Although Vietnam’s cities and beaches are famous, not many tourists know about the breathtaking mountains hidden throughout the country. These are the most iconic mountains in Vietnam that are worth adding to your bucket list.
Fansipan
- Location: Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Northwest Vietnam
- Height: 3,147 meters (10,326 feet)
Among the mountains in Vietnam, Fansipan, known as “the Roof of Indochina”, stands out because of its popularity. It is the highest peak in Vietnam and all of Indochina, located in the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, about 9 kilometers southwest of Sapa town. It’s located just outside Sapa, a picturesque mountain town famed for its lush rice terraces and vibrant local culture. Its spectacular views and misty, high peaks attract people to Fansipan.
Visitors typically reach the summit by taking a scenic 15-minute cable car ride, one of Asia’s longest and most stunning journeys. A trip to Fansipan should be made between March and May or between September and November, for the best weather and views. Right before you reach the top, there are quiet temples and a mighty Amitabha Buddha statue for visitors to explore.
Ba Na Hills
- Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam
- Height: 1,487 meters (4,878 feet)
Among all the mountains in Vietnam, Ba Na Hills stand out for being more playful than wild. Just 25 km from Da Nang, this mountaintop getaway offers fresh air and striking sights. The famous Golden Bridge, held by giant hands, is just the beginning.
Ba Na Hills has more than just the bridge. You’ll find cloud-high cable cars, flower gardens, and a quirky French village on the mountain. Between February and May, the weather is mild and the skies stay clear, making it perfect for photos and sightseeing.
Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)
- Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam
- Height: Approximately 106 meters (347 feet)
Marble Mountains, locally known as Ngu Hanh Son, is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each representing one of the five elements: water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Among the mountains in Vietnam, it stands out for its history and caves filled with Buddhist sanctuaries.
Visitors can explore old pagodas, grottoes, and stone stairs carved into the hills. From the peak, the view stretches over Da Nang city, the coastline, and the azure waters of the East Sea. As one of the most culturally significant mountains in Vietnam, Marble Mountains attract both tourists and pilgrims seeking spiritual reflection.
Monkey Mountain (Son Tra Mountain)
- Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam
- Height: 693 meters (2,274 feet)
Only a few mountains in Vietnam let you see both rare animals and the jungle and the sea. And Monkey Mountain on the Son Tra Peninsula is one of them. It takes only a 20-minute drive from Da Nang to reach this natural getaway. Here, you’ll find red-shanked douc langurs plus beautiful forest and winding roads near the sea.
You won’t find temples or resorts here; what Monkey Mountain is famous for is its undisturbed nature. You can stop by Linh Ung Pagoda to see the tallest statue of the Lady Buddha in Vietnam. The statue is 67 meters tall, represents the Goddess of Mercy, and is home to rare red-shanked douc langurs. You can head up the ridge for wide views of the city, the bay, and Hai Van Pass. The sunset here is unforgettable.
Ham Rong Mountain
- Location: Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Northwest Vietnam
- Height: Approximately 1,800 meters (5,906 feet)
Sapa town is bordered by Ham Rong Mountain, which makes it one of the easiest mountains in Vietnam to reach. It may not be the tallest viewpoint, but it has lovely gardens, simple walking trails, and excellent views you can reach without effort. The name means “Dragon’s Jaw,” inspired by the peak’s shape from afar.
It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll if you’re staying in Sapa. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able to spot the town, Muong Hoa Valley, and even Fansipan. Visiting from March to May allows you to see the flowers blooming everywhere.
Black Virgin Mountain (Nui Ba Den)
- Location: Tay Ninh Province, Southern Vietnam
- Height: 986 meters (3,235 feet)
The Black Virgin Mountain is the tallest in southern Vietnam and one of the most spiritually important mountains in Vietnam. Over the years, pilgrims from all over have visited, and a number of shrines, strange cave pagodas, and temples are found on the edges near the Cambodian boundary.
The reason it’s distinctive in Vietnam is the way nature, history, and present-day life come together. People can hike up, or they can now ride the cable car to get to the forest’s highest point. At the top of the hill, you see rice fields leading to Cambodia and Vietnam’s Mekong basin.
