Millions of tourists visit Vietnam every year to enjoy the beaches, mountains, and culture. But a small percentage come to experience the ultimate adventures in Vietnam and participate in activities ranging from hiking Indochina's highest peak to mountain biking steep trails and canyoning. Here are some fun things to do in Vietnam to satisfy your desire for adventure and get the adrenaline pumping.

1. Hiking

Vietnam offers a wide range of trekking adventures for those looking to escape busy cities and get out into nature. The most popular routes are in and around Sapa, a mountainous region in the North of the country. The highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, Fansipan reaches an altitude of 3143 metres and takes three days to climb to its summit. If you're not up for a multi-day expedition, visit the central highlands and base yourself in Dalat. There are several trails in and around the highlands to suit all ability levels.

Some adventurers may want to get off the beaten path and explore the more rural parts of the country. It's possible, but it's best to go through a travel agency as some ultra-rural villages might not be particularly welcoming to foreigners. The guide can act as a translator allowing you to communicate with the locals.

2. Diving

Despite a coastline totalling more than 3,500 kilometres in the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam's status as a diving hotspot is still in its infancy. Inexperienced divers and those looking to obtain certification should head to Nha Trang in central Vietnam. Expect to see multi-coloured corals and a range of marine life swimming just below the surface. The Cham Islands off the coast of Hoi An also offer some of Vietnam's best diving spots. If you want a more adventurous experience, visit the Con Dao archipelago near the Gulf of Thailand and swim among rays and sharks to a shipwreck.

>> Read more: Diving in Vietnam: 5 destinations not to be missed

3. Visit national parks

Few foreigners associate Vietnam with a wide range of national parks. Did you know that the country has 30 protected areas covering tropical rainforests, caves, waterfalls, and a whole plethora of wildlife and endangered species? Some are more famous and accessible than others. Tourists who want to experience nature and outdoor activities should include a trip to one of Vietnam's national parks on their itinerary. The most popular and accessible ones include Cat Tien, Bach Ma, and Cuc Phuong. Accommodation in the form of upscale hostels and bungalows can be found in some parks. It's a good idea to plan and determine your transportation and where you are going to stay in advance.

>> Read more: Top 8 Vietnam National Parks for Nature-Oriented Trip

4. Zipline

Ziplining is another outdoor activity in Vietnam that is starting to gain popularity. The longest is in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh and spans a total of 400 metres (1,312 feet). The line passes over the river towards the entrance to the dark cave. Ask anyone about their experience and almost all say it's one of the strengths of Vietnam.

>> Read more: Adventure Vietnam: Top 7 most adventurous zip lines in Vietnam

5. Climbing

Climbing is another extreme sport still in its infancy in Vietnam. With the rise of tourism, places that were once hard to reach are slowly opening up to tour groups and independent travellers. The best places for rock climbing in Vietnam are Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, and Dalat. More experienced climbers might be able to traverse the Marble Mountains near Danang.

6. Canyoning

Canyoning is a relatively new concept on the extreme sports scene. The activity consists, as its name suggests, of crossing rocky canyons. In order to achieve this goal, the adventurer may need to combine climbing, trekking, scrambling, and river crossing. Dalat is one of the only places to offer this type of activity, making it one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam. However, you must be in good physical condition and be ready to face whatever nature might throw at you. Canyoning is not easy.

>> Read more: Adventure travel in Vietnam – 6 Best Ideas to see

7. Sea kayaking

Halong Bay, Vietnam's UNESCO-listed paradise in the North-eastern part of the country, offers sea kayaking in a pristine environment. The region itself has more than 2,000 limestone islets surrounded by hundreds of lagoons with jade-coloured waters. Kayak tours operate daily and allow tourists to visit some of the more remote parts of the bay. Kayaking around the famous Halong Bay is a unique experience and should be a priority for anyone passionate about the sport.

You may also be able to find other places along Vietnam's long coastline that also offer sea kayaking tours. But most will only be a few metres from shore and it can be difficult to find information in advance. Keep your eyes open and an ordinary trip to the beach might turn out to be a fluke.

