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Activities
 Vietnam
has 3450km (2140mi) of coastline, allowing tourists
and travelers alike to take advantage of the tropical
weather and ocean front resorts. The most popular beaches
include Vung Tau, just north of the Mekong Delta; Nha
Trang, near Dalat; the 30km-long expanse of beaches
named China Beach, near Danang - but be careful of the
currents.
Listed here are some of the more popular
activities that Vietnam has to offer:
| Cycling: |
 With
warm weather and lots of sun, Vietnam is ideal for
long-distance cycling. Since much of the country
is flat and there is a shortage of vehicles, traffic
is light to non-existent, unlike many other Asian
countries where bicycle jams can rival traffic in
Manhattan. Bicycle taxis are widely available and
recommended for those wishing to relax and enjoy
Vietnam’s natural beauty. |
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| Water Sports: |
 In
total, Vietnam has 3260km (2021 miles) of coastline.
Snorkeling and diving 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. |
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| Hiking: |
 There
is good hiking and horse riding in the beautiful
countryside around Da Lat. Guides are recommended
and can be hired locally. Generally, the northwest
is the best region for hiking. Other good destinations
include Cuc Phuong National Park (near Hanoi); Bach
Ma National Park; and Lang Bian Mountain (in Da
Lat), where guides are compulsory. In the north,
Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island and Ba Be
Lake National Park (which contains several lakes,
waterfalls and caves) also offer beautiful scenery.
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| 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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