Top 11 Most Alluring Mountain Climbing Spots in the South

As the highest mountain in the Southeast region (986m), located 11km northeast of Tay Ninh City, Black Lady Mountain attracts numerous trekking and hiking enthusiasts every week. From a distance, Black Lady Mountain stands tall like a hat in the middle of the plain, partly challenging, partly tempting adventurers. The higher you climb, the cooler the air becomes, and reaching the summit, you can feast your eyes on the scenic beauty of a pristine yet enchanting land.

Black Lady Mountain is the highest peak in the South. Besides its impressive height, the place boasts picturesque natural landscapes and majestic mountains. Currently, there is a cable car line taking tourists to the mountaintop to admire the scenery and visit tourist destinations and spiritual relics. However, many young people still prefer to experience and conquer the southern rooftop by land.

The dry season in Tay Ninh starts from December to April the following year, the ideal time for visiting Black Lady Mountain. Especially during the Ba Den Pagoda festival from the 4th to the 16th day of the first lunar month, there is a large number of pilgrims coming here.
During the rainy season from May to November, you can also visit and travel. However, it's advisable to check the weather forecast before your journey to choose dry days.

Chua Chan Mountain is located in Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province, about 110km from Ho Chi Minh City, with an altitude of 800m above sea level. On the mountain sits Buu Quang Pagoda, the largest pagoda and situated at the highest position compared to many other pagodas in the area. If you want to hike the mountain combined with visiting Buu Quang Pagoda, you can enter from the main gate of Chua Chan Mountain Tourist Area, climb nearly 400 stone steps to reach the pagoda, then continue through the forest to the mountain peak. Regarded as the roof of Dong Nai province, the peak of Chua Chan Mountain with an altitude of 837m is the second highest mountain peak in the Southeast region. Here lies a picturesque landscape, unique in Dong Nai and rare in the Southern region. The mountain has a curved shape consisting of three consecutive hills resembling a crescent moon.

This is the second highest mountain in the Southeast region with dense forests, steep cliffs... chosen by young people to explore in their spare time. The area around the mountain peak is relatively flat, spacious, convenient for camping. At the mountain top is the SK11 information station, where tourists can stop by for support regarding accommodation, water, etc.

Chua Mountain National Park located in Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province boasts a splendid location, with the East and South facing the East Sea, the North overlooking the lower part of Cam Ranh Bay, the South adjoined by Nai Lagoon, and the West offering views of National Route 1A.

The popular route starts from Da Hang village, traverses the terraced fields of the Raglai people, stops for camping at O Liem stream, and continues to the mountain peak the following morning. Along the way to climbing Chua Mountain, you will encounter streams meandering through rocky crevices, herds of mountain goats foraging or resting under the trees. When nearing the mountain base, you can trek through the forest to reach the sea and admire the pristine beauty of Vinh Hy.

Although Chua Mountain is only about 1,000m above sea level, conquering its peak is no easy feat. From satellite images, Chua Mountain resembles a turtle with its head facing South, and its tail protruding toward Xop Cape into Cam Ranh Bay as if emerging from the sea onto the mainland. This mountain massif has multiple peaks at different heights, with the highest being Co Tuy peak at 1,040m. To conquer the summit, you must be persistent in overcoming the 6 peaks of Chua Mountain: Chua chat, Chua chau, Chua em, Chua anh, Chua chong, Chua vo.

Forbidden Mountain, standing 705m tall within the mystical Thất Sơn mountain range, boasts a cool climate and stunning landscape. This place is filled with mysterious legends and folklore, attracting many adventurers and explorers. The road up the mountain looks like a winding snake stretching from the foot to the summit. Each elevation offers different fascinating sights. If your journey begins early in the morning, you'll witness clouds hovering above the vast expanses of green rice fields.

You can conquer Forbidden Mountain in An Giang at any time of the year. The best time to visit Forbidden Mountain is in spring when the scenery is at its fullest: trees budding, flowers blooming. The mountain lakes are shrouded in white mist in the early morning, bathed in gentle golden sunlight at noon, adorned with drifting clouds in the afternoon, and become chilly at night.

If you want to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of An Giang's traditional festivals, it's best to visit on April 23rd and 24th (Lunar Calendar) to participate in the festival honoring the Lady of the Realm, and from August 29th to September 1st (Lunar Calendar) to join the Dolta Tet festival, the cow racing festival of the Khmer ethnic group.

Tà Cú Mountain stands at 649m high, located alongside National Highway 1A, 28km south of Phan Thiet, making it an enticing hiking destination in Binh Thuan province. To reach the summit of the mountain nestled in the restricted forest area, travelers may need up to 2 hours to conquer the 2290m steep path. Bang Lang Pass is the highest slope, inclined at 45 degrees.

Tà Cú's climate is cool and refreshing year-round. Various precious wood species such as agarwood, rosewood, etc., cover the mountain in lush greenery. Small streams flow gently from the rocky crevices, offering cool and clear water. It can be said that this place boasts charming landscapes, rustic scenery, and profound tranquility.

Tà Năng - Phan Dũng This route passes through three provinces: Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. It's a transition route, connecting from the highlands down to the central coastal area, with altitudes ranging from 1,100m to 500m above sea level. When deciding to embark on this adventurous journey, you'll have to traverse 55 km of forest roads, mountain passes, and challenging stream crossings. Despite the difficulties, you'll undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of the mountainous landscapes and the magnificent natural scenery.

Tà Năng has sparse population density as it's adjacent to the forest edge. It's mainly inhabited by the Churu ethnic group and a few other ethnic minorities. Therefore, this area remains relatively untouched, free from the industrial smoke and dust of urban areas. It boasts a pristine and rugged beauty, yet full of challenges for anyone attempting to conquer it. Throughout the journey, you'll have to follow rugged trails to reach your destination. However, numerous forks along the way may lead you astray without a detailed topographic map of the area.

