Hikes in Vietnam?

I've never been to Vietnam, but I've done a few hikes in the manner that you suggest in neighboring Laos. Find a remote road - preferably with at least some parts unpaved - heading through the countryside for a suitable distance, and start walking. One of the main tricks to enjoying road hikes is finding roads with limited traffic. Constant vehicles and motorbikes going past you are going to be a pain after 7 days!

I suspect that to find lightly trafficked roads in Vietnam, you'll have to get well away from the busy coastal cities, but as I said, I have no specific experience of the country.

I do not have the experience of doing this is Vietnam but I suspect there are not so many well known "hikes" of the sort you are asking about. One option for you to consider if you do not find recommendations is to head somewhere a bit off the beaten track such as Ba Be lake (or anywhere on the Chinese/Laos border regions) and set off towards a nearby town

I often just pick a side road and see where it goes and have few worries about getting lost

With paths would you use a guide or just do your own thing because that is far harder (unless I suppose you use GPS and have maps) as there is not usually any sign posting and often no one to ask.

Good luck hope you find what you are looking for

Thanks for the feedback guys. What you've described (pick a side road and start walking) makes sense, and is likely what I will end up doing. I just wanted to check to see if there were any well-known routes that people take. In Japan for example there are a number of well-known routes that follow side roads and pass through traditional villages, and have restaurants/accommodation along the way. Lots of countries also have old pilgrimage routes - some which are remote countryside, some not so remote. But after a lot of googling I haven't found such a walking route in Vietnam. Lots of hikes in the mountains available, but nothing like what I'm looking for.
So getting a map and making my own route seems to be the only option.

Maybe check routes that cycle tours take as most will avoid main highways/roads.

The above suggestion is a good one.

I think such trails are few and far between in SE Asia mainland but I have seen also about these routes in Japan. For me one of the joys is paths along the river bank you can not get lost and lots to see and no cars. Pursat in Cambodia is a particular favorite as can walk on both sides and in both directions - don't know how far but certainly each makes a good days round trip

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