Ideal Mountain Escapes: Top 10 Self-Guided Hiking Spots Near Saigon

It's not an exaggeration to say that Bà Đen Mountain is one of the most famous mountain hiking destinations near Saigon. The mountain boasts four trekking routes, including the power line route, the pagoda route, the White Stone Slope, and the Ma Thiên Lãnh route. Each route varies in difficulty but overall offers majestic mountainous scenery, fresh, cool air. 

Located just about 121 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, a day trip to the highest peak in Southeast Vietnam (986 meters above sea level) is an unbeatable getaway idea. The road can be challenging, so make sure to prepare sunscreen, water, and a sturdy pair of shoes. 

In the legend of the S’Tiêng ethnic group, Bà Rá Mountain is considered the 'blood sister' of Bà Đen Mountain, created by the S’Tiêng ancestors. This mountain is also known as Bơnom Brah or Chân Phật Mountain. Not just a famous mountain hiking spot near Saigon, Bà Rá Mountain is also a historical site from the resistance against French colonial rule. From 1925 to 1941, it served as a political prison where many revolutionaries were held captive, including the female general Nguyễn Thị Định. 

Recognized as a nationally special forest system, the ecological system of flora and fauna on Bà Rá Mountain is both pristine and poetic. While hiking, visitors can marvel at the lush bamboo forest or rest under the shade of centuries-old trees. From the mountain's summit, you can also see the Thác Mơ hydropower dam with its rushing water, feel the cool breeze, and listen to many spiritual stories. Some must-visit places when hiking Bà Rá Mountain include Sông Bé, Thác Mẹ, Thác Mơ, Hang Dơi, Hang Bà Bảy Tuyết, Miếu Thờ Đức Phật, Thánh Mẫu Thiên Hậu, and Bà Chúa Xứ...

Chứa Chan Mountain stands at an altitude of 873 meters above sea level and is the second-highest mountain in the South, following Bà Đen Mountain. The mountain consists of three inverted bowl-shaped hills adjacent to each other, creating a majestic landscape. Surrounding Chứa Chan Mountain are numerous small streams flowing down the 30-35 degree slopes, hidden under layers of lush greenery. This is also a sacred land with many famous pagodas, such as Linh Sơn Pagoda and Bửu Quang Pagoda. On many major holidays throughout the year, Chứa Chan Mountain hosts various cultural and religious activities with a strong national identity. If you love to check-in, don't miss Mật Khu Hầm Hinh, Cây Đa Ba Gốc, and many beautiful natural rock formations. 

To reach Chứa Chan Mountain from Biên Hoà, follow National Highway 1A for about 70 kilometers to reach Ngã Ba Ông Đồn; then turn onto Provincial Road 766 for about 2 kilometers northeast to see the sign guiding to Chứa Chan Mountain. Follow the directions for another 3.5 kilometers to arrive. Besides riding a motorbike, you can also get to Chứa Chan Mountain by bus from Miền Đông Bus Station. After arriving at the station near the entrance, continue to hire a motorbike to reach the foot of the mountain.

There are two main routes to hike Chứa Chan Mountain: along the power line route or the pagoda route. The pagoda route is easier than the power line route but tends to be crowded. If you have good stamina and want to admire the rich nature of Chứa Chan Mountain, choose the power line route.

Similar to Bà Rá Mountain, Dinh Mountain is a historical witness, having experienced two wars for Vietnam's independence. Located in Tân Thành District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, and only about 80 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Dinh Mountain is a favorite trekking spot near Saigon for many adventure enthusiasts. 

To get here, follow National Highway 51 to Chu Hải and Kim Hải Church. Right next to it is the road leading to Dinh Mountain. If you're traveling with a group of at least three people, you can rent a vehicle from Klook to move from Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring both easy transportation and maximum savings. Explore some hot check-in spots at Dinh Mountain: La Bàn Summit, Suối Tiên - Suối Đá, Hang Mai Pagoda, Tây Phương Pagoda, and more. The weather can be harsh here in the summer, so plan your trek to Dinh Mountain in the cooler months at the end of the year! 

Beyond its fame for beaches, Vũng Tàu is also a gathering place for many renowned trekking/hiking spots. With an elevation of only 170 meters above sea level, conquering Little Mountain (or Tao Phùng Mountain) is an ideal journey for beginners in trekking. The path to the summit of Little Mountain leads to the Little Mountain Lighthouse and the Statue of Christ the King - two famous attractions in Vũng Tàu. Along the trek, you can take in the lively yet peaceful city of Vũng Tàu, nestled beneath the golden summer sunshine. Don't forget to capture a few photos at the Little Mountain Lighthouse - the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia - and the Statue of Christ the King.

