This hike is part of my 7 day journey in Vietnam - Check out other interesting activities I did like canyoning down Datanla waterfalls or touring the Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong delta.

The Roof of Da Lat

Langbiang Mountain, located near the city of Da Lat in Vietnam, is an iconic natural landmark known for its stunning panoramic views, lush landscapes, and rich cultural significance. Rising to an elevation of approximately 2,167 meters (7,110 feet) above sea level, the mountain offers visitors a memorable outdoor adventure and a glimpse into the beauty of Vietnam's Central Highlands. A lower peak, Radar Base (1929m), is available to visit via hike or jeep ride as well, though I didn't opt for this and went straight to Langbiang peak.

Fun fact: The mountain's name is derived from a local tale about a forbidden love between a K'Ho ethnic minority man named K'lang and a fairy named Biang. The mountain is hence regarded as a symbol of eternal love and resilience.

Getting there

There're a few options getting to Lang Biang mountain:

• Motorbike: Simply rent a motorbike and follow google maps directions to Langbiang Entrance (Point #1 on map)
• Taxi / Hired services: You can engage ride-hailing services from Da Lat, or use an app (Like Grab) to get a ride over
• Tour bus: There are many tour operators offering guided hikes up Langbiang mountain, which may or may not include transport. Check with the tour operator before booking.

Climbing Options

Climbing Langbiang Mountain typically begins at the base of the mountain (Langbiang Entrance). If you're intending to visit Radar Base, jeeps can be hired at approximately 300,000 VND per vehicle, where each jeep can fit up to 6 people (Hiking there is possible as well). If you rode your own motorbike here, do note there's a 5000 VND parking fee.

Climbing to Langbiang peak can be shortened by half if you take a jeep ride up to the halfway mark (Point #4 on map). I'd only recommend this if you're short on time because this takes away the full experience of hiking Langbiang.

Entering Langbiang mountain costs 30,000 VND per adult and 15,000 VND per child, so plan accordingly. Do also note that the park is open from 7AM - 9PM daily, though this shouldn't matter much because you can start the climb and be back down within 4 - 6 hours.

Start of Hike

I arrived at Langbiang entrance at around 8AM and settled in a small shop by the side of the road for a quick breakfast, where I had some noodles. There are other shops by the road selling snacks which you can purchase for consumption along your hike or at the summit.

The walking trail starts off by the right side of the entrance above. When I went through that way, I didn't have to pay any entrance fee as there was no one monitoring that entrance. I'm assuming you only have to pay if you go through the main entrance for the jeep ride up.

The hike started off gentle for the first 15min, taking you through a view of vast agricultural farmhouses stretching over the entire landscape.

I walked till I encountered a fork in the path (Point #2 on map) with a bright orange sign saying "To the mountain", which signals the correct way to go. Follow the sign and you'll finally start the ascent up to Langbiang summit. Going straight leads you along the farmhouses and does not bring you to the summit, so don't go straight!

The path continued on with a gradual incline gradient with fences by the side so you don't stray off the path.

Up ahead I could see the hilly forests, so I knew that the real uphill battle was just about to begin.

The Pine Forest

Walking on eventually led me to a pine forest (Point #3 on map), where it was immensely vast and all the trees were neatly and sufficiently spaced from each other. The ground was littered with fallen pine leaves, colouring it with a nice autumn red. However, this actually made the climb slightly tougher because I started slipping on the pine leaves. At this point, the gradient also becomes considerably steeper, so be ready to work your legs and take short breaks if you need to.

Sometimes the trail might not be very distinct, so look out for directional signs nailed onto the tree bark, which tells you that you're on the right path. At one point I got a little lost and actually went off track, and figured something was wrong when the path became too narrow to walk on. Luckily, I managed to get back on track with the help on my phone map and compass. Connection was relatively weak in the forest so I could only approximate my location, but knowing the general direction to head towards was good enough.

The trail continued upwards even more till I was back on the main road. Yes, the trail literally breaks back onto the main road.

Turn right and walk along the side of the road for a short distance and you'll hit the entrance to the summit trail (Point #5 on map). If you took the jeep up from Langbiang entrance, the ride passes this entrance as well - Hence it is possible to get a ride up here to skip walking through the Pine Forest (though again, I don't recommend it because hiking through the Pine Forest is an experience on its own as well)

Journey to the summit

As you carry on the trail, vegetation becomes thicker and the trail became more uneven with exposed roots and fallen trunks sprawled across the trail. The thick vegetation provided some shade from the sun, so it naturally felt more cool along with the higher altitude too.

I continued uphill through the forest trail even more and eventually came across a tour group climbing the mountain. The tour guide following the group looked surprised when she learnt I was climbing this mountain alone. After my experience of almost getting lost earlier, maybe I should have gotten a guide indeed.

One of another guide's dog followed him along this hike - Her dyed pink and blue ears definitely got the attention from everyone around, including me. I managed to get their help for a photo with the guide's cute dog trotting behind me!

As the hike went on, directional signs now reflect the distance to the summit instead of the directions, which quickly became a good source of motivation to push on! The trail also gradually became steps, and it felt just like climbing up stairs (Point #6 on map).

At this point, I've passed the tour group and was once again on my own. I stopped to catch a breather along the stairs-like structure where the the cute dog caught up and decide to take a breather with me while waiting for her owner to catch up.

Langbiang Summit

The end is near! The final sign showed 60m - Inching upwards a little more, the sun was visible once again, shining down onto the trail, as if almost invitingly. The thick forest finally emerged into the clear and I've reached the summit!

The weather was clear, and I could see as far as my eyes took me. On one side, I could see the agricultural farmhouses which I passed at the start of the hike, which now look like flattened sheets of random shapes scattered across the land.

I admired the scenery, sat down and relaxed for awhile before cute doggy caught up and came towards me, with the owner (another guide) closely following behind. Doggy decided to enjoy the summit views together!

The tour group caught up shortly after and I spent around 45 mins at the summit with some snacks before making my way back down, which took me only 1.5 hours.

The End

I thought the hike was fairly simple except for the steep ascent with slippery pine leaves in the Pine Forest. With a 700m elevation gain, this hike is definitely beginner-friendly and can be done within a day. For the outdoor-loving people, this would make a highlight of your trip to Da Lat!