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Explore The Top 6 Most Attractive Vietnam Jungle Tours

• 28 March, 2024 8:35 am

Table of Contents

1. Overview

Vietnam’s jungles spread across the country and cover a large area. These forests are characterized by mainly evergreen trees that maintain green foliage all year. Vietnam has many different forests, from lush tropical forests to mangrove forests with wild beauty. Each forest has its own attractions, giving visitors unforgettable experiences. Vietnam’s jungle is a paradise waiting for you to explore. You will immerse yourself in diverse flora and fauna, embark on thrilling adventures, and experience the serenity of nature. Experience the jungle tour in Vietnam now to help you learn more deeply about the wonders of the Vietnamese jungle. A Vietnam jungle tour is a type of tourism to explore nature and experience wildlife in the forest. These tours are often organized by professional travel companies with experience and the necessary equipment.

2. The importance of forests & the current state of forests in Vietnam

Vietnam’s forest area is about 14,609,220 hectares with a coverage rate of 41.89% (as of 2019). Forests play an extremely important role in human life, specifically:

It is home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, with about 60,000 different tree species. 

Forests absorb CO2, reduce the greenhouse effect, and provide oxygen for creatures and humans. 

Possessing the potential to produce services and goods for long-term, sustainable development, promoting economic activities, creating jobs, and improving the quality of human life.

Solve biodiversity and climate change issues.

3. Explore the Top 6 most attractive Vietnam jungle tours

3.1. cuc phuong tour 1 day.

• Itinerary: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Forest – Hanoi
• Time: 01 Day

The 1-day Cuc Phuong tour will take visitors to Cuc Phuong National Forest, where you will have the opportunity to admire thousand-year-old trees, flora, and fauna with a diverse ecosystem. At the same time, every April is butterfly season in Cuc Phuong, and thousands of colorful butterflies flutter at the entrance to the national park. Cuc Phuong National Park is recognized as the first national park in Vietnam with diverse flora and fauna, romantic wild beauty, and hot mineral springs— an eco-tourism destination that should not be missed by those who are interested.

The park has an area of up to 22,408 hectares and is one of the national parks with the richest ecosystems. There are 1,944 species of plants and thousands of animals here, including species in the Vietnam Red Book . In addition, there are many places to visit, historical relics with many living tools of prehistoric people, and attractive experiences such as the Botanical Garden, Rescue and Conservation Center, Cuc Phuong Museum, and experience sheep herding at Van Long Sheep Field and take photos with lovely sheep; Enjoy rustic dishes here, etc. Certainly, Cuc Phuong National Park is a tourist destination worth visiting. You can see more about Ninh Binh Day Trip: Exploring The Breathtaking Natural Beauty 2023

3.2. Nam Cat Tien jungle tour 2 days 1 night

• Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh – Nam Cat Tien National Forest – Ho Chi Minh
• Time: 2 days 1 night

Cat Tien National Park is one of the national nature reserves with the largest resources and biodiversity in Vietnam . It is 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and only takes about 2.5 hours to drive. car. Nam Cat Tien National Forest is recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve with hundreds of rare animal species and thousands of rich tropical plant species. In addition, the Bau Sau area is recognized as a Ramsar site of importance to the ecosystem in Nam Cat Tien.

The Nam Cat Tien tour, lasting 2 days and 1 night, will take visitors to a place where many types of forest trees and rare animals are preserved . This is also a place to visit, attracting many tourists because of the fresh and quiet air of the pristine forest. The Nam Cat Tien National Park Tour is a wonderful journey to discover nature. On this tour, you will have the following experiences: Explore the primeval forest with the route of ancient pine trees: the Dong Bac tree, the Loc Giao Banyan tree, and the attractive hundred-stem Sycamore tree; Experience watching night animals in a special vehicle, learn about the nightlife of animals; Cycling to enjoy the nature of the old forest with the route Thac Troi-Bang Lang Da Co Forest; Or check-in at Bau Sau, where there are more than 500 crocodiles with animal species listed in the Vietnam Red Book; etc.

3.3. Chau Doc Tour – Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

• Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City – Chau Doc – Tra Su Melaleuca Forest – Ho Chi Minh City

Tour Chau Doc, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is one of the ideal tours for those who love culture and want to explore the vast nature. The place with a typical ecosystem in the flooded area west of the Hau River has created a very unique impression in the hearts of tourists with interesting experiences.

This is the most ideal place to explore the Melaleuca forest ecosystem along with wild animals through activities such as: visitors will be taken to visit the Melaleuca forest by boat, canoeing, Walk and Climb to the top of the tower to see the panoramic view of the lush green forest with an area of ​​up to 845 hectares, enjoy lunch with rustic dishes right in the Tra Su Melaleuca forest, Check-in with rows of thot not trees along both sides of the road; learn about the lives of local people; buy some specialties in the market, etc. In addition, the itinerary also takes tourists to visit famous landmarks in An Giang, such as Sam Mountain, the famous Ba Chua Xu Temple, Cam Mountain, where the largest Maitreya Buddha statue in Asia is located, etc.

See more in this video:

3.4. U Minh Ha jungle tour 1 day

• Itinerary: Ca Mau City – U Minh Ha Forest – Mui Land – Ca Mau City
• Time: 1 day

U Minh Ha Forest is located in Ca Mau Province, separated from U Minh Thuong (Kien Giang Province) by the Trem River. This place was originally Vo Doi Forest Village and was upgraded to a national park in 2006. U Minh Ha National Park possesses a typical ecosystem of wetlands on the peat layer. Located about 40 km from Ca Mau city center, In addition to preserving the natural landscape, U Minh Ha also plays an important role in researching and developing rare genetic resources.