If conquering Little Mountain feels too dull for you, Thị Vải Mountain is an excellent alternative. Located about 65 kilometers from Saigon, Thị Vải Mountain is adjacent to Tóc Tiên Mountain, creating a 'green lung' for the coastal city. To reach Thị Vải Mountain, head to Phú Mỹ town, Vũng Tàu, and follow Provincial Road 81 for about 6 kilometers of asphalt road and 2 kilometers of dirt road. 

The mountain sits at an altitude of around 700 meters above sea level, boasting a fresh climate throughout the year. Thị Vải Mountain is also home to three sacred pagodas: Linh Sơn Bửu Thiền, Liên Trì, and Hồng Phúc. To reach Linh Sơn Bửu Thiền, the most famous pagoda here, you'll need to climb 1,340 steps from the mountain's base. The refreshing path is covered with lush greenery, ensuring a tranquil meditation experience for visitors. 

Of course, Thị Vải Mountain offers plenty of picturesque spots. Notably, there's a heavenly gate, a statue of Bodhisattva Di Lặc on a dragon's back at Quang Minh Temple, and many ancient temple structures. As this is a place of worship, please dress modestly and maintain order when exploring and taking photos. 

Nicknamed one of the most beautiful mountains in Vũng Tàu, Big Mountain (or Đại Sơn, Tượng Kỳ Mountain) is located in the Northwest, with an elevation of 245 meters, leading to Bạch Dinh and Thích Ca Phật Đài. From the summit, you can admire a diverse Vũng Tàu; one side is the deep blue sky, shimmering under the golden sun, while the other side is the bustling city, lively with tourists. 

The most famous route to climb Big Mountain is Vi Ba Road, a well-paved path easily accessible by motorbike. The ultimate destination of this road is the historical artillery position of Big Mountain Tương Kỳ, about 100 meters above sea level. Besides Vi Ba Road, Hẻm 444 and Trần Phú Street are alternative routes. However, Trần Phú Street is quite narrow and suitable only for motorbike riders. The final destination along this route is Cổ Cầu Đá Cannon Beach. 

Did you know: Ho May Vung Tau Tourist Area is situated right on the top of Big Mountain. You can take a cable car to admire the picturesque landscape harmonizing mountains and water from above.

Recognized as a national scenic spot since 1989, Chau Thoi Mountain in Binh Duong, although not very high (only 81 meters above sea level), remains an interesting destination for wanderers. 

Most famous here is Chau Thoi Pagoda, existing for nearly four centuries and renowned as the oldest pagoda in the Southeast region. The most impressive feature of this pagoda is its exquisite architecture, using many pieces of multicolored broken pottery to create a majestic dragon shape on the pagoda's roof. Atop the lotus tower sits the beautiful statue of Quan The Am Bo Tat. From the pagoda, you can gaze at the scenic panorama of the fertile plain, creating a harmonious blend of urban and natural landscapes. 

Visitors can reach Chau Thoi Pagoda by climbing 220 steps amidst large trees, providing refreshing shade. If you want to save time, you can also take the motorcycle path up the mountain. 

Located alongside National Highway 1A at an altitude of 649 meters above sea level, Ta Cu Mountain is a near-Saigon hiking destination that adventure enthusiasts can plan to conquer in the near future. Approximately 28 kilometers from Phan Thiet city, this mountain captivates travelers with its vast greenery and small, isolated houses amidst the fields. Like many other mountains on this list, Ta Cu Mountain is home to several prominent pagodas, with Long Doan and Linh Son Truong Tho being the most famous. The statue of Buddha Thich Ca reclining against the mountain is considered a valuable art and architectural treasure in Southeast Asia. 

There are two ways to conquer Ta Cu Mountain. One is to take a cable car for about 15 minutes and enjoy the scenery at an altitude of over 400 meters. The other is to spend a full 3 hours climbing 1,000 steps along the 2,290-meter path leading to the mountain's summit. Regardless of the chosen option, you are sure to have the most enjoyable experience. 

Although not perched on high mountains, Tri An Lake in Dong Nai is an ideal starting point for building endurance and readiness for more challenging trekking and mountain climbing in the future. To reach Tri An Lake, you need to walk through the Ma Da forest for about 2 hours. This journey, although quite long, is extremely leisurely thanks to the cool forest air. Additionally, you can explore various rare plant species and make friends with cute little birds along the way. 

After reaching the boat dock, take a boat ride for about 30 minutes to Cao Minh Island in Tri An Lake to set up camp. Now you can enjoy a barbecue party, sing around the campfire, or immerse yourself in the crystal-clear lake water. It's simple happiness, isn't it? #teamKlook, are you in agreement? 

Don't claim to have lived your youth to the fullest if you haven't conquered at least one of the near-Saigon hiking destinations listed above. Plan a detailed adventure with your friends for the upcoming weekend, why not?

Don't forget to share your hiking experiences near Saigon with Klook Vietnam on the Facebook and Klook Blog pages.