Northwest is the western mountainous region of northern Vietnam. Northwest is one of three sub-regions of Northern Vietnam (Northwest, Northeast, Red River Delta). Including the provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh.
From Sapa, travelers will easily access and conquer the highest mountains in Vietnam with extremely majestic scenery.
It is a land with rugged terrain including many high mountain ranges running in the Northwest – Southeast direction. It attracts tourists because of the wild beauty of the region, not yet overly exploited by modern tourism, so people often choose the above destination as a good resort to purify their souls and conquer themselves. and look at the green mountains and forests.
What is hiking?
Hiking is a leisurely activity that involves walking on established trails or paths, usually in natural environments such as parks, forests, or mountains. Hiking can range from easy to strenuous, depending on factors such as elevation gain, distance, and terrain. Hikers typically carry a daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, and first aid kit. Hiking can be enjoyed as a day trip or a multi-day adventure, with camping or lodging accommodations along the way.
- Duration: Hiking trips are usually shorter and can be completed in a day or a weekend. Trekking trips can last for several days or even weeks, requiring a more significant commitment of time and resources.
- Difficulty: Hiking can range from easy to moderate difficulty, while trekking is typically more challenging and demanding. Trekking often involves steep ascents and descents, narrow trails, and rugged terrain.
- Equipment: Hikers need basic equipment such as sturdy footwear, comfortable clothing, and a daypack. Trekkers require more specialized gear such as trekking poles, backpacks, and camping equipment.
- Altitude: While hiking can take place at any elevation, trekking often involves high-altitude environments that require acclimatization and specialized equipment such as oxygen tanks or medication.
What to expect on a hiking trip?
Feeling when conquering mountain and see the sights
From Sapa, Lao Cai has many peaks that fascinate mountain climbing enthusiasts, including names such as: Fansipan, Ngu Chi Son, Bach Moc Luong Tu, Lao Than… Mountains in the season of Spring seem to be more enchanted by the sea of clouds floating below. The vegetation is extremely rich. The sky is clear and blue, the wind blowing gently makes the clouds float down the valley, giving us an indescribable feeling.
Standing in the middle of a vast, vast landscape with wild, majestic and equally dreamy scenery will definitely bring us unforgettable experiences in life. Occasionally encountering wild peach trees blooming bright pink, the beautiful scenery will make our steps feel more empowered. Clouds, wind, grass and trees all blend together to create a sunrise picture that is both beautiful and magical. It seems that this has dispelled all the fatigue when climbing high slopes. It is that wild feature that has inspired the footsteps of so many travelers to come and conquer.
Mountain scenery
Nature has given this rich land a majestic yet wild look. All of these things make people always have a deep impression of the Northwest and also wish to once set foot on that land.
Visitors will be amazed by the picturesque rolling mountain scenery, the golden terraced rice fields stretching across the villages and valleys, and the lives of highland people still have a bit of wilderness. But it’s so peaceful and quiet. The mountainous region of the Northwest always brings people the endless beauty of the mountains and forests.
In particular, when hiking, you will see rich vegetation, pass through primeval forests and see diverse scenery in the mountains and forests, paths that make you feel like you are returning to nature. really.
Sunrise – Sunset – Cloudy sea
Climb the mountain to reach the beautiful sunset and sunrise viewing spot, enjoy the wind, and hunt clouds. Going to Sapa and climbing the majestic mountains without doing this cannot be considered as having come to this land.
Reaching an altitude of over 2000m of the mountain peaks, you will admire the brilliant sunsets and sunrises, along with the sea of clouds floating like a fairyland that anyone will admire when they see it. All fatigue on the long journey will disappear when you see these moments.
The climbing spots that we bring to your trip are all famous and beautiful cloud hunting locations of the Northwest mountains and forests. Let’s also explore nature here.
Best time to hike mountains
For the Northwest in general and Sapa in particular, almost every season is beautiful, the 4 seasons of mountains and forests each have their own beauty and are suitable for all styles of tourists. In the spring, the trees sprout and sprout – all the flowers are blooming, the summer is cool, the air is suitable to avoid the heat, the autumn is the ripe time of the immense rice fields, the winter is romantic foggy weather – Time to hunt for clouds and snow.
To choose the most beautiful season in the 4 seasons of the Northwest is really a difficult choice. Going at this time, you will feel the best weather as well as the beauty of the Northwest. In the late winter the cold, although a bit bitter, is an easy time to hunt clouds and snow. In early spring, hunting peach blossoms and many other wildflowers bloom together.
Some of best mountains from Sapa
- Fansipan: Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). It is a challenging hike, but the views from the summit are incredible. You can see for miles in every direction, and on a clear day you can even see Laos.
- Pu Ta Leng: Pu Ta Leng is the second-highest mountain in Vietnam, at 3,096 meters (10,157 feet). It is located in the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, just north of Fansipan. The hike to Pu Ta Leng is also challenging, but the scenery is even more stunning.
- Bach Moc Luong Tu: Bach Moc Luong Tu is the fourth-highest mountain in Vietnam, at 3,046 meters (10,005 feet). It is located in the Lai Chau province, in the northwest of Vietnam. The hike to Bach Moc Luong Tu is not as challenging as the hikes to Fansipan or Pu Ta Leng, but the scenery is still beautiful.
- Lao Than: Located at an altitude of 2860m, Lao Than peak is considered the roof of Y Ty with a magical scene when clouds, sun, wind and sun blend together, and beautiful terraced fields. The Lao Than trekking route is relatively simple, even first-time participants can conquer it easily. The scenery is extremely magical with layers of clouds stacked densely on top of each other, covering the entire mountain.
Prepare for hiking
No matter which mountain you choose to hike, you are sure to have an amazing experience in the northwest of Vietnam. The scenery is breathtaking, the people are friendly, and the culture is rich. If you are looking for an adventure, then hiking in the northwest of Vietnam is the perfect thing for you.
- Warm clothes, boots or walking sports shoes and raincoats: it is necessary to prepare comfortable, suitable and easy-to-move clothing during the journey. Be sure to prepare warm clothes because trekking in SaPa in the evening is often very cold.
- Anti-insect bite creams and sprays.
- Backpacks: You should use sturdy ones with high durability and water resistance. If possible, you should equip a backpack cover so that the items inside are protected safely.
- Medicines for colds, fevers, diarrhea and antipyretics, etc. ..
- Food: Should choose and prioritize instant foods such as bread, dry food, canned meat or nutritious cereals and cakes.
- Walking shoes: of course, prepare the most comfortable pair of flat shoes.
Tips for hiking
Hiking in Sapa is an unforgettable experience. The scenery is breathtaking, the people are friendly, and the culture is rich. If you are looking for an adventure, then Sapa is the perfect place for you.
Here are some additional tips for trekking in Sapa:
- The best time to go trekking in Sapa is during the dry season, which is from October to April.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Be prepared for the weather, which can change quickly in the mountains.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks with you.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against altitude sickness.
- Hire a guide if you are not familiar with the area. Book your trekking tour in advance, especially if you are traveling during the peak season.
- Ask your tour operator about the difficulty level of the trek and make sure it is appropriate for your fitness level.
- Be respectful of the environment and leave no trace behind.
Conclusion
The mountain hiking journey is quite strenuous, visitors have to go through high steep passes and steep cliffs before reaching the top of the mountain, but above all, the wonderful scenery, the feeling that remains after each trip and the The companion will be the memorable memories that climbing enthusiasts carry with them