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Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong
Located 60 km from the center of Hai Phong city, Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai district, is a must-visit hiking destination for adventurous travelers. Cat Ba National Park boasts a mystical natural beauty, particularly with its diverse ecosystems: forests on limestone mountains, high-altitude mangrove forests, and numerous caves. It is also home to the golden-headed langur, also known as the Cat Ba langur, one of the world's rarest species. Along the hiking trail in Cat Ba National Park, be sure to visit Frog Pond and Viet Hai fishing village for some exciting experiences.
Additional information
- Getting there: From Hanoi, you can drive yourself or take a bus to Cat Ba Island.
- Cuisine: Don't forget to enjoy the seafood dishes on Cat Ba Island such as sea snake, horseshoe crab, snapper, grouper, etc.
- Tip: You should allocate 3 days for hiking and relaxation here.
Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa
Pu Luong is a nature reserve located in Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts, 130 km northwest of Thanh Hoa city. Situated between two mountains, the reserve is a lush green valley with dense forests, offering a captivating wild landscape. Pu Luong peak, at 1,700 m, is a popular choice for hiking enthusiasts due to its breathtaking views of vast rice paddies, gently sloping terraced fields, and verdant primeval forests. Additionally, from Kho Muong village, you can hike through the villages of Pon, Thanh Cong, Cao Hoong, and Kit to explore the life, culture, and customs of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups. Following the Kho Muong - Uoi - Pho Doan trail will give you the opportunity to visit Quan village.
Additional information
- Getting there: From Hanoi, you can take a bus or train to Thanh Hoa and then another bus to Pu Luong.
- Cuisine: Specialties in Pu Luong include Co Lung duck, bitter soup, and rice wine.
- Tip: Allocate 3 days for your trip to explore Pu Luong.
Lang Biang, Da Lat
Lang Biang Mountain is located in Lac Duong District, about 12 km north of Da Lat city center. Known as the "roof of the city of a thousand flowers," the 2167-meter-high Lang Biang peak attracts many tourists who want to challenge themselves with two routes: walking on paved roads and hiking through the forest. Each ascent and descent is about 6 km, so if you walk quickly, it will only take about 2 hours. During the hike to the summit of Lang Biang, visitors will pass through ancient forests, many large trees, babbling streams, and wildflowers blooming everywhere… The trails to Ba Mountain, Ong Mountain, or Radar Peak are not too difficult, suitable for amateur trekkers, although there are some extremely steep sections where you need to hold onto ropes to climb.
Additional information
- Getting there: There are direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, then a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from the city center to the foot of Lang Biang mountain.
- Cuisine: When in Da Lat, don't forget to enjoy breakfast with banh can (a type of Vietnamese pancake) and a cup of Arabica coffee, a variety that is only grown in Da Lat, Vietnam.
- Tip: 3 days is enough for a trip to conquer Lang Biang peak and relax and unwind in Da Lat.
Grand Canyon, USA
November is the ideal time to hike in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon because it's the off-season and the weather in the Grand Canyon begins to dry out after the monsoon season ends. Visitors can hike in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon along the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails hidden deep in the valley. This is a traditional American resort destination with dozens of miles of paved trails along the canyon edge, along with many eco-hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, and a free shuttle bus service.
In November, the days at the Grand Canyon are shorter than the nights. Visiting the Grand Canyon at this time will give you the chance to witness the spectacular aurora borealis at night.
Additional information
- Getting there: From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly to Las Vegas, then take a bus, which takes about 3 hours to reach the Grand Canyon.
- Cuisine: In South Rim, Grand Canyon, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy nutritious dishes such as crispy fried salmon or bison burgers.
- Tip: Allocate 4 days for your Grand Canyon exploration trip.
West Gorge, Hong Kong
Not only is Hong Kong famous as a modern and culturally diverse city, but it is also known to many tourists for the magnificent natural scenery of the Sai Kung Peninsula. Dubbed the world's longest hiking trail, visitors who choose to hike the MacLehose Trail in Sai Kung will have the opportunity to admire Long Ke Beach, one of Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches, Po Pin Chau, and natural hexagonal rock formations dating back 140 million years. The rainy season in Hong Kong runs from May to mid-October, so visiting in November will allow you to enjoy the cool late autumn air, perfect for hiking and picnics.
Additional information
- Getting there: From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly directly to Hong Kong and then take a bus from the city center to the Sai Kung Peninsula, which takes only about 2 hours.
- Cuisine: In Sai Kung, high-end seafood such as lobster and crab are available at very reasonable prices.
- Tip: You should allocate 5 days for your trip to Hong Kong and 2 days for hiking in the West Kung Pao area.
Annapurna, Nepal
Famous for its majestic Himalayas, Nepal is the number one country for hiking, offering many captivating routes. Among them, the Annapurna Trail is known as one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Along the entire route, hikers will admire snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, lush green valleys, and terraced rice paddies nestled among vibrant villages. Beyond the breathtaking natural scenery, those who experience the Annapurna Trail will also pass through sacred sites of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, and immerse themselves in the simple, tranquil life of the villages along the way.
Additional information
- Getting there: There are no direct flights from Vietnam to Nepal; travelers will have to transit in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Singapore. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you can take a car or plane to Pokhara to begin your hiking adventure.
- Cuisine: Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepalese dish that is chosen by most tourists visiting Annapurna because of its delicious taste and nutritional value, making it suitable for a long journey.
- Tip: You should allocate 7 days for your Annapurna hiking trip. Additionally, you should prepare enough food and warm clothing for this approximately 100 km journey.
