The jungle-covered interior of Con Dao Island. Photo by Aaron Joel Santos
Vietnam is chock-full of forested peaks, thundering waterfalls, and breezy coastline, it’s no wonder the country is luring more and more outdoor enthusiasts. With so many options at your fingertips, you may need a second (or third) trip to take it all in. And while there are plenty of pulse-pounding activities, Vietnam also presents more leisurely ways to enjoy its vast natural attractions. How about a cruise in the mangrove forests of Can Gio? Or 18 holes at a first-rate course in Da Nang? Or stand-up paddleboarding on the beach in Hoi An? You choose.
One thing is for sure, Vietnam is a country best seen on two wheels. Long-distance cycling and motorbike trips are ideal for soaking up views of gaping mountain passes and sun-drenched rice fields, not to mention the local life you'll see along the way. Vietnam has long offered excellent scuba-diving in Nha Trang, kite-surfing in Mui Ne and mountain hiking on the tiered slopes of Sa Pa. More recently however, the epic cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are causing quite a stir. Did we mention hang gliding outside Hanoi, and kayaking in Bai Tu Long? When it comes to adventure in Vietnam, the list is truly exciting, and possibly endless.