Best Water Sports in Vietnam To Try on Your Trip

By Trinh Tran on Dec 16, 2020

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Never take an extensive 3,260km of coastline for granted. Wherever you are, Nha Trang, Vung Tau or Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s scenic coasts are not for sightseeing only, you will be in awe at challenging water sports in Vietnam.

For those who are intrigued by fun-filled water sports but can’t swim, the good news is you don’t even need to know swimming. For those who want to have fun but don’t seek a dose of adrenaline, there are many relaxing water sports in Vietnam. There is something fun for everyone!

Best water sports in Vietnam

A Vietnam vacation is unfinished without coming close to its gleaming water. Extensive choices of water activities are available to make it an experience of a lifetime here in Vietnam. Get ready to make a splash and soak up endless adventures now.

1. Scuba diving

This is probably the most favored sport among tourists heading to Vietnam’s waters. There is a good chance to encounter breathtaking underwater vegetation with colorful reefs and extraordinary fish. To say a school of pipefish fish will make their way right in front of you. The mystical water is showing off its grace!

Nha Trang is an epicentre of scuba diving in Vietnam. You can explore the majestic underwater world at Moray Beach, Fisherman Bay, Coral Garden and more. Also, gorgeous sights and fun experiences are available at Phu Quoc, Hoi An and Con Dao Island. Don’t worry to leap headfirst into the sea. Both the first-time and seasoned divers are welcomed!

Suggested time: Between March and October

Suggested location: Moray Beach, Fisherman Bay, Madonna Rock – Nha Trang, Ho Trau Nam – Whale Island, Hon Ko – Phu Quoc, Hon Nhan – Hoi An, Con Dao Islands

Approximate cost: A day trip with one dive may start from $50, varying as per the location and number of dives

2. Snorkeling

*A snorkeling tour in Nha Trang by Maika Tours*

Just as popular as scuba diving, snorkeling in Nha Trang is an authentic experience you should never shut your eyes to. This is exactly where you are intimidated by great reefs with coral, sponges and so many kinds of tropical fish from butterfish to clownfish. The water also houses flatworms, shrimp species and octopuses.

Con Dao and Phu Quoc are other fantastic snorkeling spots in Vietnam. The real magic really lies there. Don’t forget to enjoy the local treats and great vibes of pristine and clean waters you will find nowhere else.

Suggested time: Between November and March (for the south of Vietnam including Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands), between February and October (for the mid-coast region including Nha Trang)

Suggested location: Hon Ong, Hon Mun Island, Con Dao, Phu Quoc, An Thoi Archipelago, Cham Islands, Son Tra Peninsula

Approximate cost: Starting from $30

3. Sea trek

The wondrous world truly reveals its magic under the water, and sea trek is a perfect way to admire that beauty. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration of walking under the water with colorful sea creatures. The thrills of sea trek – Sea lives are incredibly close to you! From 8 to 80, from swimmers to non-swimmers, everyone can join this water sport in Vietnam.

Cham Island in Hoi An is one of the most popular places for sea trek seekers. Phu Quoc Island has joined the race in recent years. Remember to get your underwater camera prepared to record some of your unforgettable experiences in Vietnam. You are a mermaid now with all the beautiful sea creatures around!

Suggested time: All year round

Suggested location: Cham Island, Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang

Approximate cost: Starting from $60

4. Kayaking

If you are into a relaxing sport and the tranquility that comes with it, kayaking is in your right mind. During a fun day out, kayakers will sneak up on wildlife in the secluded island of Halong Bay. What’s better than kayaking and viewing the sun beautifully sets over the skyline of a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Take this chance to explore azure water and more than two thousand soaring limestone karst islets.

Dive into natural wonders at Halong Bay, Mekong River and Hoa Binh Lake. Another good and fun way to shed off some pounds and enjoy the sense of getting lost in the moment. You won’t go wrong while seated in your kayak.

