Top 15 highest peaks in Vietnam for those who are passionate about climbing

Introducing Vietnam's mountain system

Vietnam has an area of ​​hills and mountains, accounting for three-quarters of the territory, but mainly low hills. Low terrain below 1,000 m accounts for 85% of the territory. Mountains over 2,000 m high account for only 1%. Vietnam's hills and mountains form a large arc facing the East Sea, running for 1,400 km, from the Northwest to the Southeast. The most massive mountain ranges are located in the west and northwest with the highest peak of Fansipan on the Indochina peninsula (3,143m).

Further east, the mountain ranges descend and often end in a coastal lowland strip. From Hai Van Pass to the South, the terrain is simpler. Here, there are no long limestone mountains, but there are large blocks of granite, sometimes protruding into peaks; The rest are the consecutive plateaus that form the Central Highlands, the eastern edge is raised to the Truong Son range.

With the advantage of climate, terrain and rich flora, the potential to develop mountain climbing, trekking and trail running tourism in Vietnam is very large and attracts an increasing number of participants, especially especially young people, who are passionate about experiences, love to explore and conquer new lands, new people, new cultures.

Top 15 highest mountains in Vietnam

This article will summarize the characteristics of the 15 highest peaks in Vietnam as of November 2021, according to difficulty. If you are interested in trekking Vietnam then this is what you need to read.

1. Top 1 highest peaks: Fansipan (3143m)

Location: Belonging to Hoang Lien Son mountain range, about 9 km from the center of Sa Pa town to the southwest, bordering the two provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau in the northwest region of Vietnam.

Mountain altitude: 3143m

Ranking: Ranked 7th in the top 28 most attractive places in the world in 2019 announced by the US National Geographic Magazine.

History: Formed at the border of the Permian - Triassic periods of the Paleozoic (Paleozoic) and Mesozoic (Mesozoic) 260-250 million years ago.

Other names: Roof of Indochina or Giant stone precarious.

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Entrance fee: About 750,000 VND (Adult); 550,000 VND (Children 1m-1.4m tall); Children under 1m free.

Fansipan is famous as the most majestic high mountain in Vietnam and is known as the "Roof of Indochina". Possessing a height of 3143m, Fansipan is an extremely attractive place for those who love adventure to explore and conquer extreme heights.

To get to the top of Fansipan mountain as quickly as possible, you can choose to travel by cable car and enjoy the majestic mountain space below. But if you are an adventurer, you can choose to climb the mountain, cross the forest and overcome the slopes yourself to reach the top of the mountain.

The feeling of setting foot on the top of Fansipan mountain and watching the surrounding scenery among the floating clouds is a great thing that everyone should try once in their life.

2. Pu Si Lung Peak (Phu Si Lung - 3080m high)

Location: Located near landmark 42 on the Vietnam-China border, in Pa Ve Su commune, Muong Te district, Lai Chau province.

Mountain altitude: 3080m.

Ranking: 2nd in the list of 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.

Another name: Phu Si Lung.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Pu Si Lung Peak is located in a very special position, the roof of the border between Vietnam and China. With an altitude of over 3000m above sea level, Pu Si Lung is considered the second highest mountain, after Fansipan in the ranking of the highest mountains in Vietnam.

Besides the outstanding achievements in altitude ranking, Pu Si Lung is also known as a mountain possessing charming scenery, natural and unspoiled beauty that is still preserved until now. This is truly an interesting place for those who love to explore and conquer nature. You will enjoy the wild feeling and mingle with the air when coming to Pu Si Lung.

3. Putaleng (3049m high)

Location: Ta Leng commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.

Mountain altitude: 3049m.

Rank: 3rd in the list of 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.

Another name: Pu Ta Leng.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

The third place on the list is the peak of Mount Putaleng, also known as Pu Ta Leng after the H'mong people. This place belongs to Ta Leng commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province. Putaleng owns an altitude of 3049m, this is one of the mountains that many backpackers dream of setting foot on on their journey to conquering nature.

Just like with Pu Si Lung, the wild and unique beauty of Putaleng has made those who are fortunate to conquer this mountain will not be able to help but miss its majestic scenery when leaving.

You will have to go through many dangerous and difficult roads to reach the top of Putaleng, but for those who are really passionate, when witnessing the primeval beauty here, all fatigue will be converted into energy to you step forward.

4. Ky Quan San Peak (3046m high)

Location: Trung Leng Ho commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province.

Mountain altitude: 3046m.

Ranking: Right at 4th place in the ranking of the highest mountains in Vietnam.

Other names: Bach Moc Luong Tu.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Ky Quan San Peak is known as the heaven in the clouds of Vietnam. The mountain has a height of 3046m (above sea level), which is the most suitable and beautiful place for you to admire the immense and majestic mountains and sea.

