9 Southern Vietnam Mountain Hiking Spots Young Travelers Are Chasing

Looking for Southern Vietnam mountain hiking spots that are beautiful, challenging or easy to reach from Saigon? Do not miss this list of highly sought-after routes, from Ba Den, the roof of Southeastern Vietnam, to the dry forest of Nui Chua and the exploratory journey to Cuc Dong.

To Ong Adventure helps you explore the most attractive mountain hiking spots in Southern Vietnam, with suggestions for choosing a route that fits your fitness, time and interests.

Top mountain hiking spots in Southern Vietnam for adventure seekers

Southern Vietnam is not only known for blue seas and sunshine. It also hides exciting trekking routes that young travelers love. From legendary peaks such as Ba Den and Chua Chan to less-traveled lands such as Nui Chua and Cuc Dong, each place is a challenging and inspiring journey.

1. Nui Chua

Known as the roof of the dry forest, Nui Chua sits within the national park of the same name in Ninh Thuan and is one of Southern Vietnam’s most unique and demanding trekking routes. At about 1,039m, the round-trip summit route is nearly 20km, mostly across bare rock, dry sand and an endemic semi-desert ecosystem.

The scenery is completely different: no deep green forest or cool streams, but cacti, hot rocks and dry wind. In return, you get rare moments such as viewing all of Vinh Hy Bay from around a thousand meters high and walking past low but resilient old trees under the sun.

➤ See To Ong’s Nui Chua tour: a 2-day-1-night journey, 22km of trekking and camping in harsh nature for those who truly want to challenge themselves and live differently.

2. Bidoup – Nui Ba

Located in Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park, about 40km from central Da Lat, the journey to Bidoup is one of the South’s most challenging treks, with a summit reaching 2,287m. It is one of Vietnam’s five highest mountains and a signature destination for those who want real trekking: forest crossings, tent carrying, steep climbs and camping in the wilderness.

The common route is about 17-20km, crossing subtropical forest, the Bidoup suspension bridge, long windy slopes and mist. Bidoup stands out for its wild grandeur, cool climate and ancient pine forest veiled in fog.

➤ See To Ong Adventure’s Bidoup tour: professional guides, full equipment support and a relaxed sunrise in primary forest without worrying about logistics.

3. Cuc Dong

Not a high mountain, the trek to Cuc Dong, Mui Doi in Khanh Hoa, is one of the most emotional journeys for southern adventure lovers. It is the mainland point that receives Vietnam’s earliest sunlight, where the land reaches toward the open sea.

The route is around 10-12km, crossing sand hills, casuarina forest, rocky beaches and coastal woodland. Some sections require climbing house-sized boulders or using ropes to descend sea cliffs.

4. Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh

Only about 100km from Saigon, Ba Den Mountain at 986m is not only the highest peak in Southern Vietnam but also one of the first must-go names for southern trekkers. It is famous for its height, route variety and spiritual culture.

You can take the electric pole route, the shortest but steep and tiring; the pagoda route, easier with stone steps; or Ma Thien Lanh for a wilder experience through forest and rocks. At the summit, clouds, wind and the view over Tay Ninh create a strong sense of accomplishment.

5. Nui Dinh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Not too high or difficult, Nui Dinh, about 500-600m high, is a great first trek. Located in Tan Thanh District, less than two hours from Saigon by motorbike, it has green forest, fresh air and clear trails suitable for beginners.

Nui Dinh has several route options. Short routes of 4-5km take about 2 hours, while longer routes can take a full day across slopes, small streams and forest. Along the way are small temples hidden in the trees.

6. Chua Chan Mountain, Dong Nai

Only about two hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, Chua Chan Mountain, also called Gia Ray, is about 837m high and the second-highest mountain in Southern Vietnam after Ba Den. It is a great choice for cloud hunters who want open views without extremely difficult terrain.

There are three main routes to the summit: the pagoda route to Buu Quang Pagoda, the shorter and steeper electric pole route, and the bamboo forest route for those who prefer exploration and fewer crowds.

7. Ma Thien Lanh Mountain

Ma Thien Lanh is the highest peak among seven peaks on Hon Son Island in Kien Giang, standing 450m above sea level. Visitors pass through 2km of forest trail to reach the summit in about half a day. Because the route is difficult, winding and has few rest stops, ask a local guide to avoid getting lost.