The U Minh Ha jungle tour will take you to explore the Melaleuca Forest Ecosystem in Southern Forest Land. You will be able to admire the vast, green melaleuca forest and enjoy the cool, fresh air amidst vast nature with an area of more than 8,500 hectares that has been recognized by Unesco as a world biosphere reserve. This 1-day U Minh jungle tour is for tourists who want to explore Ca Mau without much time. On the trip, you will visit extremely attractive and beautiful destinations such as Hon Da Bac, visit the observatory, explore the rich and diverse ecosystem, and hear stories about Uncle Ho. Legendary Ba Phi and enjoy rustic Western dishes, and together learn about the lives of local people through daily activities such as beekeeping, hoof pulling, etc.

3.5. Ban Ang pine jungle tour 2 days 1 night

• Itinerary: Hanoi – Moc Chau – Dai Yem Waterfall – Ban Ang Pine Forest – Heart Tea Hill – Hanoi

Ban Ang pine forest is a place located in the Ang village area of Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province. Ban Ang pine forest is famous as a pristine tourist destination on the Moc Chau plateau ; it is only about 2 km from Moc Chau town center. Possessing a total area of up to about 43 hectares, this place includes The towering green pine forest, stretching across the red-brown hillsides and accompanied by a clear lake of up to 5 hectares, has become an extremely new camping destination for many tourists.

Coming to the Ang Village Pine jungle tour for 2 days and 1 night, you will visit Ban Ang Pine Forest and enjoy the fresh, cool atmosphere of the vast pine forest . You can freely walk, take photos, sightsee, or participate in recreational activities such as cycling, horseback riding, boating, camping, etc. In addition, you can also visit other places in Moc Chau, such as: discovering the cultural beauty of the Thai and H’Mong ethnic people; Taking photos with the heart tea hill, one of the most beautiful and attractive in Vietnam, exploring the romantic Dai Yem Waterfall amidst the mountainous nature, enjoying rich local cuisine, checking out the majestic Thung Khe Pass, etc.

3.6. Pu Mat jungle tour 1 day

• Itinerary: Vinh city – Pu Mat National Park – Vinh city

Pu Mat Forest Tour is an attractive Vietnam jungle tour for those who love nature and want to find a wild, majestic space. Pu Mat Forest is a primeval forest located in Con Cuong district, Nghe An province, about 120 km from Vinh City. With a core area of 94,804 hectares and a buffer zone of 86,000 hectares, Pu Mat National Park spreads over three districts of Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, and Anh Son of Nghe An province. There is a southern boundary line running along the Vietnam-Laos border. The name of the park is associated with the highest peak of Pu Mat Mountain in the area, 1,841m above sea level. Pu Mat National Park has high biodiversity, representing the tropical and subtropical forest ecosystem of the Northern Truong Son region. On the 1-day Pu Mat forest tour, you will be able to take a boat trip to see Khe Kem waterfall, trek in Pu Mat forest, visit Tham Nang Man cave, etc. In addition to admiring the beautiful nature, visitors also learn about the unique culture and experience fun activities and cultural exchanges of the Thai and Dan Lai ethnic groups, such as bamboo dancing, drinking can wine, listening to fairy tales, etc, and enjoy the unique cuisine of Nghe An, such as Giang River catfish, frog stir-fried with vegetables, beef stir-fried with garlic, vegetable soup, etc.

In addition, you can experience our other outstanding tours such as:

Hanoi – Pu Luong Natural Reserve

Amazing Mu Cang Chai 3 Days 2 Nights

Topas Riverside Lodge In 3 Days 2 Nights

Nam Cat Tien National Park Trekking & Adventure

Vietnam Adventure Tour – Sapa Trekking

Hanoi – Ninh Binh Cycling – Galaxy Cave

4. Conclusion

Above are Explore the Top 6 most attractive Vietnam jungle tour that Metta Voyage shares with you and we hope you will have the best trips. Don’t forget to visit our  blog to see many other interesting travel experiences.

5. Contact us

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Common Kingfisher with her fledglings

Our vision is to be "your window into nature".

Cat Tien Jungle Lodge invites adventure travelers and everyone to discover nature’s mysteries, appreciate its splendors, bask in its wonders and if you are passionate about nature conservation, to join us in our effort to protect and preserve it for the future. Jungle Lodge is next to the Cat Tien National Park, about 150 km North-East (about 2½ hours drive) from Ho Chi Minh City.

We at Cat Tien Jungle Lodge we know that cycling is the best way to explore all that South East Asia has to offer and hence offer tourists with exclusive Vietnam cycling tours . Read more

GETTING HERE

Getting to Cat Tien National Park is quite easy as it is located between the two major bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh and Da Lat. It is around 150km north from Ho Chi Minh City or 175km south from Da Lat. If you are coming from overseas, the nearest international gateway is Ton Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Our Cat Tien Vietnam Nation Park Tour will give you an overview of the National Park and the popular attractions at a very budget-friendly price. Read more

ACCOMMODATIONS

Jungle lodge.