According to those who have gone before, autumn, winter and spring are the two most beautiful seasons for you to make your conquest adventures because this time the weather is extremely favorable for you to move. When you come to Ky Quan San in the ripe rice season, you will witness very special poetic natural paintings created by the Mong ethnic people.

5. Khang Su Van (3012m high)

Location: Belongs to Pa Vai Su commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.
Mountain altitude: 3012m.
Ranking: Ranked 5th in the list of 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.
Another name: Phan Lien San or U Thai San.
Hours of operation: All day.
Entrance fee: No fee.
Mount Khang Su Van is a mountain in Lai Chau province with an altitude of 3012m. The top of the mountain is also known as Phan Lien San or U Thai San.
Khang Su Van owns a very unique ecosystem of the Northwest mountains and forests, where it offers a wild but extremely majestic natural scenery, making anyone who has the opportunity to come here will also be immersed in it. In particular, in the blooming season, a large mountain area will be covered with poetic white, you will be able to witness the most beautiful natural picture of the Northwest mountains.

6. Ta Lien (2996m high)

Location: Ta Leng commune, Tam Duong district, Lai Chau. Mountain altitude: 2996m. Ranking: Among the top highest peaks in Vietnam. Another name: Co Trau Mountain.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Ta Lien Mountain, also known as Co Trau Mountain, is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Northwest region owned by Lai Chau province. It is also called Co Trau because the shape of the mountain resembles the Buffalo species raised at the foot of the mountain. This place still retains the wild beauty with primeval forests with extremely unique and rich ecosystems. The terrain to conquer Ta Lien mountain is not too difficult and dangerous, you can travel by motorbike to the foot of the mountain and start your conquest journey. Coming to Ta Lien, you will be immersed in the majestic mountain scenery with huge old trees up to hundreds of years old.

7. Ta Chi Nhu (2979m high)

Location: Belonging to Pu Luong massif of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province.

Mountain altitude: 2979m.

Ranking: Top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.

Another name: Phu Song Sung or Chung Chua Nha.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Ta Chi Nhu is a 2979m high mountain located in Tram Tau district of Yen Bai province. The people here also call this mountain with another name Phu Song Sung (the way it is called by the Thai people) or Chung Chua Nha (the way it is called by the Mong people).

The road to conquer Ta Chi Nhu also has many steep and dangerous terrain, but for mountain climbing enthusiasts, it is an interesting experience. The most important thing is that when you reach the top of Ta Chi Nhu mountain, you will feel that your efforts are worth it when you witness the beautiful mountain scenery.

Camping and hunting clouds on the top of Ta Chi Nhu mountain will definitely be a great feeling when coming here with relatives or friends.

8. Po Ma Lung (Bach Moc Luong – 2,967m high)

Location: Lang village, Ban Lang commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.

Mountain altitude: 2967m.

Ranking: Top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.

Other names: Bach Moc Luong.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Po Ma Lung, also known as Bach Moc Luong, is one of the top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam. Po Ma Lung has an altitude of 2976m, not as high as the peaks of Fansipan or Pu Si Lung, but the distance you need to travel to reach the top is longer.

The highlight that attracts backpackers to the top of Po Ma Lung is that in addition to the diverse and rich primeval forest ecosystem, there are also countless beautiful streams and waterfalls. Coming to Po Ma Lung, you will be able to listen to the sounds of nature, immerse yourself in the cool water.

9. Nhiu Co San (The meaning is Many Buffalo Horns - 2,965m high)

Location: Belonging to Sang Ma Sao commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province.

Mountain altitude: 2965m.

Ranking: Top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam.

Other names: Many Buffalo Horns.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Nhiu Co San is also a mountain in the list of the highest mountains in Vietnam, located in Lao Cai province. Local people here also call this mountain with another name, Many Horns Buffalo, named after a village located right at the foot of the mountain.

Nhiu Co San is a relatively new mountain that has not been explored much, so it still retains the wild and rustic features of the mountain nature. The road to Nhiu Co San mountain is not so easy, but this is an interesting thing for those who are passionate about discovery and adventure.

10. Chung Nha Vu (2,918m high)

Location: Nam Xe commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province. Mountain altitude: 2918m.

Ranking: Top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam. Another name: Da Hai San.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee. Chung Nhia Vu is the last mountain among the 10 highest mountains in Vietnam. If you love adventure and conquest, Chung Nhia Vu Mountain will be an extremely attractive choice. Owning the terrain is not too difficult to move, you can climb and conquer this mountain in a day. On the way to the top of Chung Nhia Vu mountain, you will pass through extremely green and cool bamboo forests. Because it is still quite wild and has not been exploited much from humans, Chung Nha Vu still retains the majestic natural beauty. If you come to Chung Nhia Vu mountain, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many delicious forest fruits that mother nature bestows on this high mountain.

