Vietnam is a crazy and wild experience with so many adventurous things to do. It’s rich in culture and history, yet is modern, chaotic and intriguing at the same time. There are so many fun and adventurous things to do in Vietnam, that are also super affordable. Whether you’re abseiling down a 65m waterfall in Dalat, rock climbing in Cat Ba Island, or checking out the non-touristy things to do in Ho Chi Minh; there are just so many things to do in Vietnam.
Be adventurous on your Vietnam travels and ride a motorbike from North to South or around the northern loop. It was such a fun adventure getting lost in Northern Vietnam, it led us to the most remote, off the beaten path Vietnam destinations. Follow our Vietnam travel guide all the tips and keep reading for the 8 most adventurous things to do in Vietnam.
Quick Answer:
- Ha Giang Northern Loop
- Canyoning in Dalat
- Caving in Phong Nha
- Hai Van Pass
- Halong Bay
- Trekking in Sapa
- Sand Boarding & ATV riding in Mui Ne
- Riding your motorbike from North to South
1. Ha Giang’s Northern Loop
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Vietnam, then head to Vietnam’s northernmost Province, Ha Giang. The northern loop of Vietnam is one of the most thrilling and unique things to do in Vietnam. Grab a motorbike, your camera, and someone to share this experience with because you’re about to start the ultimate Vietnam adventure travel. It’s one of the most legendary motorbike routes in the world!
These mythical landscapes of the North are home to jaw-dropping limestone peaks, deep valleys and some of the friendliest people in the country. Your adventure in Vietnam can be done solo on a motorbike or, jump on the back of a guides bike if you’re not comfortable riding your own. There’s nothing better than exploring all of the beautiful places in Vietnam on a motorbike. Knock Ha Giang’s epic Northern Loop off your Vietnam bucket list! Book a 5-day northern loop tour, or attempt the journey yourself.
2. Canyoning In Dalat
If you’re looking for adrenaline filled fun, then add Dalat to your Vietnam itinerary! Abseil down cascading waterfalls and take the 8m plunge into the depths below. Check out one of the many breathtaking waterfalls in Dalat while you’re here. Don’t forget to strap your harness tight, because you’re in for a wild ride on your Dalat Vietnam adventure tour.
Drive past coffee plantations and ethnic minority villages, through thick, dense mud, in an old school Jeep. We had the soft top down, music pumping and epic views of the countryside. Canyoning in Dalat is one of the best adventure activities in Vietnam!
After an hour of four-wheel driving, you arrive at the 5 breathtaking waterfalls. Ease into the day with a quick 5m waterfall abseil and swim. You slowly build up your confidence before arriving at the giant, 65m waterfall! It definitely is intimidating but what an adrenaline rush! If you are visiting Dalat, canyoning is definitely one of the most thrilling and best things to do in Vietnam.
3. Hai Van Pass
Our Vietnam adventure tour led us to Vietnam’s incredible Hai Van Pass. This stretch of road is dubbed the “Top Gear Experience”, with 21Km’s of winding mountainous roads. This coastal pass stretches along the Annamite Mountain Range between Hue and Da Nang. The Hai Van Pass is probably the best, most beautiful road in the country and one of the top adventure activities to experience in Vietnam.
This 3-hour awe-inspiring motorbike adventure in Vietnam will take your breath away! Climb through the mountains with lush green jungle on one side and, the Pacific Ocean on the other. Just don’t underestimate the Vietnamese roads, as this isn’t the easiest ride for those who haven’t had much experience on a motorbike. If you are not up for the drive yourself but don’t want to miss one of the best things to do in Vietnam, try an Easy Rider.
4. Hanoi Or Ho Chi Minh Rush Hour
Why’d the foreigner cross the road? To get to the other side…
The roads are different here in Vietnam. There’s no other way to describe it than; organised chaos. Crossing the road during rush hour is one of the many crazy things to do in Ho Chi Minh. Somehow we managed to scrape through 5 months of adventure in Vietnam without a single (bad) crash.
It’s one thing riding a bike with the flow of chaos but how the hell do you cross these streets? Crossing the road is a Vietnam adventure in itself and one of the things you must do in Vietnam (not for the fun, but because you will simply need to get to the other side sooner or later). If you plan on waiting for an empty space, you’ll legit be waiting there all day. Here are some tips for surviving the Vietnamese adventure; how to cross the road!