>> Read more: Top 5 most beautiful destinations for kayaking in Vietnam

8. Whitewater Rafting

Another first in Vietnam, rafting is slowly gaining popularity among local and foreign tourists. The journey begins in Dalat, taking tourists to some of the less explored parts of the region along the Lang Bian River. Experienced rafters will satisfy their adrenaline craving by racing through a series of rapids. If you want to experience this epic adventure in Vietnam, the only way is to join an organized tour from Dalat.

9. Motorcycle Adventures

One of the best things to do in Vietnam for anyone with a passion for adventure is to ride a motorbike from the North to the South of Vietnam. Fly to the country and buy a motorcycle, then off you go. A highway connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, passing some of Vietnam's top tourist spots, including Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Danang, and Hoi An. Expect the trip to take at least a few weeks to a month. You can also explore some of the national parks or head to the famous Halong Bay if you have time. Just be aware that driving conditions can be dangerous and you should be vigilant at all times.

>> Read more: Plan your motorcycle trip to Vietnam

10. Mountain biking

In times not so long ago, bicycles were the main means of transportation for millions of Vietnamese. But in the 21st century, the popularity of cycling for recreational activities is starting to grow. The best places for an ATV adventure are in Sapa. Adventurous tourists can arrange a half-day or full-day tour with experienced guides to explore the mountain trails. Expect the trails to be difficult and pass through some of the minority villages. It is a must for anyone passionate about cycling and will provide an unforgettable cultural experience. Other favourite areas are found in both Dalat and the Mekong Delta.

As with the point above, it is also possible to cycle from one end of the country to the other. More and more tourists are taking up the challenge of travelling the country in the saddle. It is possible to do it solo or as part of a tour.

11. Caving

Vietnam is home to hundreds of caves, many of which are located in Quang Binh province, a few hundred kilometres South of Hanoi. The world's largest cave, Son Doong, is located in Quang Binh, attracting thousands of adventure-seeking cavers every year. Not only does Son Doong attract thrill-seekers to this part of Vietnam, but there are also several other cave systems in the area. The most famous are Hang En and Hang Tien.

12. Paddleboard

Located a few hours North of Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam: Mui Ne. The area has an active nightlife and attracts thousands of tourists every year for a few relaxing days on the beach. But clean sand isn't the only thing that attracts tourists. Mui Ne is famous for its water sports, including paddle-boarding. If you're not sure, imagine a combination of surfing and kayaking by standing on a board and paddling in the sea. Getting out on the water and having a new experience are often among the best things to do in Vietnam in Mui Ne.

13. Sandboarding

Another favourite activity near Mui Ne is something you wouldn't expect to find in Vietnam. Believe it or not, just a short drive from the beach town are several large dunes in a desert microclimate. If you want to try it, just rent a motorbike and drive to the dunes before renting a board. Go up the dune and down the board. Few places in Asia offer this kind of experience, and it's something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Vietnam. And the fun doesn't stop there. If you have your own motorbike, it is possible to drive along a path parallel to the beach and experience an off-road adventure while being surrounded by incredible scenery.

14. Rappelling

A short bus ride from Dalat and a hike through the forests will take you to Vietnam's first rappel site. After a brief safety introduction, you will have the chance to propel yourself along cliffs and waterfalls in the untouched and often unseen beauty of Dalat. Waterfall rappelling offers a unique experience as you desperately try to slide down the slippery rocks while getting soaked from the waterfalls above. Not for everyone, but a fun way to spend an afternoon when you're in the central highlands.

15. Vietnam Mountain Marathon

It's the ultimate thrill-seeking adventure for those with stamina and stamina. The gruelling 100-kilometre foot race is the toughest single-day running event in the country. Starting near Sapa and winding through valleys, and mountains and passing minority villages, the race is something of a legend among regional running communities. And if you're not up for the challenge, don't despair. You can choose between a 10 kilometre fun run and half marathon and full marathon distances before reaching the punishing 70 and 100 kilometre ultras. The Vietnam Mountain Marathon is an annual event worth participating in for anyone with a passion for running.

Conclusion

Thrill-seeking tourists are sure to find what they are looking for on a trip to Vietnam. Everything from trekking in national parks to diving in uncharted waters to climbing Indochina's highest peak is available for adventurers. Most of these activities, however, should only be attempted with a guide or tour group and may have limited spaces. So if any of these pique your interest, get online and start planning your Vietnam adventures today.

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