Cat Tien Jungle Lodge is located next to the Cat Tien National Park – one of six biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam. It is about 150 km North-East (about 2½ hours drive) from Ho Chi Minh City. So if you’re visiting the country and looking for some adventure, then you can tick off so many unforgettable and breathtaking experiences by opting for the best Vietnam jungle tour .

High resolution nature photograph scan be viewed at our website. If you like to purchase any, we do sell them to our guests. This is in collaboration with our nature photographers whom we support as part of our effort to promote the beauty of nature to all. You can send your inquiries to our email at: [email protected] Read more

SUSTAINABILITY

If you are looking for the best Vietnam trekking tours , explore best places to go for and around trekking Vietnam . Book with us for the best trekking tours in Vietnam with the best price guarantee. Read more

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Cai Be, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An , Hue, Mekong Delta, Saigon

• Cruise and kayak along the emerald waters and limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay
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Rainforest Travel Tips for a Safe and Fulfilling Trip

• The humid jungle environment can lead to dehydration, so carry plenty of water and drink frequently.
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by applying insect repellent with DEET or other recommended ingredients.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to minimize insect bites and sun exposure.
• Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even on cloudy days.
• Bring essential items like a first-aid kit, flashlight, waterproof matches, and a multi-tool for emergencies.
• Avoid getting lost by sticking to designated trails and following your guide's instructions.
• Admire wildlife from a safe distance and avoid approaching or feeding animals to prevent accidents.
• Follow your guide's instructions regarding safety protocols, wildlife encounters, and environmental conservation.
• Pack rain gear and waterproof bags to protect your belongings from sudden downpours.
• Minimize your ecological impact by disposing of waste properly and avoiding damage to plants and wildlife.

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8 treks for discovering Vietnam’s rural heartlands

Nov 23, 2022 • 8 min read

Fansipan mountain and other areas throughout Vietnam offer thrilling opportunities for hiking and trekking © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Modern Vietnam is a million miles from its war-torn past.

Jungle-cloaked hills that once shook with the sound of combat are now the serene setting for adventurous hikes to remote villages, lofty lookouts, tumbling waterfalls and the summit of Indochina’s highest mountain. With plenty of local guides and trekking agencies on hand to help you to the top of the trails, all you really need to do is pick a route – and set out. 

Many of Vietnam’s top hikes are best attempted with local support. The tropical terrain can be challenging, the weather can be unpredictable and you’ll need someone who speaks the local languages to make arrangements for meals and accommodation in hill-tribe communities. If you combine a trek with a village homestay – which we heartily recommend – it’s possible to escape the crowds and find the hospitality and captivating culture that first put Vietnam on the travel map. 

With its towering topography, the mountainous north of the country offers the best trekking opportunities, but there are routes all over the country, from the Chinese border to the lowland jungles near Ho Chi Minh City . Here’s our pick of the top treks in Vietnam. 

1. Cultural treks from Sapa

Easiest hikes for beginners  Distances vary, 1–2 days, easy

Hill-tribe treks from Sapa are a core part of the tourist experience in northern Vietnam , and hiking here is quite mainstream these days. Still, there are still rewarding experiences to be had if you go with a guide who speaks the languages of local minority groups and can get you acquainted with the diverse communities that French colonizers grouped together under the umbrella term Montagnards (mountain-dwellers).

Don’t expect to get too far off the beaten track – the most popular villages have entry fees, souvenir shops and a rather entrepreneurial attitude towards tourism. Favor treks to Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Ban Ho, and Y Linh Ho, which will take you away from the heaviest crowds. For a more authentic experience, trek over two days with an overnight stop in a local homestay, or save your trekking for a more remote location such as Bac Ha or Ba Be National Park. 

2. Tribal treks around Bac Ha 

Best treks for tribal encounters 7–10km (4–6 miles), 1–3 days, easy to moderate  

Quite how Bac Ha slipped under the radar as a trekking base is a mystery: the village remains a charmingly unspoiled hub for hikes to the villages of 11 tribal groups, including the Flower Hmong, Dzao, Giay, Han, Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Phula, Tay, Thai, and Thulao. To really get a feel for local life, go with a local guide and stay overnight in villages tucked away in the emerald hills. 

For an easy day hike, try the 8km (5-mile) hike through the Flower Hmong village of Thai Giang Pho to the Tay village of Na Lo, passing some of the finest rural scenery anywhere in northern Vietnam. For a great overnight route, test your legs on the 10km (6.2-mile) hike through rice paddies, cinnamon forests and misty hills to the Dzao villages of Nam Det and Nam Khanh. 

Wherever you trek, aim to be back in Bac Ha by the weekend:  the Sunday market in Bac Ha and the Saturday market in nearby Can Cau both draw tribal people from across the region. There are also markets in the villages of Coc Ly, Lung Phin and Sin Cheng.

3. Fansipan 

Best mountain trek  9–20km (5.5–12.5miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult

At 3147m (10,326ft), Vietnam’s highest mountain presents a satisfying challenge – though the paths are rough and regular rain means the going can be slippery underfoot. As you climb the slopes of Fansipan, expect adrenaline-inducing scrambles up steep slopes and gasp-producing views across the Tonkinese Alps when the clouds clear.  

The summit of the mountain known as the “roof of Indochina” is most easily reached from the Tram Ton pass on the northern side of the mountain, accessible by local bus from Sapa. There are also challenging alternative trails starting from the villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai that require camping for one or two nights. 

