Trekking & Cycling
By bicycle and by foot are both great ways to see the beauty of the countryside, the daily life of the local people, and to visit some of the villages of the ethnic tribes throughout Vietnam.
For casual cycling, destinations like Dalat, Hoi An, Hue and Phu Quoc are easy to get around and fun to explore, and renting a bicycle for a day or two is a popular option.
For longer cycling trips or treks, some of the best destinations are:
Mai Chau – Less than a day trip from Hanoi, this is a popular area for cycling and trekking trips, which can include overnight home-stays in the stilt houses
Sapa – Requiring an overnight train from Hanoi, Sapa is a beautiful mountain destination with visits to colorful ethnic tribes and markets, as wells as treks to the highest peak in Vietnam, Mount Fansipan
Mekong Delta – While the initial road from HCMC is best done by car, there is beautiful trekking and cycling further into the delta area, which can be combined both with homestays, as well as short boat trips along the river
Dalat – With cooler weather and a mountainous location, Dalat is one of the most popular destinations in the south for several outdoor adventure activities, including trekking or cycling around the area or to visit the nearby ethic minorities
For all of these trips, while you can do it on your own, it is recommended to use a tour operator to ensure that you have top-quality equipment, as well as a guide to help you find your way, arrange meals and accommodation, and smooth over language issues in remote areas.
In addition, for those who really want to see the country and have more time, it is also possible to do cycling trips, either with a tour or independently, across much of the country, along the Ho Chi Minh trail from North to South or South to North.
Wave & Wind Sports
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
In recent years, Vietnam has become a hot destination for kitesurfing, and there is no doubt where in Vietnam to go – Mui Ne. There are claims that Mui Ne is the best place in all of Asia for water sports with the strongest and most consistent cross-onshore winds.
In certain stretches of the beach, concentrated from Jibe’s down to the Saigon Mui Ne, the beaches are dotted (and sometimes packed) with those enjoying the wind and waves by kitesurfing and windsurfing.
While kitesurfing centers are popping up everywhere in Mui Ne, we suggest that you stick with experienced centers that have been officially certified:
Jibes at Jibes and the Full Moon Resort
Airwaves at the Sailing Club Resort
Windchimes at the Saigon Mui Ne Resort
S.I.K. Center at the Sunshine Beach Resort
And even if you’re not brave enough to strap yourself to a kite and hit the water, Mui Ne is a great place to relax on the beach and admire those who are out in the ocean catching air. The windy season starts in September and October and lasts until May or April.
Surfing
Vietnam may never be known for its surfing, but there are still opportunities for those who want to catch some waves.
The best area in Vietnam for surfing is near Danang, in the area around China Beach, with other possible areas for surfing around Hue, Hoi An, and Mui Ne. The best time of year is in the winter, starting around October through May or April.
There are no real surf shops in Vietnam that rent or sell equipment and provide lessons, but if you check with the hotels around China Beach, they will likely be able to help you arrange a board rental (after all, in Vietnam, anything is possible).
While the waves may not be world-class, one advantage is that you can have them to yourself.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@vietnamevisa.org or click here for live support.