Top 9 Must-try Vietnam Outdoor Activities

When you talk about Vietnam what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Mystery old temples, conventional rice fields, stunning natural scenery, and fantastic cuisine? Perhaps these are not everything that this lovely nation has to offer, but there is so much more, such as fantastic adventure activities.

Vietnam boasts one of the most beautiful settings in the world, making it the ideal vacation spot for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visit Vietnam's wild side and experience its abundance of outdoor experiences. You may explore the world's largest caverns, go kitesurfing off the rocky coastline, climb mountains for breathtaking vistas, and much more in Vietnam's amazing outdoors. The "what, where, and how" of several enjoyable Vietnam outdoor activities are provided here.

Kayaking Halong Bay

Halong Bay is the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam that never make tourism disappointed. There are a ton of limestone caves jut out into the green bay, creating marvelous landscape scenes. You should never pass up the chance to kayak alone around the islands, soaking in the scenery and investigating the secret caverns.


Halong Bay kayaking is a must-do bucket list activity and the greatest way to experience all the bay has to offer. Sliding across the water in a clever kayak provides passengers with greater liberty and enables them to reach locations that cruise ships cannot. The majority of Halong Bay ships offer kayaking experiences.

Best time to go

Halong Bay usually conforms to the four-season climate of northern Vietnam, which includes stormy times. Therefore, those who desire to kayak in Halong Bay should be informed of the current weather.

There are, in fact, two good times for visitors to go on a kayaking excursion: from March to June and from October to December. During these months, the climate is generally pleasant and dry, with no storms or unexpected downpours. Visitors are allowed to explore the bay and participate in further outdoor activities.

>>> Read more: Scarlet Pearl Cruise 2 Days

Cruises that offer kayaking service

Since kayaking is one of the most popular and important sports in Halong Bay, most cruises offer it for free. Below are some of the greatest cruises with complimentary kayaking:

• Paradise Peak Cruise
• Stellar of the Seas Cruise
• Swan Cruise
• Paradise Luxury Cruise
• La Paci Cruise

Hiking in Pu Luong

The northern highlands provide excellent hiking options, particularly at Pu Luong, a nature reserve southwest of Hanoi. Pu Luong, which is surrounded by magnificent mountains that dominate the horizon, has all the characteristics that make the Vietnamese highlands so alluring. Don your hiking boots and prepare to traverse misty jungles, tumbling rice terraces, and isolated minority hamlets. Afterward, cool down in one of the rock pools or waterfalls that flow through the reserve.


During the hiking in Pu Luong, you traverse some of the finest rice fields in Vietnam and visit communities where you may learn more about the stilt-house-dwelling Thai ethnic minority. Get closer to the river to see the water wheels that gather river water to irrigate the rice crops on higher ground.

Best time to go

The greatest time to go hiking in Pu Luong is between April and the end of June when the rice fields are lush and green. These months also precede the onset of the rainy season. In July, the rice will be replanted and harvested in October. Therefore, August through October is also an excellent time to stroll around the rice fields of Pu Luong.

September through November or February through May is the optimum season for trekking in Pu Luong. Currently, plantations are green and the weather is pleasant.

Kitesurfing in Mui Ne

Mui Ne not only is one of the top destinations in Vietnam to try the water sport - kite surfing but also in Asia. With the perfect strong wind, Mui Ne is pertinent for windsurfing and kite lessons.


Thanks to the discovery by the windsurfing group 20 years ago that Mui Ne quickly became a popular kiteboarding location. If you looking for adventure water spots that can produce a lot of adrenaline, Kitesurfing in Mui Ne is suitable for you.

>>> Read more: A Complete Guide to Mui Ne - The Red Planet of Vietnam

Best time to go

The best time to kitesurf runs for November to the end of April. At this time, the wind from the northeast blows 80% each day, suitable for kiting. In addition, you can join kitesurf during the summer season when the southwest wind blows. However, experts said that the winter wind is more reliable than that of the winter season.

Cycling in Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An is one of the most incredible destinations that you shouldn't miss. Hoi An offers visitors impressive architecture and the streets have a harmonious combination between indigenous and foreign.

Although exploring the ancient town by walking is a good idea, discovering Hoi An surroundings on a bicycle is the best experience. Opposed to the crowded commercial life of Hoi An town, the rural area such as Thanh ha, Cam Thanh and Cam Nam have a peaceful and green atmosphere. The tourists can explore real life and join the leisure cycle of local Hoianians.


All tourists visiting Vietnam are drawn to Hoi An because of its lovely aesthetic and laid-back atmosphere, and for good reason—one it's of the nicest cities in the country! A terrific way to enjoy the picturesque countryside and get a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam is to ride across the countryside after leaving the ancient town.

>>> Read more: Hoi An Countryside Cycling Day Tour

Go Diving in Nha Trang

On the scuba diving map, Vietnam is still relatively "new." By taking a Vietnam diving trip, you will be able to enjoy the underwater treasures that this lovely country has to offer and you can be sure that every time you dive there, you will see something extraordinary. The coastal waters of Vietnam are remarkably clean and support an abundance of marine life, in contrast to many of the more well-known diving locations that have been somewhat degraded by mass tourism.


Nha Trang has become one of the top locations for snorkeling and scuba diving because of its spectacular beaches, hot springs, variety of fish, and vibrant coral reef. Nha Trang has some of the greatest scuba diving opportunities in the nation and is a common stop on many diving tours in Vietnam. This region is frequently referred to as the "diving capital of Vietnam" because of the underwater coral pyramids and pillars that are visual feasts.

Best time to go

The best diving season is from April to October, especially in July and August when the water is clear, there are few breezes, and the temperature is great for seeing coral reefs and tiny, vibrant tropical fish. In excellent weather, visibility can reach 20 meters, which is roughly 10 meters on average.

Despite the diving center's continued operation, you shouldn't dive from mid-December to mid-February since the sea is opaque and visibility is poor.

Get to The Top of Mount Fansipan

The highest peak in Vietnam is Fansipan, which is a part of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and is protected by the Hoang Lien National Park. Climbing Fansipan Mount, commonly known as "the Roof of Indochina," is a symbol of a person's fight to succeed for young, daring individuals. A significant problem for many Vietnamese generations is the height of 3.143 meters.


A climb to the summit of Mount Fansipan is the greatest option if you want to get your heart racing while traveling since it will take you through some of the mount's most inaccessible regions and reward you with a breathtaking perspective over Indochina.

>>> Read more: Hanoi - Sapa Tour 5 Days

Best time to go

The majority of individuals concur that spring (March, April) and fall are the finest seasons for climbing Fansipan (September, October). In addition to the somewhat temperate temperatures during these months, there is a decent probability that the sun will shine for at least some of the ascent.

Final Thoughts

With its compelling mountain roads developed hiking trails in national parks and environmental reserves, and unique minority cultures, Vietnam is the ideal destination for adventurous visitors. Kayaking, rock climbing, and some excellent trekking are available in places like the northern outpost of Sapa or the historic colonial hill station of Dalat in the central highlands.

Hope this list of Vietnam outdoor activities above will allow you to enjoy Vietnam to its fullest.