Guides are mandatory – and sensible in this rugged terrain – though some travelers sneak up the trails unaccompanied. Fit trekkers can tackle the Tram Ton trail in a day, returning via the cable car across the Muong Hoa Valley. Most people cover the ascent over two or three days, camping at rustic sites along the way. With scenery so lovely, why rush the journey?

4. Ba Be National Park

Best treks for escaping the crowds Distances vary, from 1 day, moderate

Lush, green Ba Be National Park offers everything you could ask for from the Vietnamese highlands: limestone peaks climbing out of misty valleys lined with ribbon-like lakes, dense jungles hiding myriad bird, mammal and butterfly species, and a dozen villages populated by the Tay, Dzao and Hmong communities. Best of all though, Ba Be is still largely undiscovered by the masses, even if word is slowly getting out.

Treks here are as they were in Sapa a generation back, offering a deep dive into mountain culture and a way of life that still moves with the rhythms of the seasons. As well as sampling village life, you can drop in on dramatic waterfalls and tortuous cave systems, and stop overnight at quiet homestays overlooking the lakes. 

5. Cat Ba National Park

Best island adventure trek Distances vary, 1–2 days, moderate

The scenery in Cat Ba National Park in Halong Bay is almost impossibly green, with beds of moss and forest glades exhibiting a spectrum of emerald, lime, chartreuse and other hues. And this vivid landscape is best experienced on foot, starting from the park headquarters at Trung Trang. While guides are not obligatory, they’ll help you get closer to the wildlife: be sure to keep an eye out for golden-headed langurs, the world’s most endangered primate.  

The “easy” option here is the short, strenuous hike to the top of Ngu Lam peak, a modest ridge offering views over the surrounding jungle, though many opt for the more challenging 9km (5.5-mile) hike across the park to the fishing village of Viet Hai, where you can stop over at a friendly homestay. The park is also a great spot for climbing, with several operators running trips to local karst outcrops with all gear included.  

6. Cat Tien National Park 

Best trek in southern Vietnam  2–26km (1.2–16 miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult

The south of Vietnam is often overlooked by trekkers. Don’t make that mistake.

Cat Tien National Park covers 72,000 hectares (177,916 acres) of lowland tropical rainforest that teems with biodiversity. While there are elephants and leopards hiding amid the foliage, you’re more likely to spot primates such as gibbons, pygmy lorises and langurs, alongside reptiles, amphibians and myriad bird species. 

Guides can be arranged through local lodges. The most popular trip is the half-day hike from the national park headquarters in search of golden-cheeked gibbons, though this involves an early start to catch the primates’ hooting dawn chorus. Most trekkers drop in on the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre for more simian encounters; trip fees help fund the park’s conservation activities. 

7. Mai Chau villages

Best easy hikes near Hanoi  5–18km (3–11 miles), 1–2 days, easy

You don’t have to roam far from Hanoi to find good hiking terrain. The township of Mai Chau floats on a green carpet of rice fields, about 135km (84 miles) southwest of the capital. This is pretty rather than challenging terrain, with the most popular destinations for walks villages inhabited by the White Thai. These people are known for their colorful textiles, which you can purchase without too much bargaining. 

For a taste of what the area has to offer, try the 18km (11-mile) trek from Ban Lac village to Xa Linh village. A local guide will help you navigate the slippery trail, and you’ll need to arrange a vehicle to meet you at the end of the trail for the trip back to Mai Chau. Longer treks can be arranged through local homestays and lodges, though we recommend coming during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. 

8. Cao Bang

Best off-the-beaten-track treks Distances and durations vary, moderate to difficult

Tucked away near the Chinese border in the far northeast of Vietnam , Cao Bang is the place to discover rural communities that have so far escaped the influence of mass tourism. This comes with a degree of responsibility, so be sure to trek with a guide and stay in village homestays to make sure your tourist dollars reach the local economy. The main destinations for hikers are hillside villages of the Tay, Nung, Hmong, Dzao and Lolo people, with markets that shift from village to village on different days of the lunar month. 

There are easy strolls around Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave – both served by local buses from Cao Bang – but to access outlying villages, you’ll need local support. Most treks are multi-day affairs, and your guide will need to make arrangements for overnight stays. It may be easiest to organize a trek through a reputable agency in Hanoi.

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Vietnam Off the Beaten Path Journey in 14 Days - Private Tour

This is not the first time im been to Vietnam, but it actually feel like a first time. With all the places, the local experience me and my son experiences. From Hanoi to Mai Chau to Sapa to Hoi An, Hochiminh Mekong delta. i cant tell enough about how Vietnam is such an incredible country with such nice human. We will be back soon!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Vietnam Signature In 14 Days by Realistic Asia

This trip is the second tour we booked from Realistic Asia. The first one was a trip to Thailand, and we had the same consultant, Mr. Dat, as last time, who has been great again! We went on the trip to the main attractions of Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh with different local guides and drivers in each city. I remember the guide in Sapa the most, as he really did a good job to show us everything about this place and its ethnic cultures. We learned the difference in the lifestyle of several tribes in Sapa. Halong Bay reminded me of Phang Nga Bay in Thailand but was much bigger. Hue was also a highlight, it is so authentic and charming, and it looks like coming from the picture. It was a long trip, but I wish we could stay longer. Thanks, Realistic Asia, for everything you did for us. Highly recommend you to others.