Mount Bà Rá stands at 723m above sea level and is located in Phuoc Long town, Binh Phuoc province. Bà Rá offers a peaceful, romantic atmosphere amidst majestic nature. From Dong Xoai town, follow provincial road 741, pass through the center of Phuoc Long town to the Bà Rá cable car station, then proceed 500m to the mountain road. You can travel by motorbike to an altitude of about 150m to Bằng Lăng hill. To the right of Bằng Lăng hill is a stone staircase forming the main path to the mountain. Both sides are rows of interwoven bamboo providing shade along the way. At the mountain peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thac Mo hydroelectric reservoir and the picturesque scenery of this area.

The reservoir at the foot of Mount Bà Rá covers an area of up to 12,000 hectares. Thac Mo Lake consists of 10 large and small islands surrounded by lush green forests. Here, you can admire the peaceful scenery, relax, and capture some Instagram-worthy photos! Mount Bà Rá impresses with its mysterious, romantic beauty harmonizing with the grandeur of the forested mountain. This destination is well worth a visit for relaxation and immersion in the pristine natural environment.

Mount Thị Vải is located in Phú Mỹ town (Tân Thành district, Vũng Tàu city). It is approximately 100km away from Ho Chi Minh City. To get there, take National Route 51 from Saigon to Vũng Tàu, then turn right onto Provincial Route 81 and drive about 6km on asphalt road followed by 2km on rugged trails to reach Mount Thị Vải. The mountain stands about 700m above sea level. Visitors can park their vehicles at local houses at the foot of the mountain and start their 3km trek up the stone steps. There are three main pagodas to visit along the way: Linh Sơn Liên Trì Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Linh Sơn Hồng Phúc Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Linh Sơn Bửu Thiền Pagoda (Upper Pagoda).

The path to the summit of Mount Thị Vải involves climbing 1340 granite steps along a winding 3km trail. Although the journey is quite long, visitors can take breaks at any time, and the surrounding scenery with gently swaying green leaves and gentle breezes is always ready to soothe the tiredness of travelers. On average, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes for a visitor to climb over 1000 steps, depending on each person's fitness level; however, resting areas are designed along the way so that visitors can slowly ascend the mountain, enjoying the scenery while also improving endurance and health.

Châu Thới Mountain is located in Bình An commune, Dĩ An district, Bình Dương province, approximately 4km from Biên Hòa city (Đồng Nai) and only about 24km from Ho Chi Minh City, very close indeed. This place is famous for the sacred Châu Thới Pagoda situated on the mountain peak, about 82m above sea level. Therefore, it is considered the best spot to admire Bình Dương from above. To get here from Saigon, you can take the direction of Kha Vạn Cân street (Thủ Đức district) and then follow National Highway 1K until you reach Bình Dương province, then ask for directions. Alternatively, there is another route from Hang Xanh intersection, crossing Bình Triệu bridge, then turning right onto Phạm Văn Đồng street, and continuing straight on National Highway 1K until you arrive.

At the summit, the pagoda of the same name, with the oldest ancient architecture in Bình Dương, was built with unique design. It is considered a scenic spot with majestic beauty that many people know about. Standing on the mountain peak, you can admire the panoramic view of the surrounding plains, with many artificial lakes enhancing the beauty of the mountain. The pagoda is nestled behind the surrounding trees, so visitors here can enjoy the peaceful and charming scenery.

Big Mountain is considered one of the two most beautiful mountains in Vũng Tàu, with a height of 245m, also known by two names, Tương Kỳ Mountain and Đại Sơn Mountain. Visiting the area of Big Mountain, you will have fascinating experiences at famous Vũng Tàu destinations such as the French architectural landmark Bạch Dinh Palace or the statue of Thích Ca Phật Đài.

In addition, the top of Big Mountain is equipped with a modern cable car system in the Hồ Mây tourist area, considered a wonderful means to enhance the exploration of the Big Mountain landscape with even more special experiences. Looking down from the cable car, you can completely capture Vũng Tàu city with its blue sea, houses, and mountains within sight.

Big Mountain Vũng Tàu is renowned as one of the most pristine and majestic mountains in Vũng Tàu. Amidst a city surrounded on all sides by the sea, this mountain is the highlight of the scenery, adding to its charm. What could be more relaxing than standing on the mountain top, casting your gaze far away, admiring the entire cityscape, and listening to the roaring waves.

Minh Dam Mountain is located in Long Dien district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, about 150km from Ho Chi Minh City and 30km from Ba Ria town. From Ba Ria town, head towards Long Hai Beach for about 30km, and you'll easily find Minh Dam Mountain. With an average height of about 200m, Minh Dam Mountain, formerly known as Chau Long and Chau Vien, used to be covered with dense forests, numerous caves, and served as a resistance base for the people and army of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province during the resistance wars against the French and the Americans. A winding asphalt road from the foot of the mountain will take you to the summit. About 2/3 of the way up, the panoramic view of Long Hai Beach, with the sea on one side and hills on the other, presents a picturesque and romantic scene. Additionally, you can visit the historical site of Minh Dam when you're here.

Minh Dam Mountain, formerly known as Thuy Van Mountain according to legend, earned its name when local people observed white clouds drifting gently when looking from afar towards the mountain. Since then, two temples were built on the mountain, and the mountain was renamed Chau Long - Chau Vien, coinciding with the names of the temples located here for ease of remembrance.

Furthermore, Minh Dam Mountain was chosen as a liaison base for our army during the resistance wars against the French. Around the end of 1948, this place was named by combining the names of two comrades, Bui Cong Minh and Mac Thanh Dam.