Tan Vien Ridge and Thuong Temple Trail, Ba Vi National Park

The Tan Vien Ridge and Thuong Temple Trail is the second summit route in Ba Vi National Park, in Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, about 60 km west of central Hanoi, Vietnam. It follows a forested ridge to Den Thuong (Upper Temple), a shrine to the mountain god Tan Vien Son Thanh set into the cliff below the 1,227 m Tan Vien peak. It is shorter and shadier than the King Peak stairway, and the two are commonly combined in one visit.

Access is the same as for King Peak. Park entry is 60,000 VND per adult, and the drive from central Hanoi takes 1.5-2 hours by car or motorbike via National Highway 32 or the Thang Long Avenue and Highway 21 route. The trail starts from the Km13 park road junction. No additional permit is required beyond the park ticket.

The round trip is about 5 km and takes 2-3 hours, with roughly 250 m of gain. Difficulty is moderate: the climb is sustained but not exposed, and no scrambling is needed. The surface is a mix of stone steps, packed earth and root-crossed forest path, which is slippery after rain. Tree cover is extensive, making it noticeably shadier and cooler than the King Peak stairway, although humidity in the forest is high.

The key landmark is Den Thuong itself, a small cliff-side temple where visitors traditionally leave offerings, so small denomination VND notes are useful. The ridge walk gives glimpses through the trees of the surrounding hills. The temple is the natural turn-around point, and the return follows the same path. Walkers who want to combine the two summits usually do this trail first and then drive up to the King Peak car park.

Water is not sold along the trail, so visitors carry 1.5-2 litres each. There are no refuge huts, though the temple provides some cover from rain. Long sleeves help against insects, and hiking shoes with grip are advisable throughout.