Highlights of Northern Vietnam In 6 Days

Long Pham and Realistic Asia provided the most attentive service before and throughout our 6-day tour of northern Vietnam. The tour was expertly orchestrated, with door to door service and amazing guides along the way. The hotel staff at the scheduled stops were delightful. Service was top notch! I had trouble securing visas prior to the departure for our wedding in Thailand, but Long Pham was able to connect with the necessary folks to get our visa letters in time. I cannot thank you enough for making our honeymoon seamless and full of fun experiences.

• Mountain Hikes

Sapa Adventure

Hotel was very good, home stay was a good standard, meals were a good standard, helpful host. A really good experience.

Jewels Of Vietnam in 9 Days

Firstly, I want to give a very big thank you to Emilia for organising an amazing tour in Vietnam for us. She's always available on chat and help as soon as we need. We are very impressive with the cruise trip in Halong Bay with an overnight on board, it's so amazing. We definitely go back to Vietnam!!

Exquisite Vietnam 11 Days - Sapa/ Halong Bay/ Phu Quoc Island

It's perfect itinerary, I traveled in Sapa with the magnificent and scenic views, trekking to the local villages and stay at homestay, the guide very useful. Overnight on halong Bay with lovely cruises and staff. I also enoyed a good time in Phu Quoc with Anja Resorts. Thank you Prestigo Asia

Best of Northwest of Vietnam 14 Days Soft Trek

Visit of North Vietnam A fine way to see the country and visit the local population. Stay overnight in one of the homestay's. See the touristic attractions but also the local ones.

• Local Living

Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (1 Night In Ta Van Village, 1 Night In Hotel)

The tour was nice, only some drizzle days. The hotel on the first night was very good, maybe the best of our 6 weeks in Vietnam. Due to the weather the

Real Sapa Experience 5Days/5nights

• In-depth Cultural

5 - Day Private Ha Giang Adventure Trekking Tour with homestay & ecolodge stay

We had a great time walking in the hills, staying with local families,. swimming in rivers, and learning more about and incredible region and peoples. David, our guide, was great. Very knowledgeable and tailored the trip to us.

Amazing Trekking Tour in Sapa 5 Days/4 Nights

Was a very good trip with a darling and knowledgeable guide—yen. I couldn’t have done it without her. But it is definitely hard terrain (steep, rocks, slippery), especially in the rain. Suggest hiking sticks and proper waterproof boots (hiking shoes won’t work). Second homestay was uncomfortable. Obviously, we want to experience real life in villages of Sapa, but the room and bathroom were not clean, the sheets were not washed (textured stains), the bathroom was not clean and had many bugs, mosquitos and reptiles in it because of no window screen in bathroom. Not enough access to food when burning this many calories!!!!

Sapa Adventure: Hard Trekking for 6 days 5 nights

We were looked after so well from start to finish; every question answered and help offered along the way. It was a seamless trip. Our guide, May, was wonderful, taking us on incredible routes through the hills, rice fields and into remote villages. Thanks so much for everything.

• Train & Rail

Sapa Tour By Night Train From Hanoi

The trekking through the villages was great and the hotel was really nice. Just be aware that it's not a tour as such they have just booked every separate element for you, some more information prior to the experience would have been reassuring.

• Sightseeing

HANOI - SAPA TREKKING 3 DAYS 2 NIGHT BY BUS

It was a pleasure to have LVPTRAVEL guide us through the Vietnam journey! All the staffs were very attentive and extremely helpful through the whole experience. Special mentions to the porters, chefs and the waiter. I was blown away by how hard they work to ensure you have the most comfortable experience. Also, special mentions to Hoang and Phuc also who were our guides, they were both very easy to get along with and very motivating. There was a great atmosphere among our group and by the end I didn’t want to stop our trekking experiences! Top company and would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to travel to Vietnam

Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (2 Nights in Hotel)

Vietnam Travel Top ensured our recent trip to Vietnam ran smoothly. The entire trip was planned through Ms. Kathy and was spot on perfect. From prompt email responses to outstanding customer care, perfectly coordinated transfers and day trips. Completely professional and friendly, it was the most perfect get away. Thank you for making this a memorable trip.

Vietnam Treks & Hiking Tours Reviews

This is a wonderful immersive experience. We loved the activity, the scenery, and the insights into local life. We felt we were in good hands

This trip was so sensational! We have had the best time in Vietnam and have been blown away by the history, cultural experience and beauty of the country. The people here are so lovely and kind. The food is to die for and the coffee is amazing. We were initially hesitant about booking solely online but the whole tour and services has truly been exceptional. We were blessed by having Long as our tour director who couldn’t have been more organised and informative. Consistently communicating throughout the trip and even offering suggestions for dinner at each location. We walk away from Vietnam with so much love and appreciation for this beautiful country. Thankyou Long and Realistic Asia for an unforgettable experience!

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I've traveled to 9 out of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I made along the way.

• I've traveled solo to nine countries in Southeast Asia.
• I've made many mistakes, from traveling during monsoon season to forgetting to bring enough cash.
• Travelers should make sure they plan ahead and research each country's culture.

Over the last two years, my journey as a travel enthusiast and Business Insider's travel reporter in Singapore has brought me to almost every country in Southeast Asia.

In total, there are 10 countries in Southeast Asia , and I've traveled to nine of them — Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. Myanmar remains the only country in the region I have not visited, and while I am keen to explore it, I have held off on visiting because of the country's ongoing civil war.

