Vietnam Activities
and Top Things to do guide
 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 Karting can
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.
Kayaking can 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
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