Image courtesy of the Viet Nam National Authority for Tourism
Image courtesy of Mike Aquino
The “hidden” part of Mekong’s “hidden gems” can be attributed to their remote location and challenging landscape. These factors may deter the average tourist, but not the avid hiker looking for a new trail to blaze.
The Greater Mekong Sub-Region reveals a variety of hiking trails that pass through tropical landscapes, ancient temples, and local villages. These paths provide a mix of nature and culture, making hiking in this region both scenic and culturally enriching.
In Viet Nam, the remote far northern province of Ha Giang offers hikers access to some of the country’s most rugged landscapes. The Ha Giang Loop is famous among motorbike enthusiasts, who tackle the province’s sights on two wheels.
Slower travelers, though, will appreciate the province’s hiking trails – the scenic “Heaven’s Gate” lookout at the end of a hike up Quan Ba Pass; and the soaring limestone peaks and rocky fields of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.
The area’s minority villages are a key highlight of any local trekking adventure – Nam Dam Village, for example, complement the gorgeous karst valley views with cultural encounters with the local Dao community. Time your visit right, and you might just witness a “Le Cap Sac” coming-of-age ritual for teenage Dao boys.
Image courtesy of Andyb3947 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Finally, Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains offer a diverse jungle landscape covering 4,420,000 hectares over southwestern Cambodia. Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia’s largest national park, lies on the peninsula extending southwest from the Cardamom Mountains.
To explore the National Park, you can take trails that jump off either from Trapeang Rung village on Highway 48; or Chi Phat village, home to an ecotourism project by Wildlife Alliance that support villagers’ quest for an alternative income stream.
As you trek through Botum Sakor, you’ll be surrounded by thick vegetation from beginning to end – the perfect setting for close encounters with wildlife, including rare birds and monkeys, and the very occasional encounter with wild elephants, sun bears, banteng, and the jungle’s many large mammals.
Embrace the allure of the Mekong’s hidden trekking trails, where adventure meets pristine nature and vibrant culture. While these paths may seem remote and challenging, they beckon to the intrepid hiker seeking new horizons. The Greater Mekong Subregion unveils a tapestry of trails that meander through lush tropical landscapes, ancient temples, and welcoming villages. Strap on your hiking boots and embark on an adventure of a lifetime, where every trail reveals the secrets of the Mekong.
