6 Ways to Get Active in Vietnam

For adventurous travelers seeking an experience in a destination that rich in culture, history and natural landscapes, few can ignore the charm of Vietnam. The country is full of spectacular mountains, lush jungles, bustling cities, tranquil villages, sandy beaches and ancient historical legacies. With so many experiences on offer, let's find out how to immerse yourself in this exotic country. 

1. Trekking

Trek in the beautiful valleys of Sapa

Vietnam offers endless trekking opportunities, especially in the northern region, a land of remarkable scenery with high rolling mountains, dramatically steep valleys, and magnificent rice paddies. One of the most favorite regions to trek is Sapa. Set in the cool mountains of the northwest, Sapa is famous for its epic scenery with ancient rice terraces and tiny hill tribe villages. There is no shortage of fun to be had in this region and photography opportunities are in every step along the way. Trekking in Sapa through hills and valleys, the panoramic views and scenery will be as memorable as the diversity of the ethnic minorities we encounter. Here you'll also find Vietnam's tallest mountain peak - Fansipan - standing at 3,143 meters above sea level to challenge those who want to conquer its summit. Always lively, sometimes chaotic, but never dull, Sapa is ideal for those that enjoy a challenge and want real cultural experiences too. Besides, an experience never to be missed in Vietnam is an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa.

2. Cycling

Get up close with Vietnam’s charms on bicycles

Cycling is one of the finest ways to discover a country where hospitality comes as second nature. Pedaling at a leisurely pace we can explore the changing landscape and meet the locals. A bike lets you go from road to beaten track to something way beyond. If you are interested in seeing the world from the biker’s lane, Vietnam offers many great places to do it. It is possible for you to find suitable places for cycling, from easy countryside ride to mountainous ride.

3. Cruising Mekong River

There's a chance to see colorful life on the river

Anyone visiting Vietnam simply cannot pass up a visit to the mighty Mekong, the longest river in Southeast Asia. There’s a world of life in this historically significant river, home to a myriad of villages that reside along its lush banks. The best way to explore these intricate villages is by river cruise. There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong River. Indeed, there can be no more striking cultural contrast than between the bustling metropolis and the tranquillity of the Mekong Delta. Vietnam has changed considerably, so it’s a treat to delve into the past with people who experienced it firsthand. As you cruise down the Mekong River at a gentle pace, passing lush rice paddies, fruit orchards, and fish farms and encounter the villages and towns that reside along – or float on top of – the river itself, you’ll see a part of Vietnam that other travelers rarely see. A cruise along the Mekong is the perfect way to gain insight into local life and to explore the pristine environments unreachable by anything other than a riverboat.

4. Culinary Tour

Vietnam has one of the freshest and most fragrant cuisines on the planet

If your passion lies in food and travel, Vietnam is sure to delight you as you explore the landscape, cultural history, and cuisine. Vietnam has one of the freshest and most fragrant cuisines in the world and offers a diverse array of dishes that are characterized by a brilliant balance of sweet and sour, spice and aromatics. Culinary tours in Vietnam teach you about the perfect blend of flavors, getting a feel for the ingredients, preparation, methods, and presentation of the food. As your knowledge grows, you begin to understand how food is shaped by history, geography, and culture. Whether it’s the southern tropical fruits or the colonial influence, there’s no better way to experience Vietnam’s vibrant culture than through its food.

5. Family holiday

Family experiencing Halong Bay by rustic rowboat

Vietnam is perfectly suited for a family vacation where children of all ages can experience all of the highlights of the country in a friendly way. From wandering the vibrant streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City to experiencing a homestay in the Mekong Delta, from cruising through thousand limestone peaks of Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk to soaking up the coastal ambiance of the former seaport of Hoi An. Active people can leisurely cycle along country roads to discover local Vietnamese rural life, go on a boat trip visiting fishing communities and join a cooking class where the whole family could learn from shopping for ingredients to preparing Vietnamese dishes. With such a multitude of experiences and leisure time, it’s a true adventure that will appeal to the interests of all the family.

6. Adventure tour

Want to get off the beaten track? Head for remote Northern provinces in the mountainous area

Adventure tours are the ideal way to combine spectacular places, local interactions, and physical challenges with an unforgettable experience. There are a number of exciting places to visit that provide genuine experiences on an adventure tour like getting involved with local communities in Sapa, going underground to see life in wartime at the Cu Chi Tunnels, or exploring the awe-inspiring nature of Ha Giang on two wheels... If you’re a spirited adventurer who likes to get off the beaten track, an adventure tour that encounters the highlights of Vietnam is the perfect way to uncover the varied landscapes and cultural delights of Vietnam.

In many ways, Vietnam has established as one of the leading travel destinations in South East Asia. It’s pretty hard to put into words all the experiences we have in Vietnam. The culture, the people, the food and the places to see are vast and we imagine this will the first of many trips to see other areas and visit places we’ve loved. I hope some of our travel stories will inspire you to visit. Remember, adventure is out there!

You may also like: Top 5 Outdoor Activities in Northern Vietnam

Xuyen

Image Sources: Internet