Adventure Vietnam: The 10 Best Adventure Activities in Vietnam in 2023

Vietnam is a country that has something for everyone, and adventure seekers are no exception. From adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and rock climbing to more laid-back pursuits like kayaking and hiking, there’s an adventure waiting for you in Vietnam. So if you’re looking for your next thrill in Southeast Asia, check out:

1. Rock climbing in HaLong Bay.

As one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations and UNESCO world heritage site, HaLong Bay is unsurprisingly home to some great adventure activities.

Rock climbing is one of the best ways to see the bay’s incredible limestone karsts up close, and there are routes suitable for climbers of all levels.

How to get there and how long?

HaLong Bay is located in northeast Vietnam, and the best way to get there is by taking a bus or train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 4 hours by bus or 5-6 hours by train. If you are based in the South, you can fly easily to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to go rock climbing in Ha Long Bay is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

To learn more go to https://discoveryourvietnam.com/experiences/rock-climbing-ha-long-bay/

2. Hiking in Sapa.

Located in Vietnam’s northwest, Sapa is home to some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and its sweeping view are as good as any in Southeast Asia.

The region of Vietnam is popular with hikers and trekkers, who come to explore its rice terraces, waterfalls and mountains. We always recommend traveling with a local guide, one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities of whom many are native to the region for an authentic experience. There are a number of different trails to choose from, so you can find one that suits your fitness level and interests. To experience this go to https://discoveryourvietnam.com/experiences/muong-hoa-valley-hike-and-homestay/

How to get there and how long?

Sapa can be reached by taking a train or bus from Hanoi. The journey takes around 7-8 hours by train or 9 hours by bus.

When is the best time to go?

The absolute best time to hike in Sapa is from September to November, when the weather is cooler and the rice terraces are at their most verdant. However, the spring and summer months are also very beautiful in the Sapa hills.

3. Canyoning in Dalat.

Canyoning is an adventure activity that involves descending into a canyon using a variety of techniques, including rappelling, rock climbing and swimming. Your tour guide will be extremely well-versed in this and will assist you to ensure your safety.

Dalat, in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is one of the best places in the country to go canyoning, with its numerous waterfalls and cliffs. To experience this activity go to https://discoveryourvietnam.com/experiences/canyoning-dalat/

How to get there? and how long?:

Dalat can be reached by taking a bus, train or flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes around 50 minutes by plane, 5-6 hours by bus or 8 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to go canyoning in Dalat is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. However, canyoning is a really fun activity all year round and unless it’s stormy, can be undertaken in any weather.

4. Skydiving in Da Nang.

Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is a popular destination for adventure seekers.

Jump from 15,000 feet with the company of an incredibly experienced skydiver to get a whole new perspective on Danang and get that adrenaline pumping. You can find out more here: https://discoveryourvietnam.com/experiences/tandem-skydive-danang/

How to get there and how long?

Da Nang can be reached by taking a bus, train or flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey is around a 1 hour flight from Hanoi and HCMC. The bus takes around 20 hours so we don’t recommend this unless you are making multiple stops up the coast.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to skydive in Da Nang is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. This often usually means clear skies and calm weather.

5. Scuba Diving in Phu Quoc .

Phu Quoc, an island off the coast of Southern Vietnam, is a popular destination for scuba divers.

The waters around the island are home to a variety of marine life, including reefs, small shipwrecks and turtles. Discover Your Vietnam can help you find the dive operator perfect for you

How to get there and how long?

Phu Quoc can be reached by taking a bus, train or flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes around 5-6 hours by bus, 8 hours by train or a 50-minute flight.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to scuba dive in Phu Quoc is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and the visibility is better.

6. Ha Giang Loop in Lao Cai .

The Ha Giang Loop is a popular motorbiking route in Vietnam’s far north famed for its winding turns, smiling locals and immense beauty.

The loop takes riders through some of the most scenic and remote parts of the country, including rice terraces, mountains and forests. You can choose to either drive yourself, sit on the back of a bike or take a car through this extraordinary landscape. To book this experience go to https://discoveryourvietnam.com/experiences/ha-giang-loop/

How to get there and how long?

Ha Giang can be reached by taking a bus or train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 8 hours by bus or 10 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to ride the Ha Giang Loop depends on what you want! January to April is the dry season but has some cooler temperatures, while September to October is the peak for the golden rice paddies time.

7. Hang son Doong Cave in Phong Nha

Hang Son Doong is the world’s largest cave, and it’s located in Vietnam.

The cave is so big that it has its own climate and ecosystem, and it’s home to a number of unique plants and animals. If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you off the beaten track, then Hang Son Doong is definitely worth a visit. Unfortunately, there is 1.5 year waiting list for this one. But don’t despair, Phong Nha has been called the adventure capital of Asia and there are lots of cool caves to check out, from 1-day hikes to experienced 3-night camping. There is plenty to see, have a look at Phong Nha’s best experiences here https://discoveryourvietnam.com/destination/phong-nha/.

How to get there and how long? :

Hang Son Doong is located in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which can be reached by taking a flight, bus or train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 1 hour by plane, 8 hours by bus or 10 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to visit Hang Son Doong is from February to August, when the weather is cooler and drier.

8. Cycling in Mai Chau .

Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located in Vietnam’s northwest.

The valley is home to a number of minority villages, and it’s a popular destination for cyclists. Cycling is the best way to explore the valley, and there are a number of routes to choose from, depending on your fitness level.

How to get there and how long? :

Mai Chau can be reached by taking a bus or train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 3 hours by bus or 5 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to cycle in Mai Chau is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

9. kitesurfing in Mui Ne .

Mui Ne is a popular kitesurfing destination in Vietnam.

The town is located on the east coast of the country, and it’s known for its strong winds and beautiful beaches. There are a number of kitesurfing schools in Mui Ne, so you can learn how to kitesurf or improve your skills.

How to get there and how long?

Mui Ne can be reached by taking a bus or train from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes around 5 hours by bus or 10 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time for this Vietnam adventure in Mui Ne is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and the winds are stronger.

10. Kayaking in Ninh Binh .

Ninh Binh is one of our favourite destinations and is a beautiful province located in northern Vietnam.

The province is home to a number of rivers and lakes, making it the perfect place for kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to explore the countryside and get up close to the local wildlife.

How to get there and how long?

Ninh Binh can be reached by taking a bus or train from Hanoi. The journey takes around 3 hours by bus or 2 hours by train.

When is the best time to go? :

The best time to canoe in Ninh Binh is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

These are just some of the adventure activities that you can do in Vietnam. There are many more, so get out there and Discover Your Vietnam!

Should you want more travel inspiration and a complete itinerary, take a look at the Discover Your Vietnam Adventure Tour at https://discoveryourvietnam.com/itinerary/vietnam-adventure-tour/. All tours are fully customisable, so you can add and change any activities by adding them to your wishlist to make the perfect adventure travel experience for you.

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