I've watched the sun rise in Angkor Wat in Cambodia and cared for elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I've explored the Bornean jungle in Brunei and crawled the Cu Chi Tunnels in southern Vietnam.

But it hasn't always been easy. I've made several mistakes traveling across the region , especially as a solo traveler. Here are five mistakes I made and how to avoid them.

1. Going during monsoon season and not planning for the weather.

In July, I traveled to Thailand on a reporting trip to cover the budding cannabis industry . There, I was met with heavy rain nearly every day. In Bangkok, I was staying in a hostel in Chakkrawat , a district with narrow, meandering streets, which made it difficult to walk anywhere in the pouring rain.

I didn't plan for the weather, so I didn't have an umbrella or poncho with me and had to rush to get one at the last minute. I also had a packed itinerary with a lot of travel between meetings, which was a hassle in the constant downpour.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia, make sure to avoid two seasons — the monsoon season, which often comes with strong typhoons in countries like the Philippines, and the burning season, where farmers burn land for fertile soil. This is a common occurrence in countries like Laos, Thailand, and the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

When I traveled to Laos in April last year during the burning season , most of my plans — including a hot air balloon ride — were canceled because of the thick smog. I also didn't have an N95 mask with me, and I ended up with a sore throat.

If you do plan to come during these seasons, make sure to pack accordingly and plan a flexible schedule.

2. Traveling during Ramadan and expecting the same practices everywhere.

Having grown up in Singapore, I'm familiar with the practices during Ramadan , the holy month for Muslims, where they fast for most of the day. I studied Malay for seven years, and in school, I often fasted with my Muslim classmates and ate only in private.

Still, in many cities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia , non-Muslims are free to dine in public, so long as they do so respectfully. But on my trip to Brunei in April — at the height of the burning season and in the middle of Ramadan — there were more practices I needed to observe.

Most restaurants were closed, and diners weren't allowed to eat there even if they were open — only take-out was allowed. Eating in public was a major faux pas even for non-Muslims, and if you want to drink some water, you can only do so when nobody is around.

It wasn't easy, especially as Brunei was sweltering at 100 degrees Fahrenheit on some days. I made do by returning to the hotel for lunch and grabbing a big dinner with the locals at the night market after they had broken their fast.

3. Not packing enough modest outfits when visiting temples and mosques.

Southeast Asia is pretty liberal, and you can wear whatever you want in many places. In popular destinations like Phuket, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, lots of tourists walk around in bikini tops and shorts, and locals mostly tolerate it.

But there are certain places you do need to cover up, like places of worship, which include temples and mosques. When I visited Angkor Wat — the famed temple complex in Cambodia — in February last year, I found some tourists being told off by the local tour guides for wearing shorts and tank tops — "Tomb Raider" style.

I've learned to err on the right side of caution and bring a sarong wherever I go. It's an easy way to cover up and make an outfit more modest when you need to.

4. Forgetting to pack medication, especially when I plan to eat street food.

Southeast Asia has some of the world's most flavorful food. In every country, you can find food that is cheap and delicious, and that includes Singapore , the world's most expensive city. In countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, street food dishes can cost as little as a dollar.

I eat mostly street food when I travel in Southeast Asia, so medicine for tummy-related illnesses is a must. I've only gotten sick twice from eating street food — and it was the same dish both times— and unfortunately, those were the few times I didn't have medicine with me.

I'm a pretty adventurous eater. I've eaten everything from pufferfish stew to frog porridge and dishes made with intestines off the street. I've learned to wash the utensils provided before digging in and make sure the food is cooked to order and heated up before being served.

5. Relying on my card and not bringing enough cash with me.

In Singapore, I don't really use cash and often use Apple Pay, mobile payments, and cards. But I've found that many stores in other countries in Southeast Asia only accept cash.

For example, on my third trip to Vietnam, I spent an hour trying to make payment via bank transfer after the staff at a luxury perfume shop — which was selling items priced upwards of $200 — informed me at the last minute that they didn't accept card or contactless payment.

I've also found the majority of street vendors in the region only accept mobile payment — which is limited to local banks — or cash. I've learned to change a considerable amount of money before leaving the airport and keep whatever I didn't use for my next trip.

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Opinion | Stephen J. Lyons: Current-day Vietnam…

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Opinion | Stephen J. Lyons: Current-day Vietnam underscores the folly of America’s wars

On a recent drizzly afternoon in the jungles of Vietnam, it was a miracle that I did not blow out my 60-year-old knees, break my ankles or get stung, bit or punctured. The trail I was traversing was a mudslide, and I couldn’t see 2 feet ahead of me.

As I clumsily climbed over a wet log and landed on my rear end, I imagined an 18-year-old farm boy from Indiana, drafted with a low lottery number, arriving in Saigon in 1968. As his plane taxied, he would have watched the bodies of other kids just like him being loaded onto another plane. He would be jetlagged, anxious, homesick and disoriented. During a one-year tour, his odds of being killed or wounded would be 1 in 10. He could be one of the 58,000 soldiers killed or one of the 300,000 wounded or one of the 75,000 severely disabled. If he succeeded in returning to the United States, he could be one of the estimated 10,000 Vietnam veterans who would die by suicide, although unofficial estimates run as high as 50,000.

I remember picking up my draft card on my 18th birthday in 1973, when the war was winding down. I threw the card the following year into a trash bin in Grand Junction, Colorado, when I was hitchhiking to California. I wanted no part of the war. And I was not what one would ever call “military material.”

