Vietnam Activities and Top Things to do guide

Activities

Boat Trips These 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). Children love being out on the water and this is one activity the whole family can partake in.

Cycling is ideal for sightseeing in much of the country as it is flat in most areas and the shortage of vehicles makes for light traffic in most outlying areas and some of the smaller villages. Caution is needed, however, especially on busier roads, as traffic can be very undisciplined. Bicycle hire is widely available and you'll find they come in all shapes and sizes so you are sure to find one even for the youngest bike rider in the family. Trainer wheels are not supplied so if you plan on partaking in this activity with the smaller family members it's advisable that you bring some with you.

Elephant Riding can be done in Dalat at Tuyen Lake and is a wonderful way to view the surrounding scenery. This is definitely an activity that the whole family can enjoy and if the real littlies are a little wary of these grey giants, buying a few bananas before you visit will always be welcomed by the elephants and feeding them by hand is usually one activity ALL kids enjoy.

Go Kartingcan be done in most of the larger cities and one of the better ones is located in Hanoi at Super Karting located in Thanh Nhan Youth Park. Give them a call on 9712873 for more information.

Horse Riding is a perfect activity for the entire family and even the youngest will enjoy being led around while sitting astride one of these animals. In fact the country has its own special breed called the Vietnamese Hmong Horse which is interesting enough even if you don't fancy getting onto one of them and going for a leisurely stroll (or a rapid gallop). There are many places that rent out animals either to go on short out-rides along a beach or through the local countryside or on long treks through rugged mountain ranges.

Kayakingcan be done in many spots throughout the country. Some of the better-known areas are to be found in the picturesque Halong Bay area though some other coastal and riverine areas also offer this gentle waterborne activity. It's a great way to see coastal fauna and flora and all but the smallest family members will enjoy a day out on the water in a canoe.

Roller Skating can be done in a number of the larger cities where this sport is increasing in popularity. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Dalat have skating venues as does Nam Ninh. Ask your hotel's concierge for more information on arrival.

Swimming If you aren't near a beach there are a number of public swimming pools located in most of the bigger towns or at the hotels and resorts. If your hotel doesn't have one, ask at a hotel nearby as some let the general public in for a nominal fee or ask the concierge at your hotel where a public pool is.

Ten Pin Bowling can be done at many establishments in Vietnam. Saigon has a huge one with 32 lanes called the Saigon Superbowl, but there are many others scattered around the country such as in Hanoi. Ask at your hotel or the local information centre for more details.

Water Puppets are not only entertaining for children but those that are young at heart will also enjoy watching the performances put on by skilled puppeteers. Most cities and even some of the smaller villages have water-puppet shows that the whole family can enjoy.

Water Slide Parks are generally found in the bigger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat. The one in Ho Chi Minh City is called Saigon Water Park and it can be found on Kha Van Can, Thu Duc District. For more information give them a call on 8970456.

Zoos can be found in many towns and even some of the smaller villages in Vietnam. Not all are of a high standard but if you are prepared to turn a blind eye in some instances and are aware that improvements are being made (as hard as it may be to believe) you can still have a reasonably enjoyable outing. It will also be a good 'learning adventure' for your children as you can teach them a little bit about animal care while you are about it. Do be aware that some cages in the smaller less well run establishments leave much to be desired and it's advised that one doesn't get too close. Hanoi Zoo is probably one of the better zoos in the country though and it is here that some of the best improvements are already underway. The Hanoi zoo is trying its best to breed animals such as the rare Owston's Palm Civet and so far has been successful.

Beach Volleyball is rapidly increasing in popularity and Ho Chi Minh City is the place where the National tournament is held. If you want to join in, most beaches in and around the cities will have games going on, especially in the late afternoons...and many teams are only too happy to let visitors join in for a game or two.

Caving enthusiasts may head for the spectacular Pong Nha river caves, northwest of Dong Hoi or other mountainous areas around the country. It is advised that one doesn't venture into a cave without a guide as many are not properly monitored and it's not unknown for intrepid explorers to get lost and never return. Ask at a local tour centre for more information on this activity.

Cinemas Unless you speak the local language there are few films shown in English, but occasionally there are and these will have sub-titles in the local lingo. If you want to see a film, it's best to ask at the ticket counter, if the movie is in your preferred language.

Golf is as popular in Vietnam as it is in many other countries around the world and there are a number located around the country. Dalat and Phan Thiet have some of the better-known courses. Many are designed by world internationally recognised golfers such as the Ocean Dunes Golf Club located in Phan Thiet which was designed by Nick Faldo.

Hiking There is good hiking 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.

Watersports In total, Vietnam has 3260km (2021 miles) of coastline. The most popular beaches are Vung Tau, just north of the Mekong Delta; and Nha Trang, near Da Lat, where the clear, turquoise waters offer good snorkelling and scuba diving. Snorkelling 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 grottos, rise out of the Gulf of Tonkin. Acces to the islands is by boats, which can be hired in Ha Long City