The trek is a raw adventure with few signs, no tourism services and sometimes no phone signal. Its greatest reward is separation from modern life and a deep return to nature.

8. Ba Ra Mountain, Binh Phuoc

As the third-highest mountain in Southern Vietnam at 736m, Ba Ra Mountain sits quietly in Phuoc Long Town. The route to the top is not long but is steep and less traveled. Along the way are sparse forest, mossy stone steps and occasional views over lakes and distant pine hills.

From Ba Ra’s summit, especially at sunrise or sunset, you may see thin clouds, a misty town and a shimmering hydropower lake below, creating a quiet feeling different from more famous peaks.

9. Ta Cu Mountain, Binh Thuan

If you want a gentle trek combined with pilgrimage, Ta Cu Mountain is a perfect choice. The mountain is about 649m high, located near National Highway 1A and less than 30km from Phan Thiet. The climb passes more than 1,000 stone steps through shaded forest to Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda and a 49m reclining Buddha statue.

It is not highly adventurous, but it offers a relaxing trekking experience, especially in spring or rainy season. Families or beginner groups can take the cable car up and walk down.

How to choose a route that fits your style

Not everyone needs a high summit or deep forest to enjoy trekking. Choosing the right route for your fitness and interests helps create a complete, safe and memorable journey.

For beginners: Nui Dinh, Ba Den, Ta Cu

If you are new, choose light, accessible routes. Nui Dinh has cool forest and clear trails for a comfortable day trip. Ba Den via the pagoda route or cable car lets you try without too much strain. Ta Cu combines trekking with temples.

For cloud hunting: Chua Chan, Bidoup

Want to stand high above rolling clouds? Try Chua Chan or Bidoup, two of the best cloud-hunting options in Southern Vietnam.

• Chua Chan often has thick morning clouds during the transition season from November to March.
• Bidoup, at over 2,200m, is cold at night and often misty in the morning, with ancient pine forest creating surreal scenery.

For challenge: Bidoup or Cuc Dong

If you already have trekking experience or want to train and push limits, consider Bidoup – Nui Ba or the trek to Vietnam’s easternmost mainland point.

• Bidoup requires good fitness, steady climbing ability, cold-weather adaptation and comfort carrying gear.
• Cuc Dong is not high but demands endurance across forest, rocks, boats and coastal cliffs.

For wild nature: Ma Thien Lanh, Nui Chua

If you dislike crowds and over-developed destinations, choose mountains such as Ma Thien Lanh, Ta Lon or Nui Chua. These routes let you hear the call of the wild and slow down.

• Ma Thien Lanh is a nearly unmarked forest route requiring careful navigation.
• Ta Lon passes rubber forests, grassland and small primary forests, quiet and uncrowded.
• Nui Chua stands out with its dry forest ecosystem, bare rock, burning sun, low vegetation and strong wind.

We hope these popular Southern Vietnam mountain hiking spots help you start planning an exciting trip. If you want to experience more, join To Ong Adventure.

To Ong Adventure organizes safe, professional and sustainable trekking tours. Routes are divided into three levels, from gentle to challenging, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

In Southern Vietnam, To Ong currently offers:

• Nature Walking for beginners: Walking Hon Ba, Walk-in Ta Lai, Walking 8 Nang Tien, Walking Bu Gia Map and Walking Da Bac.
• Mountain Hiking for experienced adventurers: Hiking Ta Giang, Hiking Cuc Dong, Hiking Nui Ba, Hiking Ngu Long Cong Chua, Hiking K50 Waterfall and Hiking Ta Nang – Phan Dung.
• Trekking for seasoned trekkers: Trekking Nui Chua.

Trekking with To Ong helps you conquer mountains and enjoy activities such as stream bathing, kayaking, forest BBQ, cultural exchange with local communities and regional specialties.

Contact To Ong Adventure:

• Address: 53 Duong So 2, Van Phuc Urban Area, Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Email: hello@toongadventure.com
• Hotline: 0933 22 78 78
• Website: toongadventure.com
• Fanpage: facebook.com/toongadventure