Introduction

Ham Lon Mountain is one of the best places for hiking in Vietnam, according to Hanoian locals who love some soft hiking and camping on the weekends. With its beautiful natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great spot to include in your Vietnam hiking tour.

About Ham Lon Mountain

Why Choose Ham Lon Mountain For Hiking

Ham Lon Mountain is considered by locals to be one of the easiest climbs for beginners on a Vietnam hiking tour. Around the area, you’ll also find plenty of services such as food stalls and tent rentals. Newbie hiking groups and families with children can camp right at the foot of the mountain or hire a local guide for the hiking trip.

Ham Lon Mountain hiking

Ham Lon Mountain’s hiking trails are beginner-friendly

Ham Lon Mountain has several trails with different difficulty levels. The shortest route to the summit is about 7 km, while the longer trails can stretch for dozens of kilometers.

Location Guide

Often called the “roof of the capital” at 462 meters above sea level, Ham Lon Mountain lies in the Doc Ton range, in Soc Son Commune, about 40 km from central Hanoi via the Bac Thang Long - Noi Bai Expressway.

The journey from central Hanoi to Ham Lon Mountain is not difficult, as the roads are fairly easy to navigate. If you can ride a motorbike, renting one is a convenient option, and the route takes about an hour to complete.

Ham Lon Summit point

The summit of Ham Lon Mountain is the highest point in Hanoi

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can reach Ham Lon Mountain on Bus No. 64, which departs from the Bac Thang Long Industrial Zone and goes toward Pho Ni. The bus stops at Ham Lon Lake or Rom Temple; from either stop, it’s about a 1 km walk to the mountain.

Several other Hanoi bus lines connect to the starting point of Bus 64, including routes 07, 35B, 58, 46, 53, 53B, 56, 60B, 61, and 95.

Costs

A trip to Ham Lon Mountain is very affordable. Hiking, sightseeing, and photography are all completely free. If you want to do hiking or camping, however, you’ll need some local services. Here are some of the costs for hiking in Vietnam for reference:

  • Parking (motorbike): 0.57 USD per bike
  • Tent rental: 3.03 USD per tent (2-person tent)
  • Overnight campfire service: 5.68 USD
  • BBQ and drinks: 18.93 USD

Keo Ca Lake near Ham Lon Mountain

The surrounding areas of Ham Lon Mountain have many beautiful lakes

On average, a Ham Lon Mountain trip will cost around 13.25 - 15.14 USD per person, depending on your schedule, activities, and personal preferences.

Best Time to Visit Ham Lon Mountain

The best time for hiking in Vietnam, in general, and in Ham Lon Mountain in particular, is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. During the rest of the year, heavy rains are more common, making the trails slippery and the climb more challenging.

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What To See And Do At Ham Lon Mountain

Conquer The Summit

When it comes to hiking in Vietnam, the weather plays a crucial role in the quality of the views from the summit. If it’s a clear day, from the Ham Lon Mountain summit at 462 meters above sea level, you can enjoy sweeping views of northern Hanoi and the surrounding ranges.

Ham Lon mountain summit

From the summit of Ham Lon Mountain, you can take in views across northern Hanoi

There are two main routes to the peak:

  • The easy trail: This path winds through a pine forest and is suitable for beginners. It takes about two hours to reach the top.
  • The adventurous trail: Designed for thrill-seekers, this Vietnam hiking tour route crosses streams and winds over rocky, uneven terrain for a more challenging climb.

Visit Dong Quan Dam

A Vietnam hiking tour to Ham Lon Mountain isn’t complete without visiting Dong Quan Dam. Surrounded by pine forests, rice fields, and calm waters, it’s a peaceful spot for photos and relaxation. Travelers often come here to enjoy the greenery, capture beautiful landscapes, and take a break from the hike.

Camping And BBQ By The Lake

Around Ham Lon Lake, there are many wide open spaces that are cool, quiet, and perfect for camping. By evening, you can set up a tent by the water with your travel partners and enjoy a BBQ under the stars.

Tips For Your Ham Lon Mountain Visit

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip while hiking in Vietnam, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most important of all, bring essential personal items such as hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a groundsheet, drinking water, and ready-to-eat food.

Ham Lon mountain at sunset

When the sun goes down, the city lights create a breathtaking scene

Parking, tent rentals, camping gear, and BBQ equipment are available on-site, so you don’t need to carry these yourself. However, if you plan to camp overnight in your Vietnam hiking tour, make sure to pack blankets as the temperature can get chilly at night. Insect repellent is also needed, as the area is surrounded by forest.

Conclusion

For those who are into a bit of soft hiking or looking for a kid-friendly camping spot, Ham Lon Mountain is a great place to visit. Contact Asia King Travel and include this destination in your Vietnam hiking tour for your upcoming trip!

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