Activities in Vietnam
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It you are looking for action, Vietnam can increasingly deliver. Biking and hiking are taking, off up and down the country, while offshore there is kayaking and surfing above the water and diving and snorkelling beneath. If it all sounds like too much hard work, rent a motorbike and let the engine take the strain.
Cycling
For distances near and far, cycling is an excellent way to experience Vietnam. A bicycle can be rented in most tourist centres for around US$1 a day.
The flatlands of the Mekong Delta region are an ideal place for a long-distance ride through the back roads. The entire coastal route along Hwy 1 is an alluring achievement, but the insane traffic makes it tough going and dangerous. Better is the new inland trunk road Hwy 14, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Rd, which offers stunning scenery and little traffic.
North of the old Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), cycling is a bad idea in the winter months, particularly if heading from south to north, thanks to the massive monsoon winds, which blow from the north.
For some laughs, as well as the lowdown on cycling in Vietnam, visit the website www.mrpumpy.net.
Diving & Snorkelling
The most popular scuba-diving area in 5 Vietnam is around Nha Trang.There are several reputable dive operators here, whose equipment and training is up lo international standards. It is also possible to hire snorkelling gear and scuba equipment at several beach resorts along the coast, including Ca Na and China Reach. Phu Quoc Island has ihe potential to be the next big thing in underwater exploration, bu! there are no dive operators on the island just yet.
Golf
Mark Twain once said that playing golf was “a waste of a good walk” and apparently Ho Chi Minh agreed with him. Times have changed and government officials can often be seen fraternising on the fairways.
All over East Asia playing golf wins considerable points in the “face game”, even if you never hit a ball. For maximum snob value you need to join a country club, and in Vietnam memberships start at around US$20,000. Most golf clubs will allow you to simply pay a guest fee.
The best golf courses in Vietnam are located in Dalat and Phan Thiet, but there are also courses in and around Hanoi and HCMC.
For information about golf package deals visit www.vietnamgolfresorts.com.
Kayaking
Kayaking has taken off around Halong Bay in the past few years, following in the fool-steps of Krabi in Thailand. Several companies offer kayaking itineraries around the majestic limestone pinnacles, including overnights on islands in the bay.
Motorbiking
Motorbiking Vietnam’s ‘deep north’ is unforgettable. For those seeking true adventure there is no better way to go. If you are not confident riding a motorbike, it’s comparatively cheap to hire someone lo drive it for you. Four-wheel-drive trips in the north are also highly recommended, though the mobility of two wheels is unrivalled.
Rock Climbing
Well, it’s still early days, hut with the sheer range ol limestone karsl.s found up and down the country, it is only a matter of time before the word gets out. For now, it is likely to be Halong Bay that emerges as the premier spot, but in time Ninh Binh and Phong Nha could offer some competition.
Surfing & Windsurfing
Surfing and windsurfing have only recently arrived on the scene, but they are quickly catching on. The best place to practice these pursuits is at Mui Ne Beach, but experienced surfers head for China Beach in Danang.
Trekking
Vietnam offers some excellent trekking opportunities, notably in its growing array of national parks and nature reserves. There are ample opportunities to hike to minority villages in the northwest, northeast and central highlands regions. Anything is possible, from half-day hikes to a six-day ascent of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain. The best bases from which to arrange treks are Sapa, Bac Ha and Cat Ba, all in northern Vietnam; Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam; and Cat Tien and Yok Don National Parks in the south. Tour operators in Hanoi and HCMC offer a variety of programmes that feature hiking and trekking.
Bear in mind that you may need to arrange special permits, especially if you want to spend the night in remote mountain villages where there are no hotels.
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