Paragliding, ziplining through the jungle, diving into the depths of the sea, and exploring the largest cave in the world... are all challenging but incredibly engaging adventure travel experiences in Vietnam.

Paragliding

Paragliding, an adventure travel that has long appeared in the world, has flourished in Vietnam over the past ten years. It is a sport of moving through the air thanks to the wind, flying over mountains and forests to admire the magnificent landscape from above.

To fly a paraglide, you must prepare yourself both physically and mentally, by participating in a short course to learn how to maintain your body in the air. A fun and memorable experience, paragliding comes with many risks, so courage is required to participate.

Before flying, the pilot will give instructions to ensure the safety of participants throughout the process. They also help them fasten the seat belt, put on the helmet, and complete several safety checks before starting. During the flight, let’s simply relax to admire the beautiful scenery below and chat with the pilot.

The cost of each paragliding flight varies from 1,300,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($56-87).

In Vietnam, paragliding is done at the Vien Nam mountain in Hanoi, whose summit rises to 1,031 m above sea level, with a bird's eye view of the green rice fields. Bai Nha Mountain in Hoa Binh is also one of the most beautiful paragliding destinations in the North to fully admire the beauty of the vast green forest and enjoy the cool breeze. For those who love the beauty of rice terraces, Mu Cang Chai is a good choice, especially in the ripe rice season. In the central highlands, one could go paragliding at Con O Peak and Langbiang Mountain, Lam Dong. In Danang, one can fly to the Son Tra peninsula to see all the beauty of this city.

Zipline

Ziplining is also one of the adventure travel experiences enjoyed by many tourists. It is in fact based on one or two long cables, one end connected to the top of a mountain to create altitude, the other end attached to a point on the lake or on the ground for a certain slope.

Body protection equipment is mandatory for participation in this game. Hanging on a cable, you start from the highest point. During the slide, travellers could admire the marvellous beauty of nature.

Major ecotourism sites in Vietnam have gradually brought this travel experience to the needs of tourists such as Hoa Phu Thanh in Da Nang, Alba Thanh Tan hot springs in Hue, Ho May resort in Vung Tau, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh or Madagui National Forest in Dalat.

The fee for a traveller is 250,000 to 300,000 VND ($11-13).

>> Read more: Top 15 most thrilling adventures in Vietnam

Exploring Son Doong

Son Doong in the Bo Trach district of Quang Binh province is the largest natural cave in the world. The cave is almost 9 km long, in some places the ceiling is up to 200 m high, and the width is up to 175 m, which can overwhelm anyone who enters. Geologists believe that Son Doong Cave was formed around 2 to 5 million years ago. The size of the cave is equivalent to an airport, accommodating around 68 Boeing 777s at a time.

Son Doong is also home to living flora and green, wild, and majestic virgin forests. Son Doong Cave has its own climate, completely separated from the outside world.

The trip includes the main activities: overcoming 17 km of mountain roads, exploring 8 km of caves, including walking and climbing with a rope 800 m high slopes, crossing the underground river, and camping for the night in the cave. The trip will bring you memorable memories from start to finish.

Son Doong Cave attracts many adventure tourism enthusiasts, 98% of whom are foreigners. To participate in the caving trip, you must register in advance (about a year), pass several comprehensive tests on physical fitness, and survival skills... and pay afee of up to 3,000 USD.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is a method of diving with a breathing apparatus. This shape allows visitors to dive to the bottom of the sea to explore the colourful world beneath the ocean.

Before participating in the experience, you must complete a short course on the basics of diving such as hand signals and using an oxygen tank for breathing.

The cost of scuba diving is approximately 900,000 to 1,500,000 VND ($39-65)/person. Big seas such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Da Nang... all have this type of adventure tourism. If you do not have a diving certificate, you can only dive for up to 30 minutes in the sea at a depth of approximately 5 meters, accompanied by a professional instructor to ensure safety.

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