The coastal hotlist

Stand up paddling-Cat Ba Island

Stunning Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Lan Ha Bay which lies right next to world famous Ha Long. It boasts golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungle convered mountains and a wide choice of treks in the Cat Ba National Park.

And besides kayaking, you can enjoy stand up paddling (SUP). SUP boards are similar to surfboards but an SUP can be paddled, so you can travel much further and enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of the bay.

Helicopter flights in Da Nang

This is a totally different way to experience this exotic beach city as well as views over Marble Mountain and the Han River with its famous bridges including the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge.

Helicopter charter is now available from Da Nang City to the Son Tra Peninsular, Hoi An ancient town, Ba Na Hills, My Son sanctuary, Laguna Lang Co, Hue ancient capital, Bach Ma national park, Ly Son island, Phong Nha-Ke Bang natural reservation and many more destinations.

Parasailing off Tuan Chau Island

Parasailing is an adventurous activity that you can find in Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Vung Tau, but Tuan Chau is probably the number one place to give it a go.

Here you will glide high above the magnificent scenery of UNESCO listed Ha Long Bay, seeing it as few before you ever have.

Hydroplane fight over Ha Long Bay

It’s now possible to take a 10 minute scenic flight over this heritage site. Passengers will get the ultimate birds-eye view of thousands of limestone karsts jutting up from the jade green waters dotted with boats and floating villages. This is an experience like no other.

Diving and snorkelling in Hoi An

In Hoi An, tourists can go scuba diving and snorkelling and explore small, uninhabited islands.

With the crystal clear water and calm sea along the central coast, an underwater paeadise awaits. Well off the beaten track, Cu Lao Cham, 25 nautical miles by boat off the coast of Quang Nam province’s Hoi An, offers pristine white-sandy beaches and azure waters.

Contact Blue Coral Diving (www.dive-hoian.com) for unforgettable diving and snorkelling tours.

Wind-surfing and kite-boarding in Mui Ne

Mui Ne in Binh Thuan province is known as a Mecca for surfing and kite boarding. Thanks to perfect conditions with strong, consistent cross-onshore winds and the lowest rainfall in Vietnam, Mui Ne has also played host to the World Championships.

There are many kite boarding centres in Mui Ne and the competition is fierce.

Luxury cruise in Nha Trang

Nha Trang has been a top attraction for both domestic and international tourists for many years thanks to its beautiful beach and clear blue waters.

The Emperor Cruises company now offers the ultimate 5-star luxury experience with an intimate cruise.

Besides enjoying the wonderful landscape, bathing under the sunshine and swimming in the crystal jade water, there is a choice of activities on offer.

Yoga retreat-Con Dao

Con Dao is perhaps the perfect place for a yoga break. The fresh air, the clear sandy beaches, calm crystal blue water and isolated wild nature help yoga practitioners get the most out of every session and become revitalised and re-engerised.

What’s more, this is a great place for a healthy Vietnamese culinary journey, ensuring that you leave well-nourished both physically and mentally.

Fishing off Phu Quoc Island

While the central coast offers excellent fishing opportunities for fervent anglers, the most exciting place to cast your hook is Phu Quoc Island which offers both day and night angling opportunities.

It’s possible to take a trip with local fisherman and capitalise on their knowledge and experience to bring you the best possible chance of landing an impressive catch.

Kite flying in Vung Tau

Vung Tau City is well-known nationwide for its tourism and beautiful beaches. Bordered by the sea on three sides, the city has beautiful mountains, thermal springs, pagodas and other cultural relics.

The beach city is also very famous for its annual kite festival gathering hundreds of international artists from five continents.

With a long sandy beach, Vung Tau is the perfect venue to show-off the largest and most beautiful kites.