Top 9 Trekking Destinations in Central and Central Highlands at the Start of Spring

If Kon Tum is proud of Ngọc Linh Mountain and Da Lat boasts Langbiang, then the towering Chư Yan Sin Peak in Dak Lak is undoubtedly one of the highest and most majestic mountains in the region. The highest point of the Chư Yan Sin range is nestled in the Chư Yan Sin National Park, shrouded in tropical mist. Its majestic peaks stand like a fortress waiting to be conquered by adventurers. Standing at an elevation of 2,442 meters above sea level, reaching the summit requires trekkers to cross 58,000 hectares of lush, rare forest, teeming with wildlife.

At the foot of the mountain lies the scenic Krông Kmar waterfall, a perfect resting spot. Conquering the Chư Yan Sin Peak will undoubtedly be a memorable experience on your trek through the Central Highlands with your friends. However, if you’re not an avid fitness enthusiast, be prepared for winding, uphill paths that can dehydrate you under the midday sun. Remember to conserve your water supply during the journey, though fresh spring water from mountain streams is available for those who need it. The crystal-clear streams may tempt you to stop and cool off. While Chư Yan Sin may pose a challenge for less-experienced trekkers, it’s a reminder that life, like trekking, can be difficult at times—if you are prepared mentally, you can overcome anything and emerge stronger.

Biển Hồ Tơ Nưng is a stunning destination in Gia Lai that you can’t miss. Its breathtaking beauty enchants visitors with lush landscapes, blooming flowers along the lake’s edge, and the lively songs of birds greeting the dawn. Beyond the lake, the vast forests and rolling hills stretch like a traditional watercolor painting. Located conveniently near the main highway, this tranquil area is easily accessible for tourists. Take the road through moss-covered hills lined with tall pine trees to discover the lake, where the cool breeze greets you. The Chư Đăng Ya Mountain is a dormant volcano, and its crater forms a unique funnel shape.

Today, the slopes of Chư Đăng Ya are cultivated with corn and sweet potatoes by the local people. The path leading to the summit is gorgeous. If you visit during the early months of the year, you might find yourself lost in the vibrant surroundings, as the fertile valleys are covered in green, with an abundance of crops. You’ll find it hard to leave the mountainside, as the view is simply too beautiful. Once a volcano, Chư Đăng Ya is located about 30 kilometers north of Pleiku city in Gia Lai, in the village of Plơi Iagri, Chư Đăng Ya commune, Chư Păh district. The route is relatively easy, making this trek a more accessible option compared to other trails in the Central Highlands.

Chư Nâm Mountain, the sibling of Chư Đăng Ya, has recently gained popularity among young adventurers. The trekking route is not overly difficult, saving time while offering breathtaking scenery. This has led to an increasing number of visitors choosing Chư Nâm. For those hoping to fully experience its beauty, the route to the summit of Chư Nâm is more rugged and challenging compared to Chư Đăng Ya. Even experienced trekkers should approach with caution. However, once you conquer the peak, you’ll feel capable of taking on any other mountain in Gia Lai. The diverse ecosystem and rich vegetation on Chư Nâm make it a truly special destination. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rice fields, and lush landscapes of Gia Lai.

Chư Nâm is part of the highest mountain range in western Gia Lai, located just 15 kilometers from Pleiku. It stands at nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, not excessively steep but still dangerous due to its sharp inclines. This is why even locals are hesitant to climb Chư Nâm. The trekking path is relatively easy, with a mostly flat trail and few rocks. However, the real challenge lies in the steep slopes. The ascents on Chư Nâm are trickier than at other destinations, but with a little trekking skill, reaching the summit safely is achievable.

The Ngọc Linh Liên Sơn Massif spans across four provinces: Kon Tum, Quảng Nam, Quảng Ngãi, and Gia Lai, stretching from the northwest peak of Ngọc Lum Heo to the southeast peak of Ngọc Rơ. Among these, Ngọc Linh is the highest peak at 2,605 meters. While Phanxipang in the Hoàng Liên Sơn range is known as the highest mountain in Vietnam, Ngọc Linh is revered as a sacred and mythical peak, and the second-largest mountain range in Vietnam after Hoàng Liên Sơn. The legends surrounding Ngọc Linh add an air of mystery to this sacred mountain, which both intimidates and fascinates adventurers who wish to conquer it.

Ngọc Linh is located approximately 121 kilometers from Kon Tum city center and less than 5 kilometers from the nearest settlement. While the trek to the summit of Ngọc Linh is not particularly steep, it can be easy to get lost. Along the way, trekkers will experience a surreal atmosphere, almost as if they’ve stepped into a historical drama, with trails covered by vines and dense vegetation resembling the northern highlands. As Ngọc Linh is a protected forest, known for its rare medicinal plants, visitors are required to obtain permission from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development before entering. The regulations prohibit forest fires and littering, so only a limited number of groups take on the challenge of summiting Ngọc Linh. But once you complete the journey, the majestic views will reward your efforts.

The Tà Năng - Phan Dũng trek, often referred to as the most beautiful trail in Vietnam, offers a truly magical experience for explorers. This trek winds through dense forests across three provinces: Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận, attracting adventurers from all over. Starting from Tà Năng or Đa Quyn communes in Đức Trọng District (Lâm Đồng), the journey spans nearly 60 kilometers over 3 days and 2 nights. The trail descends from an elevation of 1,100 meters to 500 meters above sea level, crossing mountain ridges, streams, and rugged terrain. It’s no exaggeration to say that Tà Năng - Phan Dũng is a route that truly tests the mettle of thrill-seekers.

