Top 6 Hiking Routes Worth Conquering in Southern Vietnam
Hiking is an experience that tests persistence, courage, and the willingness to keep going through every step. It is also one of the most genuine and complete ways to connect with nature. Join To Ong as we look at famous hiking routes in Southern Vietnam that are well worth conquering.
Ta Nang Phan Dung – a top hiking journey
Ta Nang – Phan Dung is one of the longest and most beautiful hiking routes in Southern Vietnam, and a must-try for many hikers. It is a journey through forests, mountain passes, and streams with a total length of more than 55km. However, you can also choose shorter, less demanding routes depending on your fitness. For example, To Ong offers a 2-day, 1-night hiking tour covering 28km.
Although this option does not cover the entire Ta Nang – Phan Dung route, it helps protect hikers’ health, suits a wider range of travelers, and still includes plenty of exciting experiences:
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- Check in at the Lam Dong and Binh Thuan provincial marker at an elevation of 1,100m.
- Feel the thrill of riding a local forest motorbike.
- Welcome sunrise on Khuy Tay Hill and camp amid vast mountains and forests.
- Explore forest ecosystems that change with altitude, from long rice fields to lush rolling grass hills.
- Conquer steep slopes and winding paths lined with pine trees and old forest canopies.
And once you reach an elevation of 1,100m, the sweeping natural scenery can be deeply moving.
Ta Giang – a hiking route into green grasslands
Ta Giang is a small village in Khanh Hoa Province. This hiking route is known for its compact green grasslands. The tour is relatively easy because the slopes, rivers, and streams are fairly gentle. Still, you should time your departure well to catch the sunset over the green fields and arrange a reasonable itinerary.
To Ong suggests the 2-day, 1-night Ta Giang hiking tour, where you can soak in dreamy green grasslands and enjoy memorable activities such as:
- Crossing the stream that marks the Ninh Thuan – Khanh Hoa boundary
- Passing through a bamboo forest with a cinematic feel
- Learning about Raglai culture
- Checking in at a photogenic hammock strung between the standout pair of rocks in the forest
- Enjoying bamboo-tube rice and local dishes
In the grasslands of Ta Giang, you can breathe clean air and feel the openness of the landscape. It is easy to fall for the feeling of soaking in clear streams, exploring damp forests, and seeing the fertile farms of local people. You can also enjoy a picnic of local specialties with forest vegetables while listening to fascinating cultural stories from the Raglai community.
Bidoup Nui Ba – touching the “roof of Lam Vien”
The Bidoup Nui Ba hiking route is one of the more challenging routes, with many steep slopes, rocky streams, and large forest areas. But the rewards are more than worth the effort.
Bidoup is the highest peak in the mountain system of Bidoup National Park in Lam Dong Province. It is also known as the “Roof of the Lam Vien Plateau.” You need at least 2 days to conquer Bidoup Peak at an elevation of 2,287m.
The Bidoup hiking route is a special journey. To reach the destination, you must pass through the primary forests of Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, steep slopes, rocky streams, and dense woods.
On To Ong’s Bidoup Nui Ba hiking tour, besides the chance to admire the magical beauty of nature through the area’s diverse flora and fauna, you can also enjoy unexpected experiences such as:
- Taking in the ancient, mysterious atmosphere of a vast primary forest
- Camping at 1,800m in cool, addictive mountain air
- Visiting a 1,300-year-old pomu tree
- Reaching the 2,287m roof of the plateau
- Trying a hand-pulled raft crossing on the Da Nhim River
This is a 2-day, 1-night journey covering 27km with a moderate difficulty level, making it a route well worth experiencing.
K50 Waterfall – conquering the muse of the deep forest
Hidden deep in ancient forests within Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve in Gia Lai Province, K50 Waterfall feels like a pure princess of the Central Highlands. It is wild and quiet in summer, and powerful in the rainy season.
The journey to the heart of this “princess” has plenty of challenges, attracting people who love discovery. First, you cross fields and walk through large, picturesque rose myrtle hills. Then come stream crossings and the experience of weaving through old forests.
When you finally arrive, K50 Waterfall appears magical, majestic, and overwhelming, like a shimmering white silk ribbon between earth and sky. Standing before this beauty, your mind feels lighter and calmer, with everyday worries fading away.
You need at least 2 days and 1 night to fully experience the nature around K50 Waterfall. To Ong’s roughly 17km K50 hiking tour introduces you to each side of this “muse”:
- Discovering Bahnar culture, enjoying a local dinner, and drinking can wine
- Conquering legendary K50 – Hang En Waterfall
- Trying SUP paddling in the old forest
- Exploring a primary forest ecosystem
- Conquering K40 Waterfall deep in the forest
This route has a moderate difficulty level, so you do not need to worry too much.
Cuc Dong – welcoming the first sunrise
The Cuc Dong hiking route at Mui Doi in Khanh Hoa Province is one you should try at least once. You do not only check in at a symbolic landmark, but can also welcome the first sunrise on Vietnam’s S-shaped land.
Unlike forest hiking routes, Mui Doi offers a beautiful harmony of sea and mountains. However, to reach the destination and enjoy the scenery, hikers must climb over unusual rocky formations, cross hills, and use ropes on rock faces.
Wild, poetic, simple, and peaceful are fitting words for Cuc Dong. Like To Ong’s 2-day, 1-night journey, this 9km hiking tour includes many experiences:
- Crossing the white sand desert typical of Vietnam’s south-central coast
- Hiking through forest down to Bai Rang
- Checking in at the Cuc Dong marker
- Climbing down a vertical rock face to reach the sunrise viewpoint
- Camping by the beach and enjoying a BBQ with the sound of waves nearby
The trip is challenging, but by the end, nature gives you a priceless reward.
Ngu Long Cong Chua – a fresh hiking route exclusively developed by To Ong
The Ngu Long Cong Chua hiking route in Ninh Thuan is a new exploration route designed by To Ong especially for travelers seeking something different, and it is unlikely to disappoint.
This 12km hiking journey takes you through the primary forests of Nui Chua National Park, cashew farms, and adventurous slopes. After that, you can set up camp and enjoy lighter experiences such as welcoming sunrise, paddling SUP through a rugged ancient forest, admiring small sparkling waterfalls, visiting local strawberry gardens, and learning about Raglai culture.
A special highlight of this 2-day, 1-night hiking tour is checking in and enjoying lunch with the group at a surprisingly beautiful viewpoint.
Final thoughts
Whichever route you choose, you should prepare good health, bring the necessary gear, and research the hiking trail carefully. Ideally, choose a professional hiking tour organizer for support throughout the trip.
To Ong Adventure is a leading organizer of hiking tours from North to South Vietnam. You can feel confident joining To Ong to reach magnificent nature and conquer these impressive routes. Contact To Ong for wonderful hiking journeys across these 6 Southern Vietnam routes.
