Vietnam's best outdoor activities

Take a walk on the wild side in Vietnam, a country overflowing with outdoor adventures. Go kitesurfing off the rugged coastline, scale mountains for spectacular views, or burrow inside the world’s largest caves -- so much awaits you in Vietnam’s wonderful outdoors. Here’s the “what, where, and how” on seven must-try experiences across the country.

Vietnam is a fascinating country, full of surprises and one of the most attractive destinations in Asia. Plan your trip with the list of all best places in Vietnam with InboundVietnam.
 

Did you know that Vietnam is one of the world's top cave destinations? Phong Nha is an emerging adventure travel destination and home to some of the largest caves on the planet, including Hang Son Doong, Hang En and Hang Pygmy. You can arrange multi-day expeditions to all three of these cave kingdoms with Oxalis or Jungle Boss. Phong Nha has more than 300 caves suitable for all types of visitors. For a family-friendly half-day experience, dive into Paradise Cave or Dark Cave. For subterranean swimming, night climbing and jungle camping, consider the Tu Lan Cave system or the Tiger Cave chain.
 

Only two hours by car from Hanoi, Yen Thinh commune in Huu Lung district is nestled between the Red River Delta and the foothills of the northeastern mountainous provinces. The terrain varies considerably, from closed fertile valleys to majestic vertical limestone outcrops. Cropped cliffs and surviving towers provide a great playground for rock climbers and nature lovers. Discovered and developed by VietClimb as an accessible destination to encourage the local climbing community to practice outdoors, Huu Lung has quickly become a solid rock in the international arena. With 110 sport routes ranging from 5c to 8b, this is a rocky paradise for intermediate and advanced climbers.
 

Sapa is a remote mountain town offering magnificent views of rice terraced hills, as well as easy access to hiking and ethnic homestays. But if you’re seeking thrills as well as scenery, then why not try off-road biking? Ribbons of dirt track wrap around the mountains. Climbs pass through minority villages and downhill runs whizz through rice terraces. You can adjust the route to your level and what you want to see to craft an experience that matches your interests and ability. 
 

As a charming mountain city with a fresh spring climate, Da Lat quickly becomes a familiar destination for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by a network of lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Together these set the stage for canyoning, a daring combination of hiking, scrambling, swimming, rock climbing and uphill climbing. Da Lat discovery tours adhere to international safety standards, so you can have complete peace of mind as you descend into fast-flowing waterfalls and immerse yourself in natural rock pools - an activity where you can relax. will soon be forgotten. Hello Dalat takes advantage of the almost limitless opportunities in the area by hunting for riverside canyons that offer the most exciting experiences.
 

You’ll find superb hiking opportunities across the northern highlands, especially in Pu Luong, a nature reserve southwest of Hanoi. Ringed by dramatic mountains that dominate the horizon, Pu Luong blends all the features that make the highlands of Vietnam so appealing. Strap on your hiking shoes and to tackle misty rainforests, cascading rice terraces, and remote minority hamlets. Afterwards, reward yourself with a cooling dip in one of the rock pools or waterfalls that flow through the reserve.
 

UNESCO-listed Halong Bay gets all the attention, but neighbouring Lan Ha Bay is just as dramatic. Picture a fantasy world of jungled karsts rising from emerald waters, secluded beaches, and hidden caves. For outdoors enthusiasts, this is the perfect chance to explore one of the world’s most famous seascapes. The quieter waters of Lan Ha are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. As you paddle through water caves and dodge rocky outcrops, you’ll get a good sense of the magnitude of the bay.