All the wars the United States has been involved with since I’ve been alive have been a waste of lives on all sides. As I saw on my recent trip to Vietnam, communists are in charge of a booming market economy. Construction cranes dot the outskirts of Hanoi. There are no more antiquated Russian-style, five-year plans with meager ration books and empty stomachs.

Our other wars? The Taliban control Afghanistan despite our 20-year occupation. Iraq is a mess. I guess nation building is harder on the ground then on a white paper created by the brilliant minds in the hallways of the Pentagon. (Perhaps the term “military intelligence” really is an oxymoron.)

All of our incursions seem to make things worse. Our soldiers die and are maimed, while we wave flags, sing the impossible-to-sing national anthem at football games and trot out injured heroes only to often ignore them later on.

This year, Vietnam is celebrating the 70 th anniversary of defeating France, a country with a horrible colonial past. Next year, Vietnam will celebrate the 50 th anniversary of sending the U.S. packing, too. Two superpowers, with all their bombs and Agent Orange chemical warfare, were bested. In hindsight, it is not surprising, given the incredible nationalism that North Vietnam’s leader, Ho Chi Minh, rallied to his side against those superior military forces. And we certainly learned nothing from France’s humiliating defeat in 1954. The lesson we might have heeded? Hearts and minds are impossible to conquer.

When I was shin-deep in the jungle muck, between slips and falls, where I was carrying only a water bottle rather than a 90-pound pack and a M-16 rifle as the Indiana kid would have been toting, I wondered: What the hell was the U.S. thinking? All the advantage was with Viet Cong forces, who knew every inch of the jungle terrain and were acclimated to the heat and humidity. Long before an American soldier would be aware of the enemy’s presence, the Viet Cong would see the kid marching like a bull’s-eye and attack him with bullets and boobytraps.

The kid really had only a puncher’s chance of not ending up in a flag-draped casket. 

And if the kid survived that tour of duty, years later, he would read former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara’s mea culpa regarding the war. In his memoir “In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam,” McNamara writes that “we were wrong, terribly wrong.” At the end of the book, he admits: “I concede with painful candor and a heavy heart that the adage applies to me and to my generation of American leadership regarding Vietnam. Although we sought to do the right thing — and believed we were doing the right thing — in my judgment, hindsight proves us wrong.”

Army medic Earl Clarkston said that when he learned that McNamara considered Vietnam a mistake, he thought, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times in 1995: “Tell McNamara to go before the (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) wall and tell the wall that. Let the souls of American veterans hear him say, ‘You died for nothing.'”

McNamara lived to age 93. The soldiers he sent to their deaths did not enjoy such longevity. A trip to Vietnam makes that senseless tragedy even more real.

Stephen J. Lyons is the author of six books of reportage and essays, most recently “ Searching for Home: Misadventures with Misanthropes” (Finishing Line Press).

Submit a letter to the editor, of no more than 400 words, by emailing  [email protected] . To review our criteria, click  here.

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Take a trip on the Flavors of Fairfield culinary tour of local eateries with global cuisine

FAIRFIELD – Have a hankering for chicken pad Thai? How about carnitas or mofongos?

They are just a sampling of dishes from 21 international restaurants and three bakeries, all located in Fairfield.

Eateries include food from Nepal, India, Italy, Vietnam, Peru, Mexico, West Africa and other countries.

In partnership with Travel Butler County, Fairfield is launching the Flavors of Fairfield program now through May 15 in celebration of National Food Month.

“We have a kind of a gem here in Fairfield. We have a number of international restaurants dotting (Ohio) Route 4 and other parts of the city,’’ said Nathaniel Kaelin, the city’s economic development manager.

“We have something unique here and we want to share it This highlights the (international) restaurants in Fairfield.”

Like Travel Butler County’s Donut Trail, participants who visit four restaurants or bakeries will earn a commemorative spork medal. Those who make it to eight by May 15 will be entered in a drawing for two, $1,000 and two $500 gift cards to Jungle Jim’s International Market.

“Jungle Jim’s International Market has long been the iconic center of culinary adventure in Fairfield. Building on that foundation, the Flavors of Fairfield pass invites people to explore the city even further and experience international cuisines in a new way,” said Kathryn Rawlinson, vice president of marketing and communications at Travel Butler County.

“Some of the region’s very best food can be enjoyed in Fairfield, and we are excited for more people to discover global cuisine at local eateries.”

Qualifying restaurants are locally owned, non-American, located in Fairfield and have fewer than five locations, Kaelin said.

Participants can download their pass at www.flavorsoffairfield.com . When going to each restaurant or bakery participants should enter the code found at each site.

Once four codes have been entered, participants can go to Jungle Jim’s, 5440 Ohio 4, or Travel Butler County, 8756 Union Centre Blvd., to pick up the spork medal.

“Stretch your palette a little bit,’’ said Mayor Mitch Rhodus. “I’ve tasted things I thought I would never, ever order.”

