- Vietnam Overview
- Main Cities in Vietnam
- Regions in Vietnam
- Other Cities in Vietnam
- Getting to Vietnam
- Getting Around Vietnam
- Language in Vietnam
- Education in Vietnam
- Vietnam Activities
- Vietnam Attractions
- Vietnam Money & Shopping
- Eating and Drinking in Vietnam
- Dress Code in Vietnam
- Gift Giving in Vietnam
- Public Behavior in Vietnam
- Art Performance
- Custom and Habits
Water Activities
In total, Vietnam has 3260km (2021 miles) of coastline. The most popular beaches are Vung Tau, just north of the Mekong Delta; and Nha Trang, near Da Lat, where the clear, turquoise waters offer good snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkeling and diving equipment can be hired at most beach resorts. Other good beaches can be found at Phan Thiet (southcentral coast); Mui Ne (noted for its large sand dunes); and the magnificent Ha Long Bay, where some 3000 islands, covered in lush vegetation and dotted with beaches and grottoes, rise out of the Gulf of Tonkin. Access to the islands is by boats, which can be hired in Ha Long City.
Kite surfing: With beautiful beaches, strong and steady winds, Mui Ne is quickly growing into one of the most popular kite boarding and windsurfing sights in Asia. The windy season starts around September/October and lasts until April/May. There are currently four certified Kitesurfing schools in Mui Ne:
- Jibes at Jibes and the Full Moon Resort
- Windchimes at the Saigon Mui Ne Resort
Surfing: Most Vietnamese beaches have fairly mild waves. The best place to surf in Vietnam is China Beach, Da Nang, near the North End. There are no waves during the summer but waves start to pick up from late September/October and may last until May. Vietnam doesn’t have any real surf shops that sell equipment or provide lessons yet, but a board can be rented in Da Nang from Tam’s Pub 43 Ho Xuan Huong street or by asking around in local hotels.
Softer waves suitable for beginners can be found in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet with rentals available around the area.While the waves may not be world-class, one advantage is that you can have them to yourself!
Kayaking: Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful waters and various limestone islands in Ha Long bay. Tours are available from 2 days to 2 weeks, with excellent guide and food. Many tours are a combination of kayaking and trekking, cycling. Kayak rentals and tours are provided by various centers:
Marco Polo travel: http://www.kayakingvietnam.com