Activities
in Vietnam
Land l Water
Sports
Water Sports In total, Vietnam has 3260km (2021
miles) of coastline. Snorkeling and d iving
equipment can be hired at most beach resorts. Other good beaches
can be found at Phan Thiet (south-central 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.
Beach Volleyball is rapidly increasing in popularity
and Ho Chi Minh City is the place where the National tournament
is held. If you want to join in, most beaches in and around the
cities will have games going on, especially in the late afternoons...and
many teams are only too happy to let visitors join in for a game
or two.
Boat Trips These 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 (a good way to see Saigon) or the Perfume River (near Hue).
Diving Vietnam is becoming an increasingly well-known
diver's paradise. The number of resorts is increasing at a fast
pace. By far the most popular at this point in time though are Danang
and Nha Trang. Unfortunately though, due to the over-fishing of
Vietnam’s waters you won’t see vast schools of fish
but rather individuals or smaller numbers. The fish are there though.
Wreck diving isn’t really available due to the value of metal
in the country anything that sinks is soon salvaged and put to other
uses on land. On the other hand the corals flourish and the colours
and varieties of both soft and hard corals is spectacular. Visit
this site for further information about Diving in Vietnam. 
Kayaking can be done in many spots throughout
the country. Some of the better known sareas are to be found in
the picturesque Halong Bay area though some other coatal and riverine
areas also offer this gentle waterborne activity. It's a great way
to see coastal fauna and flora and all but the smallest family members
will enjoy a day out on the water in a canoe.
Parachuting is a great way to view the surrounding
scenery where no one and nothing can interupt your view. There are
a number of centres offering this activity such as Dalat, Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City. Ask at your hotel or the local tourist information
centre for more details.
Surfing is on the rise here and there are a number
of places that rent out boards (though it's always better to bring
your own). Nha Trang is a popular spot and boards can be rented
in Tran Phu. Telephone 829100 (Hon Tam) for more information or
call the Khanh Hoa Tourist Board besides the Vien Dong Hotel on
822753.
Other: Caving enthusiasts may head for the spectacular
Pong Nha river caves, northwest of Dong Hoi. 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 (a good way to see Saigon) or the Perfume River
(near Hue).
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