Travel to Vietnam Adventure Style  

If you’re an adventure lover, Sapa is a must-go-to destination where you can challenge yourself to conquer Mount Fansipan – Vietnam’s highest peak. With an elevation of 3143m, the journey up the mountain can be tough because of weather but it can also be quite fulfilling when you reach the summit and see views for miles around. From Sapa, it can take up to three days to reach the summit; however, if you’re not up to a multi-day expedition, you can always go on a cable car ride for your way up (or down). Although there are no ropes or technical climbing skills required, having a reputable guide with you is essential to learn about the tough terrains, steep areas, and have a companion to survive the biting cold. Plus, on the route, you will have the opportunity to trek through the breathtaking rice terraces, terraced gardens, as well as ethnic villages and catch a glimpse of local life. Although relatively challenging, the hike will take you to remote, yet serene, areas and grant you the rewarding sight of cloud-covered mountain peaks on the top of Indochina. The captivating sights from the summit make this experience a must-do on any Vietnam adventure itinerary.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth with its gorgeous scenery of towering limestone pillars and astounding scatter of islands. For adventurers seeking a piece of local life and an unforgettable experience, kayaking through the bay is the best way to explore the mystical seascape and karst formation. To see a clear waterway flowing through the mountain, you must go to Luon Cave, the most beautiful corner of Ha Long Bay. Visitors who arrive on a high tide day will experience the exciting feeling of having to crouch on the boat through a flooded cave floor to enter the lake. For first timers who want to experience kayaking, Cua Van Floating Village is the perfect spot as the area is surrounded by a cluster of islands that prevent strong winds from getting through. With tranquil water, calm waves, and pristine nature, you will get to enjoy a slice of local life. If you want to go for a swim, we recommend visiting Ti Top Island – an amazing stop for an incredible panoramic view across the entire bay from its summit. It is certainly going to be a one-of-a-kind experience to cool off in the middle of the pure green water, lavish jungle forests, and colossal limestone karsts.

Riddled with hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers, Phong Nha is a tropical heaven on earth. In addition to an extraordinary land of surreal wilderness, and lush greenery around, the region of Ke Bang National Park charms with the stalactites, stalagmites, pools, chasms, and underground rivers within the cave systems. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mecca for adventure travelers looking for trekking trails and whitewater splashing through underground waterfalls. Adventurers will have fulfilling experience of exploring the majestic beauty through either day hikes, overnight caving tours, or boat trips. The region’s diverse landscape allows explorers to incorporate different activities into an excursion as some routes have complex topography. For example, Tu Lan Cave features a countryside hike, a swim through the rivers, and more hiking through the jungle-clad mountains to reach the campsite where explorers can rest under the stars. Meanwhile, Dark Cave incorporates an above-water zipline, followed by a cool swim, and then an exploration of the pitch-black muddy passageway where you will ensure a thrilling time. Meanwhile, Phong Nha Cave offers a mesmerizing boat trip through limestone peaks and magnificent rock formations. If you love extreme adventures, you cannot skip the remarkable Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park with all the fun activities.

As a high-energy beach town, Nha Trang is not only known for its gorgeous shoreline and bustle nightlife but also for the city’s distinguished water sports scene. From diving, surfing, parasailing, to island-hopping, Nha Trang has so many water sports’ sites available that you will never run out of things to do. This party town is Vietnam’s most popular diving center featuring multiple dive sites and a diverse underwater ecosystem. You can explore the beautiful islands of Nha Trang bay where snorkeling and diving are easily accessible. Moreover, there are programs suitable for all levels of experience, from beginners to certified divers, so you can have the best underwater experience. Additionally, flyboarding is another thrilling activity that is getting a lot of love from people - suprisingly, not only the youngest ones! These sports can be quite challenging for beginners; however, with guidance from experienced instructors and some practice, you will be able to fly on the water surface and even do a few tricks. For those who are not afraid of heights, Nha Trang is also the country’s hot spot for parasailing and paragliding. Adventurers can fulfill their dreams of experiencing the unforgettable feeling of flying in the air and seeing the world from a different view.

Known as the adrenaline town of Southern Vietnam, Mui Ne has earned its reputation for having some of the windiest weather and being the main location for many international kitesurfing competitions. With the gleaming beaches, strong waves, and tropical weather all year round, visitors from all over the world have been gathering at Mui Ne to kitesurf and get their blood pumping. There are multiple locations where kite-related activities take place such as Ham Tien Beach, Suoi Nuoc Bay, or Ganh Beach. Don’t worry if you’re new to the sports as kitesurfing schools with well-trained instructors, equipment rentals, as well as beach facilities are available all around the town, and they will get you flying in no time. Mui Ne is also famous for its breathtaking white and red sand dunes scattered throughout the region. Here, adventurers can have fun sandboarding on the soft sand spread and rolling down the dunes. In addition to the stunning scenery, driving an ATV around the hilly sand dunes is an absolute thrill-seeking adventure. Feel the adrenaline rush as you ride around the bumpy dunes and down steep slopes while enjoying the magnificent view of the sandy desert. If you live for thrilling adventures, you cannot skip this adventure sports capital of Vietnam.

Riding a motorbike is one of the top adventurous things to do in Vietnam, whether you ride to explore the countryside or get your heart racing. Vam Xang Orchards in Can Tho City is a wonderful attraction for visitors to not only experience authentic eco-tourism but also stay active during the stay. From biking on the village roads through the rural scenery flanked by orchards, small bridges, and ferries connecting the two sides of the river, enjoy tropical fruits -such as durians, grapefruits, or mangosteens, to fishing and cooking local dishes, a trip to Can Tho will surely bring you unforgettable memories. For sports professionals, there are tours that incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance on tough terrain. Multi-day mountain motorbike tours of the Northern region of Ha Noi – Lao Cai – Ha Giang will not only take you through beautiful narrow suspension bridges but also let you conquer up and down hills passing waterfalls and rainforests as well as off-road tracks to climb up rugged mountains. Such journeys offer riders a wealth of trails with challenging routes, dirt trails, and bumpy roads that will take you to hidden corners of the country while fueling your adrenaline.

With the diversity of topography from steep peaks to plunging highland valleys filled with abundant wildlife, Vietnam offers excellent trekking routes of remarkable scenery. When it comes to trekking, anything is possible in Vietnam. There is a wide range of challenges available for not only experienced extreme hobbyists but also novice trekkers looking for a local exploration. Located in Northern Vietnam, Bac Ha is surrounded by verdant valleys with hill-slope rice terraces dotted with narrow paths, connecting the colorful hill-tribe villages together. The town is an ideal alternative to Sapa’s hustle, as the trails here also pass through beautiful vegetable plantations, stunning green hills, and the lovely Lung Phinh village, where the Flower Hmong and other ethnic minorities live.

Another great hiking route that you can consider is the three-day excursion to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Tucked away on a hillside, Pu Luong is a hidden gem of limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces, scenic waterfalls, and cultural beauty. Adventure seekers can venture out on walks in search of water wheels, go through a suspension bridge, and raft along the calm river. The reserve is also an ideal location to enjoy the views while interacting with the villagers and trying out local cuisine. If you are looking for an adventure in South Vietnam, look no further than Cat Tien National Park, a treasure trove of biodiversity. Hikers can choose from 14 well-marked trails, which vary in length from 2km to 26km and range in difficulty. Furthermore, the park is a wonderful place to birdwatch, see giant Tung trees, go on a night safari, and even take a boat ride down the Dong Nai River.