11. Lung Cung Peak (2913m high)

Location: Located in Lung Cung village, Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province.

Mountain height: 2913m.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Lung Cung Yen Bai peak has an altitude of 2913m and is considered one of the highest peaks in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. This mountain peak is named after a village in Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province. If you want to admire the beautiful beauty of nature, then pack your backpack and conquer Lung Cung peak.

Lung Cung owns a fresh and cool climate, you will be immersed in the floating clouds surrounding the mountain. This is one of the most beautiful places to hunt clouds in Vietnam. The charming natural landscape of Lung Cung mountain will make everyone want to conquer it once.

12. Nam Kang Ho Tao Peak (2881m high)

Location: Belonging to Ho Mit commune, Tan Uyen district, Lai Chau province.

Mountain altitude: 2881.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Nam Kang Ho Tao is a mountain peak located in Ho Mit commune, Tan Uyen district, Lai Chau province. The mountain is considered one of the most pristine and rugged mountains in the Northwest. If you want to conquer the majestic beauty of nature and overcome your limits, you should try once to come and explore the top of Nam Kang Ho Tao mountain.

On the way to conquer Nam Kang Ho Tao, you will admire and immerse yourself in the poetic mountain space, majestic waterfalls and overcoming tall cliffs. These will be extremely interesting experiences for those who have a passion for conquering.

13. Ta Xua Peak (2865m high)

Location: Bac Yen district, Son La province.

Mountain altitude: 2865m.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Ta Xua is one of the mountains in the system of high mountains in Vietnam. With an altitude of 2865m above sea level, Ta Xua will make you overwhelmed with the majestic scenery of the Northwest mountainous nature. This is also one of the mountains that every backpacker dreams of visiting once.

Standing on the top of Ta Xua mountain, you will be immersed in the vast and fanciful sea of clouds. Ta Xua is likened to the dinosaur spine of the Northwest. Try to find Ta Xua once to feel the beautiful beauty that nature has bestowed on this land.

14. Ngu Chi Son - (Marble Mountains 2858m high)

Location: Ta Giang Phinh commune, Sapa district, Lao Cai province.

Mountain altitude: 2858m.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Ngu Chi Son is known as the most beautiful mountain peak in the Northwest region. This is an extremely attractive place and is loved by many mountaineering enthusiasts. Although the height of the mountain is not too high like the peaks of Fansipan or Pu Si Lung, the rugged terrain of the mountain is also one of the interesting challenges for backpackers.

The reason this place is called Ngu Chi Son is because it has 5 peaks pointing up to the sky like 5 fingers pointing. It is this uniqueness that makes Ngu Chi Son always have its own charm when standing among many other beautiful high mountains.

15. Lao Than Peak (2680m high)

Location: Phin Ho village, Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province.

Mountain altitude: 2680m.

Hours of operation: All day.

Entrance fee: No fee.

Lao Than Peak is one of the places that you should not miss if you want to conquer the masterpieces of nature. With an altitude of 2680m, Lao Than peak always attracts visitors to visit and explore because of its unspoiled and rustic beauty that is unmatched.

The road to conquer Lao Than peak is not too difficult, the terrain is mainly low grass hills that do not cause too many obstacles for backpackers. The poetic scenery, with the ideal altitude, Lao Than is one of the most beautiful places to hunt clouds in Vietnam.

Some notes to keep in mind when climbing

Equip survival skills: Climbing is not an easy subject, you need to equip survival skills to adapt and handle unexpected situations well.

Prepare adequate supplies: In the mountains, there will be no place for you to buy items if you forget, so you need to carefully prepare important items for the trip to go smoothly.

Good physical equipment: It is important to note that you need to equip yourself with good physical strength to be able to explore and conquer difficult terrain.

Do not arbitrarily separate the group: You should always follow the group if participating in a large number of people, should not arbitrarily separate the group without the consent of the members to avoid danger.

Inform your loved ones about your journey: When participating in mountain climbing, sometimes there will be unexpected and unannounced incidents. In addition, it is certain that phones or receivers will not be able to work in high mountain and wilderness locations. Therefore, please inform your loved ones about the upcoming journey so that they can have more peace of mind.

Get to know the place before you go: Getting to know the place well will give you more confidence as you embark on your adventure. There are some peaks that will require a climbing permit before climbing by local authorities. Therefore, not only do you need to learn more about the itinerary, but you also need to learn more about the requirements at the destination to have a complete climbing trip.

Protect the surrounding environment: When participating in mountain climbing, you should pay attention to keep the environment clean, do not litter indiscriminately to help nature stay fresh!