- Use your hand to signal motorbikes to go or stop
- Find a tribute: look for someone also crossing the road, stand next to them but away from oncoming traffic, follow their lead.
- Look for a small gap in the road and take it, slowly shuffling across the road with each gap that appears.
5. Halong Bay Cruise
With pretty much everything (besides alcohol) included on your Vietnam adventure tour through the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. You will experience for yourself why a Halong Bay cruise is one of the top things to do in Vietnam. Venture out for a Halong Bay day cruise or take the overnight or multiple day options. It all depends on how much adventure in Vietnam you’re looking for.
Cruise around Vietnam’s most famous group of islands, Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay. You’ll be surrounded by immense beauty with karst, limestone rock formations that emerge from the sea, as you keep looking out for King Kong. Kayak into and around small bays that are only accessible through a small cave-like tunnel. Enjoy barbecued seafood off the back of the boat, pumping music and great vibes all around whilst out at sea on your Halong Bay cruise. One of the best adventure tours in Vietnam, is Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a must-see attraction in Vietnam.
6. Trekking In Sapa
Trekking is one of the top Vietnam outdoor activities to experience on your travels. Sapa is home to some of the best trekking adventures in Vietnam. The small mountainous town of Sapa is world famous for its incredible scenery, Fansipan Mountain and cascading rice terraces. There’s no better way to get amongst the nature and culture of Vietnam than a trek to an ethnic minority village.
Just over the valley from Sapa, sits Fansipan Mountain towering at 3143m above sea level. If you are looking for the ultimate Vietnamese adventure then have a crack at conquering Fansipan Mountain! You will be well rewarded with epic views from the highest mountain in Indochina. It’s no wonder that Sapa is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam.
8. Sandboarding And ATV Driving In Mui Ne
Mui Ne has become quite a popular Vietnam destination for holiday goers. Resorts line the oceanfront, people flock here for the ultimate combination of luxury, beachfront accommodation and some of the best adventure activities in Vietnam! You can book your Vietnam adventure tour online or through your local tour agency. The tours in Mui Ne are really cheap and takes you to the White and Red Sand Dunes, Fairy Stream and the local fishing village. There are also so many epic places to stay in Mui Ne like Mia Mui Ne resort.
The White Sand Dunes have an incredible view overlooking the beach and the surrounding area. The best time to visit is definitely for sunrise. This is where you and your partner in crime can hire an ATV for your Vietnam adventure. Cruise around the vast, endless sand dunes in search of the perfect viewpoint. Race your new friends or just sit back and enjoy your ultimate Vietnam adventure.
The Red Sand Dunes offer the perfect opportunity for sandboarding in Mui Ne. For only $1 you can hire a matt that will whip you down the bottom of the dunes on your bum. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Mui Ne then be sure not to miss this Vietnamese tours.
9. Caving in Phong Nha
Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park, is surrounded by jungle and incredible limestone cliffs. Home to the oldest karst mountains in Asia and also the world’s largest cave Hang Son Doong. There are natural mud baths inside Dark Cave where you can relax and float in complete darkness. You can take on the ultimate Vietnamese adventure tour through Hang Son Doong Cave, with a week-long tour.
Over the caves? That’s okay because you have plenty of other Vietnamese adventure activities at your disposal here in Phong Nha. Spot native monkeys and wildlife, go on epic hikes and discover beautiful viewpoints. Go Ziplining, kayaking or take on the flying fox at Phong Nha’s Dark Cave. Phong Nha is an epic destination and the home of adventure in Vietnam.
Looking for more adventurous things to do in Vietnam? Follow our Vietnam travel guide for more tips, advice and fun things to do in Vietnam. These aren’t the only the thrilling activities in Vietnam, you have to try here is a full list of Vietnam adventure tours! Whether you’re trekking in Sapa, hiking on Cat Ba Island or enjoying a Halong Bay cruise, you’re bound to enjoy these awesome things to do in Vietnam!
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HL Vietnam
17 Apr 2018I’m glad you also tried going to Phong Nha cave! It’s actually one of my favorite activities in Phong Na, the vast interior of the cave is absolutely amazing! It’s easily accessible from the main town, so if you’re already in the area don’t ever miss going to the cave.
Honeymoon Backpackers
18 Apr 2018Phong Nha cave was awesome!!! We were very impressed by how big it was and the intricate limestone formations, plus all the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Phong Nha is such an awesome part of Vietnam 🙂