Vietnam Highlands
Visitors wax lyrical about the spectacular mountains that stretch out and up between endless rice paddies throughout Vietnam. From the rugged mountains of the North to the rolling hills of the central highlands, and every limestone mountain in between — you shouldn't leave Vietnam without experiencing life in the hills.
Sapa and Da Lat are two of Vietnam's most famous hill stations — one in the foothills of the Himalaya and the other a hilly refuge in the hot, humid South. The mountainous north of Vietnam is also home to the magnificent peaks and valleys of Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, and Ha Giang — all worth strapping on your hiking boots for.
In the highlands, you'll also find many of the ethnic minorities who call Vietnam home, including the Hmong and Red Dao, who are all known for their unbridled hospitality.
The best places to visit in Vietnam Highlands
Sapa
Sapa is a must-see on a trip to northern Vietnam. The hotels and cafes offer incredible views of the mountains and valleys.
Ninh Binh
Referred to as the “Halong Bay of the Land,” Ninh Binh is known for its striking karst formations. Go on a boat ride here to see a surreal and very lush landscape.
Mai Chau
A few hours southwest of Hanoi, through picturesque farming towns and over epic mountain passes, is the verdant valley of Mai Chau. Home to the ethnic White and Black Thai people, who arrived in Vietnam from southern China as early as the 13th century, the area is rich in culture and one of the best places to experience Vietnamese hospitality. Book yourself into a homestay in a traditional stilt house, enjoy home-cooked feasts of fresh, local produce and be utterly charmed by this beautiful rural area.
Ha Giang
Ha Giang province is in the northernmost part of Vietnam and shares a border with China. This is a destination for adventurous travelers who want to see authentic Vietnamese culture, virtually untouched by tourism. It’s a protected area, and guests need to get a special pass to enter its borders. Visitors who make it this far will be rewarded with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Vietnam.
Dalat
Because of its remote location, the “honeymoon capital” of Vietnam is often overlooked by international travelers. Although it has changed greatly from the days when it was a French settlement, Dalat’s countryside charm and romantic atmosphere endure — Dalat is known for its abundant and colorful flowers, and December to February is the best time to see the city in bloom. Nature lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice with excellent hiking, picturesque lakes, and splendid waterfalls all within easy reach.
Bac Ha
Bac Ha is nestled deep in the mountains, 62 miles (100 km) from tourist-filled Sapa and over 99 miles (160 km) from bustling Ha Giang. The town is a quiet backwater Monday to Friday, but by Saturday crowds of locals from thousands of surrounding villages descend on the town for the colourful Sunday market. For people watching and a chance to meet some of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, there is no better place to be.
Vietnam Highlands itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Vietnam Highlands itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Deep into Vietnam & Cambodia
Our favourite country so far, 2nd time going. The food is amazing, the history and culture are vibrant and fabulous to participate in, and the people are so warm, friendly, kind and welcoming. It’s inexpensive but top quality and everywhere you go, you are welcomed. They work hard to help you and are open to learning English and happy to work with you via translate apps etc to accommodate anything from ordering food, to paying for items, to directions to places. Every menu had photos and moat things have English descriptions too. English is widely spoken too. There’s so much to see and do in the country that there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in.
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