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Embark on a challenging yet immensely rewarding trekking journey that will evoke unparalleled emotions. Get ready to immerse yourself in authentic, simple, and breathtaking natural landscapes, as well as the local way of life. Mytour proudly presents the top 10 ideal trekking routes currently available.
1. Trekking through forests and spending nights in ethnic villages (Sapa)
Travel enthusiasts often advise that to truly understand Sapa, you must embark on a trekking tour, walking through the forests, spending nights in villages, and experiencing the real-life of the Hmong, Dao, and Day people. The closest, most affordable, and shortest option is the two-day, one-night tour to Ta Van village. For a longer and more extensive journey, opt for the three-day, two-night tour to Ta Phin. Even better, choose the five-day, four-night tour that combines Ta Van and Ta Phin, allowing you to traverse lush rice fields, bamboo forests, mountain passes, and streams.
Pro tip: Simply purchase a tour from the hotel you're staying at. Most mid-range and above hotels in Sapa offer trekking tour services for tourists. Each tour group has a local tour guide, predominantly Hmong and mostly female.
Accommodations in Sapa
2. Hoàng Liên Sơn National Park (Lào Cai)
Accommodations in Lào Cai
3. Mai Châu Valley (Hòa Bình)
Accommodations in Hòa Bình
4. Cao Bằng Province
5. Ba Bể Lake (Bắc Cạn)
6. Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong)
7. Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh)
8. Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa)
9. Nam Cat Tien National Park
10. Black Lady Mountain, Tay Ninh
Things to Keep in Mind When Trekking:
- Pack light, prioritize rain, mosquito, and squeeze-resistant clothing. If trekking during the rainy season, consider bringing specialized socks for jungle trekking.
- Essential items include a tent, rope, sleeping bag, machete, lighter... Basic medications such as water purifying tablets, mentholatum, salonpas, antipyretics, pain relievers, antibiotics, mosquito repellent cream, squeeze, cotton balls, antiseptic ointment...
- Food: Opt for lightweight, long-lasting, easy-to-use options such as sausages, cheese, dried fruits, instant noodles, canned goods, biscuits, sweets... Avoid bulky food items that require extensive cooking.
- If possible, equip yourself with technological devices such as a GPS locator, compass, camera... Also, carry a small notebook for jotting down notes.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes with plenty of pockets. It's best to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts to avoid scratches from trees, thorns, as well as certain allergenic substances.
- Avoid drinking too much water while trekking to prevent fatigue.
- If you're camping overnight in the jungle: set up camp while it's still early, next to a water source. Build a large fire and keep it burning throughout the night.
- Gather information from experienced trekkers or travel forums. It's best to hire a local guide. If you're proficient in using navigation devices, you can explore on your own but always be prepared for the possibility of getting lost or disoriented.
- For first-time trekkers: opt for shorter routes, around 2-3 days. In subsequent trips, you can extend the duration and choose more challenging routes.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourApril 3rd, 2013