Suggested time: All year round

Suggested location: Halong Bay, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Han River – Danang, Huong River – Hue, Phu Quoc Island

Approximate cost: $6 – $10/person varying from the location and the age

5. Surfing

Tourists have become fascinated about how surfing can prove to be an exhilarating experience. Whether you want to have some fun or go out on a competition, surfing is for you. This water sport will prolong your adventure’s memories in Vietnam. Quality waves and warm weather are perfect to get your surf on.

Danang is known as the surfing capital of Vietnam, so you can just need to look for other surfers and join them. Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Vung Tau are also must-try surf spots. There are some water sports schools offering surfing classes in case you are soon-to-be surfers.

Suggested time: Between October and May

Suggested location: My Khe Beach, Bai Dai Beach, Hon Rom Beach, Vung Tau Beach

Approximate cost: Starting from $5 for an hour

6. Kitesurfing

*Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash*

“Mui Ne has to be the go-to place if you want to experience kiteboarding in Asia. The friendly people, easy access to the ocean and often direct flights make it a top destination,” says 4x British Champion Lewis Crathern. And his words really raise the adrenaline level of those who want to try this water sport in Vietnam. With the right training, you can quickly learn to kitesurf even if you have never done a water sport before.

In addition to Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Vung Tau, Danang, La Gi and Ho Tram welcome all kitesurfers. Always, there are fun beach parties to dig into the local culture and find some new friends there. Try to get there between November and April which is the most favorable time for your kitesurfing plans.

Suggested time: Between November and April

Suggested location: Mui Ne, Cam Ranh, Thap Cham, Vung Tau

Approximate cost: Kitesurfing courses for beginners may start from $100

7. Jet ski

Jet ski is the best way to enjoy the water without having to get into it. This is also a budget-friendly and family-friendly sport to try if you want to do something fun on the water. If you are too familiar with it, just ride it on your own and have fun. If you are enthralled by jet ski for the first time, experienced instructors will guide you around the waterways of Vietnam.

Imagine how fascinating it is to hope on and feel the breeze and challenge your balance. You can enjoy this sport mostly at any beach destination in Vietnam. It is a low-hanging fruit to try without costing much. Enjoy some riding time soon!

Suggested time: All year round

Suggested location: Almost everywhere but popular at Nha Trang and Vung Tau

Approximate cost: From $10/ 30 minutes

8. SUP

SUP or stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in Vietnam these days. It does not require much speed and strength, you enjoy the beach scenes at their best. With a little bit of exercise, a little bit of relaxation and a little bit of escape from the noisy life, you can paddle at your own pace while evoking your truest feelings.

There are more than just a couple of places to try SUP in Vietnam. Far away from common beach destinations, a SUP tour along the scenic Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh or Thu Bon River in Hoi An will make for a wonderful paddling experience. Adorn your trip with tempting food and a coffee stop as well!

Suggested time: All year round

Suggested location: Lan Ha Bay, Thac Ba Lake, Ngo Dong River, Thu Bon River

Approximate cost: A half-day tour may start from $30

9. Flyboarding

Not many activities offer water sports enthusiasts a wide range of experiences as flyboarding, not to say it is one of the most adventurous and exciting types of water sports in Vietnam. Have you ever wanted to fly? Just imagine how cool it is to fly across the water, you will feel the calling to try it now.

All in one – You can get the sense of water skiing, wakeboarding and even acrobatic diving by trying flyboarding. Feel this great sensation for 10 or up to 25 minutes at Nha Trang beaches and feel the thrills like never before. With just 1-5 minutes of instruction to find your balance, you can enjoy the flight.

Suggested time: Between November and April

Suggested location: Nha Trang scenic beaches, Phu Quoc the Pearl Island

Approximate cost: Starting from $60/15 minutes

There is nothing like trying out the thrilling water sports in Vietnam! You and your family are sure to have some excitement together at one of Vietnam’s beach heavens. Wanna a holiday that caters to the water interests of the whole family? Contact us now!

Written by Trinh Tran