Qualifying eateries/bakeries are:

• Acapulco, 5953 Boymel Drive.
• Asian Buffet, 6310 S. Gilmore Road.
• Bee’s Buffet, 725 Nilles Road.
• Caruso’s Ristorante and Bar, 6765 Ohio 4.
• Cielito Lindo Mexican Buffet, 3256 Ohio 4.
• Cocina Mexicana Los Rodriguez, 4600 Ohio 4, Suite B, located inside Shell gas station.
• El Camino Ice Cream and Panaderia, 5951 Boymel Drive.
• Guanacos Café and Pupuseria, 500 Kolb Dr., Suite 4A.
• Hot ‘N Spicy Restaurant and Bar, 4623 Ohio 4.
• House of Bangkok, 4876 Ohio 4.
• La Pinata, 500 Wessel Drive.
• Latin Bistro, 6600 Ohio 4.
• Lee’s Chinese, 5106 Pleasant Ave., (U.S. 127).
• Mofon Go City, 7373 Ohio 4.
• Namaste Curry House, 6679 Ohio 4, Suite G.
• Om India, 530 Wessel Drive.
• Panaderia La Mexicana, 6503 Ohio 4, Suite 5423.
• Panaderia Yareli, 6600 Ohio 4, Suite C.
• Panda Garden, 6600 Ohio 4, Suite M.
• Pho District Cincy, 5466 Ohio 4.
• Sabor Peruano, 7245 Ohio 4.
• Taqueria Mercado, 6507 Ohio 4.
• Taqueria Xalisc, 6116 Winton Road (Mill Road until you cross into Fairfield).
• Trinity Diner, 7255 Ohio 4, Suite D.

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Despite being gravely wounded, this Ranger refused to leave his men in the Vietnamese jungle

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Stephen J. Lyons: In Vietnam, America learned hearts and minds can't be conquered, or did we?

O n a recent drizzly afternoon in the jungles of Vietnam, it was a miracle that I did not blow out my 60-year-old knees, break my ankles or get stung, bit or punctured. The trail I was traversing was a mudslide, and I couldn’t see 2 feet ahead of me.

As I clumsily climbed over a wet log and landed on my rear end, I imagined an 18-year-old farm boy from Indiana, drafted with a low lottery number, arriving in Saigon in 1968.

The Indiana kid

As his plane taxied, he would have watched the bodies of other kids just like him being loaded onto another plane. He would be jetlagged, anxious, homesick and disoriented. During a one-year tour, his odds of being killed or wounded would be 1 in 10.

He could be one of the 58,000 soldiers killed or one of the 300,000 wounded or one of the 75,000 severely disabled. If he succeeded in returning to the United States, he could be one of the estimated 10,000 Vietnam veterans who would die by suicide, although unofficial estimates run as high as 50,000.

I remember picking up my draft card on my 18th birthday in 1973, when the war was winding down. I threw the card the following year into a trash bin in Grand Junction, Colorado, when I was hitchhiking to California. I wanted no part of the war. And I was not what one would ever call “military material.”

All the wars the United States has been involved with since I’ve been alive have been a waste of lives on all sides. As I saw on my recent trip to Vietnam, communists are in charge of a booming market economy. Construction cranes dot the outskirts of Hanoi. There are no more antiquated Russian-style, five-year plans with meager ration books and empty stomachs.

Our other wars? The Taliban control Afghanistan despite our 20-year occupation. Iraq is a mess. I guess nation building is harder on the ground than on a white paper created by the brilliant minds in the hallways of the Pentagon.

All of our incursions seem to make things worse. Our soldiers die and are maimed, while we wave flags, sing the impossible-to-sing national anthem at football games and trot out injured heroes only to often ignore them later on.

What was America thinking?

This year, Vietnam is celebrating the 70th anniversary of defeating France, a country with a horrible colonial past. Next year, Vietnam will celebrate the 50th anniversary of sending the U.S. packing, too. Two superpowers, with all their bombs and Agent Orange chemical warfare, were bested.

In hindsight, it is not surprising, given the incredible nationalism that North Vietnam’s leader, Ho Chi Minh, rallied to his side against those superior military forces. And we certainly learned nothing from France’s humiliating defeat in 1954.

The lesson we might have heeded? Hearts and minds are impossible to conquer.

When I was shin-deep in the jungle muck, between slips and falls, where I was carrying only a water bottle rather than a 90-pound pack and a M-16 rifle as the Indiana kid would have been toting, I wondered: What the hell was the U.S. thinking?

All the advantage was with Viet Cong forces, who knew every inch of the jungle terrain and were acclimated to the heat and humidity. Long before an American soldier would be aware of the enemy’s presence, the Viet Cong would see the kid marching like a bull’s-eye and attack him with bullets and boobytraps.

The kid really had only a puncher’s chance of not ending up in a flag-draped casket.

And if the kid survived that tour of duty, years later, he would read former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara’s mea culpa regarding the war. In his memoir “In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam,” McNamara writes that “we were wrong, terribly wrong.”

At the end of the book, he admits: “I concede with painful candor and a heavy heart that the adage applies to me and to my generation of American leadership regarding Vietnam. Although we sought to do the right thing — and believed we were doing the right thing — in my judgment, hindsight proves us wrong.”

Tell the wall

Army medic Earl Clarkston said that when he learned that McNamara considered Vietnam a mistake, he thought, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times in 1995: “Tell McNamara to go before the (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) wall and tell the wall that. Let the souls of American veterans hear him say, ‘You died for nothing.'”

McNamara lived to age 93. The soldiers he sent to their deaths did not enjoy such longevity. A trip to Vietnam makes that senseless tragedy even more real.

Stephen J. Lyons is the author of six books of reportage and essays, most recently “ Searching for Home: Misadventures with Misanthropes.”