Plan Your Trip To Vietnam With These 5 Unforgettable Adventures

Top 5 Unforgettable Adventures in Vietnam

Trekking the Northern Highlands of Lao Cai

Lao Cai province, home to the famed mountain town of Sapa, offers some of the most spectacular trekking in Southeast Asia. Towering peaks, misty valleys, and winding trails make this region a dream for serious hikers. Ancient footpaths cut through lush jungles, trace gurgling rivers, and connect remote hill tribe villages hidden in the clouds.

A multi-day hiking trip lets you truly experience the rich tapestry of this northern frontier. As you walk from one community to the next, you’ll share meals with ethnic minority groups such as the H’mong, Dao, and Tay, each with their own language, customs, stilted houses, and colorful traditional clothing. It's an immersive blend of physical adventure and cultural discovery.

Open Water Swimming in Lan Ha Bay

Skip the crowded cruise decks and dive straight into adventure. Lan Ha Bay is Vietnam’s hidden gem for open water swimming. Tucked beside the iconic Ha Long Bay, this quieter alternative delivers the same limestone karsts and jade waters, minus the tourist traffic.

Confident swimmers can chart their own course through this surreal seascape, gliding between jungle-capped islets and pausing at secluded beaches only accessible by water. It’s a unique way to explore the bay’s untouched beauty, one stroke at a time.

After a day in the water, enjoy a sunset barbecue of freshly caught seafood or sip a sundowner as the sky turns molten orange. Don’t miss the cultural side of Lan Ha either, centuries-old floating fishing villages offer a glimpse into a way of life shaped by the tides.

Rock Climbing in Huu Lung: Vietnam’s Limestone Paradise

Nestled on the southern edge of the Huu Lien Nature Reserve in Lang Son Province, Huu Lung has quietly risen to fame as one of Southeast Asia’s top rock climbing destinations. Just a few hours from Hanoi, the commune of Yen Thinh offers more than 110 bolted routes set against a backdrop of limestone cliffs, forested valleys, and karst towers.

Originally developed to serve Hanoi’s growing climbing community, Huu Lung now attracts climbers from around the world seeking world-class routes in a truly wild setting. Its dramatic landscape and high-quality crags earned it a coveted spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the best rock climbing destinations in Southeast Asia.

Expedition Caving in Son Doong and Hang En

If you're seeking one of the most extraordinary adventures on Earth, head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to two of the planet’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders: Hang En and Son Doong caves.

Start your journey in Hang En, the world’s third-largest cave. As you enter, the echoing calls of thousands of swifts greet you from the 100-meter-high ceiling. Inside, a pristine sandy beach invites campers to spend the night beneath stone arches, while a natural, turquoise pool offers a refreshing swim deep underground.

Next comes Son Doong, the largest cave in the world by volume. Over five kilometers long and tall enough to house a 40-story building, this subterranean giant is unlike anything else. Massive ceiling collapses have allowed beams of sunlight to illuminate entire underground jungles. Despite being deep within the Earth, you're never completely in the dark, making this both a physical challenge and a surreal visual experience.

Cycling Vietnam’s Coast: From Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

Few countries rival Vietnam when it comes to epic cycling routes, and the stretch from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City is a true standout. Following the country’s jagged eastern coastline, this journey offers a dynamic ride through coastal curves, forested highlands, and bustling cities.

In a single day, you might pedal past tranquil lagoons, ascend misty mountain passes, and glide through fishing villages. The route winds through central Vietnam’s imperial capital Hue, past Da Nang and the ancient town of Hoi An, before continuing southward through a mosaic of changing landscapes and cultures.

What makes this journey truly special is the variety, not just in scenery, but in flavor. As you cycle from the spicy dishes of the central provinces to the sweeter, coconut-rich cuisine of the south, every stop is a sensory reward. And after long days on the road, you can relax in charming, hand-picked accommodations that reflect the local character.