Ta Cu Mountain
- Location: Binh Thuan Province, Southern Vietnam
- Height: 649 meters (2,129 feet)
Outside Phan Thiet stands Ta Cu Mountain, famous for its largest sleeping Buddha place in the country. You’ll find forest trails, amazing temple sights, and gorgeous mountain scenery here. Unlike other mountains in Vietnam, Ta Cu is more peaceful and spiritual than difficult to climb.
Ta Cu Mountain is known for its 49-meter reclining Buddha, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. You can ride a short cable car into the jungle, continue on foot to the main site, and then climb up to a giant Buddha. From the summit, you’ll see rice fields and dragon fruit farms stretching across the lowlands. Anyone interested in discovering lesser-known mountains in Vietnam will find Ta Cu is an excellent place to start.
Lying Dragon Mountain (Ngoa Long Mountain)
- Location: Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam
- Height: Approximately 100 meters elevation; around 500 stone steps to the summit
Lying Dragon Mountain, or Ngoa Long, is widely known as one of the favorite photographed mountains in Vietnam. Not far from Tam Coc, you can hike up 500 steps to arrive at a statue of a dragon on the ridge. From the top, you’ll see sweeping views of rice fields, limestone cliffs, and the Ngo Dong River below.
Though not tall, it’s one of the most rewarding climbs. Mountain lovers exploring Vietnam can find Ngoa Long to be easy to reach and very beautiful. Late May to early June is when you’ll see the rice fields look their brightest before the harvest.
Poem Mountain (Bai Tho Mountain)
- Location: Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam
- Height: Approximately 200 meters (656 feet)
Poem Mountain is one of the more hidden yet rewarding mountains in Vietnam. Nestled behind a residential area in Halong City, it offers panoramic views of the bay’s emerald waters and limestone islands. This site was named for a poetic inscription that Emperor Le Thanh Tong placed on the cliffs in the 15th century. Access is now restricted, so it’s best to check with locals or guesthouses before planning a hike. The best months to go are October through April, because the weather is dry and the scenery is easy to enjoy.
Lang Biang Mountain
- Location: Dalat, Lam Dong Province, Central Highlands
- Height: 2,167 meters (7,110 feet)
Lang Biang is one of the most iconic mountains in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, tied to the love story of K’lang and H’biang. Only 12 km from Dalat, it captures the attention of both those who enjoy adventure and those who travel. Although the base is home to a ticketed park and shops, the most impressive part is the summit. You can hike the forest trail in 2–3 hours or take a jeep to Radar Peak. On clear days, the view spans pine forests and Dalat’s farmland, making it well worth the climb.
Yen Tu Mountain
- Location: Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam
- Height: 1,068 meters (3,504 feet)
Considered one of the most sacred mountains in Vietnam, Yen Tu is where Vietnamese Zen Buddhism began. Over the years, many visitors have come to worship at Yen Tu’s ancient pagodas, stone stupas, and holy temples in the forest. If you prefer, you can climb using ancient stone paths or get up to the top using a cable car. It doesn’t matter the path you choose; the journey has great importance.
Angel Eye Mountain (Nui Mat Than)
- Location: Cao Bang Province, Northern Vietnam
- Height: Approximately 50 meters (distinctive geological feature)
Angel Eye Mountain, known as Nui Mat Than by locals, is sure to impress anyone who visits northern Vietnam. This landmark is called Giant’s Eye because a perfect round hole in the cliff looks like an eye on a giant face.
The mountain is located near Thang Hen Lake on a calm grassy plain surrounded by karst mountains. Unlike many other mountains in Vietnam, this one isn’t about climbing. It’s about the view, the peace, and the surreal beauty of the landscape.
Conclusion
Looking into the various mountains in Vietnam can give you an experience that’s richer than just taking in the scenery. All of them are different: some are calm and quiet, others tell many stories or call for excitement. So pack your bags, set your sights high, and embark on your next mountainous adventure across Vietnam with Seni World now!