The scenery along the way is lush and refreshing, with charming wooden houses nestled in the valleys. One of the most striking sights is the endless rolling hills, dotted with tall pine trees, while distant clouds drift across the sky. The tranquil landscape resembles a beautiful painting. As the sun sets behind the hills, the sound of soft music from a portable speaker mingles with the peaceful atmosphere, creating an unforgettable and romantic moment. Trekking Tà Năng - Phan Dũng will undoubtedly offer you a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Núi Chúa National Park, located in Ninh Hải District, Ninh Thuận, is nestled in a picturesque setting. To the east and south lies the East Sea, to the north is the lower part of Cam Ranh Bay, to the south is Nại Lagoon, and to the west is National Route 1A. The most popular trekking route starts at Đá Hang village, crossing the terraced fields of the Raglai people, stopping to camp by Ô Liêm stream before continuing to the summit the next morning. The Núi Chúa trek is a captivating yet challenging journey, even for seasoned hikers. You'll experience sudden shifts in climate as you pass through stretches of tall reeds, spiny bushes resembling a semi-desert, and then unexpectedly find yourself under the cool shade of dense forests with crystal-clear streams below.

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter babbling streams winding through rocky gaps and wild goats grazing or resting beneath the trees. As you near the base, you can cross the forest and head toward the sea to experience the untouched beauty of Vĩnh Hy. The trek offers numerous unforgettable experiences. The dawn at Hang Rái – Vietnam’s only “waterfall on the sea” – is mystical, with a blend of rocks, moss, and ocean waves. From here, you can admire the stunning rock formations of Vĩnh Hy Bay. After overcoming the harsh climate and terrain, the 1,040-meter peak of Núi Chúa will reward you with a sense of achievement. The journey also takes you to the tranquil Am Dú freshwater lake, perfect for taking surreal photos.

Bidoup - Núi Bà National Park is located in Lạc Dương and parts of Đam Rông district in Lâm Đồng province. Situated 50km from Da Lat along National Route 723, the park spans 65,000 hectares, covering the Langbiang Plateau, also known as the Lâm Viên Plateau, and is often referred to as the ‘roof of Lâm Viên.’ As one of Vietnam's 27 national parks and a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot, Bidoup - Núi Bà is home to more than 221 endemic bird species. The park boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem with tropical humid forests, broadleaf trees, and coniferous species, with 91% of the area covered in pristine forests and diverse vegetation.

The summit of Bidoup rises to 2,287 meters and is located within the vast national park. To reach the park and the summit, start at Hồ Xuân Hương, follow the road past Hồ Than Thở, then head along TL723 towards Nha Trang. At Đạ Nhim, a left turn will lead you to the park's headquarters and visitor center. The trekking route through the forest is shrouded in early morning mist, giving it a dreamlike quality. There are two paths to the summit: one is easier, suitable for beginners, while the other is more challenging, ideal for adventurers. To fully experience the vibrant beauty of Bidoup, spring is the best time to visit when the flora and fauna are at their peak.

Trekking Langbiang offers you the opportunity to conquer one of the highest peaks in the Central Highlands. The mountain is deeply intertwined with local love legends and is a fantastic destination for young adventurers passionate about mountain climbing and extreme sports. Known as the ‘roof’ of the Lâm Viên Plateau, Langbiang rises over 2,000 meters above sea level. The trekking route here is relatively ‘gentle’ compared to other highlands treks, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy hiking without too many difficulties. If you visit during spring, you can admire the vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom. It’s best to start your climb early in the morning, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and avoid rushing to descend as night falls.

There are several ways to reach the beautiful Langbiang summit. For those who prefer a more relaxed approach or may not be in peak physical condition, the Jeep ride is a great option. A round trip costs between 100,000 to 120,000 VND and takes about 15 minutes each way. The road is not perfectly smooth, so the Jeep ride itself can feel like an adventure. The road is 6 kilometers long, with a stop at Ra Đa Hill, which is 1,929 meters high. Alternatively, if you're still craving a bit of a challenge, you can choose to hike along the same route, which takes approximately 2 hours and offers a safer trekking experience without the worry of getting lost.

Tà Đùng National Park boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem. Here, you’ll encounter wild orchids, mushrooms, and towering ancient trees. Along the trekking trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic mountains, lush tropical forests, and tranquil lakes, which have earned Tà Đùng the title of the 'Halong Bay of the Central Highlands.' Tà Đùng Mountain is located within the Tà Đùng Nature Reserve, in Đắk Som Commune, Đắk G’long District, Đắk Nông Province. Although the park is about 200 kilometers from Buôn Ma Thuột, the journey through rough roads is well worth it once you witness the mystical beauty of Đắk Nông's nature.

To reach Tà Đùng, you'll trek through 21,307 hectares of mountains and lakes, and then ascend nearly 2,000 meters to the summit of Tà Đùng, which is often shrouded in mist and clouds. This trek requires good physical fitness, as the journey will challenge even seasoned adventurers. The ancient rainforests here have trees over 100 years old, growing on the fertile basalt soil formed by volcanic activity. The terrain is mostly flat, making the hike less strenuous. As you walk, you can marvel at the incredible biodiversity, with towering trees reaching over 30 meters in height. Trekking Tà Đùng will surely be an unforgettable experience.