

Time to summit: Around 2 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Tay Con Linh is located in a remote area of Ha Giang Province, where the ethnic Dao people reside. The mountain is not as prevalent as others in the region, and the rough, barely constructed climbing track might be more difficult to conquer. But the distinct features of Dao ethnicity that appear along the route has enchanted adventurers and lured them into conquering the mountain.

Trekking on Tay Con Linh, you will walk through various landscapes. From primitive jungles to sparsely populated territory. Vast terrain around Tay Con Linh is cultivated for agricultural development and the scene of green tea fields and rice terraces is just phenomenal. Shan Tea Tree, the 100 year old specialty of Ha Giang Province, is grown at the altitude of 1,500 meters. The dense tea bushes hidden behind thick fog in the morning creates a miraculous scene that can only be found in fairy tales.

Travelling tip: Once reaching the height of 1,800 meters, climbers can take an overnight rest at a local house and prepare to conquer the summit the next day. Just contact the local agents to arrange a porter and accommodation for your trip.

6. Ba Vi Mountain Range

Location: Ba Vi District, Ha Noi

Ideal for: Trekking and Sightseeing

Located inside Ba Vi National Park, Ba Vi Mountain Range is an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts. As a conservation center, Ba Vi National Park is home to 1,209 plants and 66 species of animal. There are a variety of trekking routes in Ba Vi National Park, but the most favorite ones are the tracks leading to King Mountain and Tan Vien Mountain.

Nowadays, concrete roads with instruction signs have been installed around Ba Vi National Park, so trekking is not as challenging as it used to be. But it doesn’t mean the park has lost its charm. As you start off from the entrance, several attractions are waiting ahead. From soaring pine forests to the hemisphere glass house of exotic cactus species.

Besides biological features, Ba Vi Mountain Range also allures visitors with its historical remains. A holiday resort, built inside the area during the 19th century, is preserved up until now and exhibited under the name ‘French summer camp’. The ruins of an antique church were also discovered. Its rustic, flawed beauty has become an inspiration for visual artists.

Travelling tip: Although there are not many obstacles on the track of Ba Vi Mountain Range, it certainly demands a substantial base of physical strength. The track is quite steep and you can rapidly lose your energy after hours of walking. So, plan your route, prepare some treats to fuel up, and take a break when necessary.

7. Langbiang Mountain

Location: Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province

Ideal for: Trekking and Sightseeing

12 kilometers from the city of Dalat, Langbiang Mountain is associated with a fascinating tale that bears similarity to the story of  Romeo and Juliet. Stemming from the gratitude towards her savior, the genuine affinity of a girl was forbidden by her father due to tribal conflicts. The couple ran away from their tribes and lived their own life on a remote mountain. But once again, the couple was separated by their tribes. The girl perished from a toxic arrow of her husband’s villagers, and the boy, unable to recover his wife’s death, also passed away.

There are two main ways to reach the peak of Langbiang Mountain: sitting in an old-fashioned Russian Jeep or trekking through a forested trail leading to the 2,169 meter peak. If you are going for the first option, the Jeep will take you to an abandoned army radar station at the altitude of 1,950 meters. The vehicle runs through a paved road along dreamy pine forests.

If you are leaning to the second choice, be prepared for a little physical challenge. The change of elevation is not the only that can hinder your trek. The sudden rise and fall of temperature may also cause discomfort if you can’t quickly adapt. 

Travelling tip: To fully enjoy the view of Langbiang Mountain trekking route, you are recommended to set off early. From the spectacular blend of pine forests and coffee plantations to the untouched, primate jungles. It would be a huge loss to miss these scenes just because some late afternoon clouds have obscured the view.

8. Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)

Location: Son Tra District, Da Nang

Ideal for: Sightseeing

Another destination for nature lovers, Son Tra Mountain has its other name from the creatures that cluster in the area. The mountain offers a unique and absolutely breathtaking scenery. On one side, you will find luscious green covering the mountain’s surface. On the other, the mountain is embraced by the pristine ocean.

Usually, there are two paths leading to the mountaintop: a dense jungle trail and a steep, inclining motoroad. Of the two options, the latter one is more popular as it doesn’t require physical exertion and allows tourists to approach the stunning view in a shorter time.

Travelling tip: If you are curious about the existence of primate creatures on Monkey Mountain, drop by Linh Ung Pagoda. The monumental temple is located right on the motoroad, with vast ground to park your vehicles. Coming there, you will find energetic monkeys toying with tourists, as well as remarkable Buddhist statues.

9. Ngu Hanh Son Mountain (Marble Mountain)

Location: Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Ideal for: Sightseeing

Located within the area of Ngu Hanh Son District are five mountains named after the five forces of nature, including Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Hoa (fire), Moc (wood), and Tho (earth). This explains the name ‘Ngu Hanh Son’, which can be translated as ‘Mountains of the Five Forces’.

Among the five mountains, ‘Thuy Son’ or ‘Water Mountain’ is the most famous one. It boasts an ancient pagoda which was erected several centuries ago. To reach the temple and admire the panoramic view, tourists need to follow a marble staircase of 160 steps. Though it is quite easy to climb on these steps, get yourself a decent pair of trainers instead of flip flops as the marble surface is quite slippery.

Travelling tip: To avoid getting exhausted from overheating, visit the temple at times when the weather is of comfortable temperature. Late afternoon is satisfactory enough to handle the 160 steps. But early morning is an even better time because you get to witness the beautiful landscape, take awesome pictures and totally relish in the peaceful atmosphere of Marble Mountain.

10. Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain)

Location: Tay Ninh Province

Ideal for: Climbing and Sightseeing

Height: 986 meters

Time to summit: 5 to 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

If you crave for a short escape from the bustling life of Ho Chi Minh City, what could be a better way to relax than conquering the highest mountain of the Southeastern region? Black Virgin Mountain is approximately 100 kilometers from the centre of Ho Chi Minh city and it only takes 2 to 3 hours travelling on a car to get there. Surprisingly, the mountain is just around 986 meters high, much shorter than the peaks in the north. But this makes them the perfect spot for your weekend getaway because you have to spend just a few hours to reach the top.

Once you arrive at the foot of the mountain, you can begin your trekking on a footpath. The footpath was constructed in the middle of a luxuriant forest. On both sides, you may witness gigantic trees, massive rocks and small streams. After finishing the first 1,500 steps and reaching the height of 200 meters, you will encounter Linh Son Thien Thach Pagoda. The pagoda features all the characteristics of a Buddhist temple with delicately decorated altar and reclining Buddha statues.

After exploring the temple, continue trekking to the top of the mountain on the defined, steep and in some parts, uneven footpath. To get over the steepest sections of the route, you need to climb a via ferrata. This is the trickiest part of the trip as it requires a solid base of physical strength, precision and agility.

Travelling tip: There is a cable car in operation at Black Virgin Mountain that takes you from the mountain’s foot to the pagoda. As the ride takes just around 10 minutes, you can choose this option to save energy for the rest of the trip.

Climbing a mountain is more than just a leisure activity. It is a great way to boost your physicality and practice a variety of skills. For beginners, go for the low or mid-level options and for those with experience, go for the more challenging ones. With the features of both kinds of option, we hope you will find some ideas from this compilation to add to your travel itinerary.