Activities
Vietnam is ideal for long-distance cycling as much of the country is flat and the shortage of vehicles makes for light traffic. Caution is needed, however, especially on busier roads as traffic can be much undisciplined. Bicycle hire is widely available. Mountain biking is available around Dalat area and well worth the try.
Take an elephant trek in the central highlands or go sea kayak to inhabited islands off Nha Trang. Generally, the northwest is the best region for hiking. Other good destinations include Bach Ma National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park (near Hanoi) and Lang Bian Mountain (in Da Lat), where guides are compulsory. In the north, Ba Be Lake National Park (which contains several lakes, waterfalls and caves) and Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island also offer beautiful scenery. Go hiking or horse riding in the beautiful countryside around Da Lat. Using guides is recommended.
Caving enthusiasts may head for the spectacular Pong Nha river caves, northwest of Dong Hoi. Snorkel lovers and scuba divers alike can indulge themselves into the magnificent blue ocean and sub water sites of Nhat Trang and Phan Thiet. Windsurfers and kite-surfers alike may go to the city of Vinh, which is not a favorite on most travel guide, but weather-wise its beaches boast the best wind conditions of the country. China beach located 15 km from Danang is a beautiful spot, swimming her can be quite dangerous at time, but when the wind is right, this is a surfer’s paradise and an international competition has been held there.
Boat trips are particularly popular in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s southernmost region, which consists of an intricate network of rice paddies, swamps and forests interlaced with canals and rivers. River cruises also operate on the Saigon River. It is a good way to see Ho Chi Minh City or the Perfume River, near Hue. You can fish for a day at phan thiet Eco-tourist site. Vietnam has only nine golf courses, three in the north and six in the south.