Thru Hiking – A Long Journey Challenging the True Adventurer

Long journeys always have a mysterious allure, much like the legendary Silk Road adventures—crossing vast mountain ranges, endless plains, and the unknown ahead. Thru hiking is not just a long journey but a challenging adventure where each step leads you to breathtaking natural wonders and self-discovery. Every day on the trail, you will experience new things and unforgettable emotions.

Join Columbia in exploring the fascinating and inspiring world of "Thru Hiking – The Long Journey That Challenges Conquerors"!

1 - What is Thru Hiking?

Thru hiking is a form of long-distance hiking with the goal of completing an entire trail from start to finish in one continuous journey. Hikers typically carry all necessary equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and food, to be entirely self-sufficient. This is not just a journey through nature but also a test of endurance and self-reliance.

In Vietnam, this form of hiking is still relatively new but is gaining attention among trekking and adventure enthusiasts. One of the most iconic trails is the Tà Năng – Phan Dũng route, spanning approximately 60 km across three provinces: Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận. It is considered "Vietnam’s most beautiful trekking route," offering extraordinary experiences through mountains, forests, and majestic landscapes.

2 - Differences Between Thru Hiking and Regular Trekking 

Although both involve walking through nature, thru hiking has clear differences from trekking in terms of objectives and execution:

• Time and Goal: In thru hiking, participants aim to complete the entire length of a trail in one continuous journey, rather than stopping at specific checkpoints.
• Self-Sufficiency: Unlike trekking, which may rely on guides or support teams, thru hiking requires participants to carry all necessary equipment themselves, from food and water to camping gear.
• Continuity: A thru-hiking trip typically lasts for multiple consecutive days, with hours of hiking each day and overnight camping.

3 - What to Prepare for a Thru Hiking Trip?

To complete a long journey like Tà Năng – Phan Dũng or other potential trails in Vietnam, thorough preparation is essential:

• Physical Fitness: A long hike requires excellent stamina. You can train with running, yoga & pilates, squats, etc., to build endurance.
• Specialized Clothing: Long-sleeved, sweat-wicking, sun-protective, and windproof shirts; bring an extra warm jacket. Long pants are recommended.
• Hiking Shoes: Shoes with specialized soles for mountains and trails. They should be waterproof, highly stable, and made from durable materials.
• Lightweight and Functional Accessories: Choose a specialized backpack, compact tent, and appropriate sleeping bag. Also, prepare a hat/cap for sun protection, multi-purpose scarf, and gloves.
• Food and Water: Carry enough dry food, energy bars, and water. If the trail has streams or natural water sources, bring a water filter to reduce weight.
• Navigation and Orientation Skills: Learn how to use maps, a compass, or GPS to avoid getting lost, especially in dense forest areas.
• Follow the “Leave No Trace” Principle: Ensure all waste is collected and taken out, preserving the pristine nature.

4 - Who is Thru Hiking For?

Thru hiking is not just an exploration of nature but a challenge to conquer. It is an opportunity to test endurance and patience. If you love freedom, independence, and are ready to face the challenges of nature, then thru hiking is the journey for you.

5 - The Most Beautiful Thru Hiking Trails in Vietnam

Although Vietnam does not have thousand-kilometer trails like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail (USA), it offers many short yet equally exciting trekking routes. You can challenge yourself with:

6 - Final Advice

Whether you choose a long or short journey, the important thing is to enjoy the adventure in your own way. Remember, "hike your own hike!" – explore and conquer each step with freedom and fulfillment.