Adventure Travel in Vietnam, Organised or Independent
Vietnam has a turbulent history of wars. After the American war (known to
westerners as the Vietnamese war), the new communist regime closed the borders
for foreigners. Over the years, however, the government opened the borders for
foreign visitors and influences. Nowadays, Vietnam is a great destination,
especially for Adventure Travel.
A commercial attitude has always been part of Vietnamese culture. So it's no
miracle that after the years of isolation, Vietnam quickly changed into a unique
mix of communism and capitalism. As soon as you will arrive in Vietnam, you will
be offered all kinds of services, including postcards, shoe shine, and different
Vietnam tours.
Independent adventure travelers, however, do not fancy organised tours in buses
with many tourists. But the lack of public transport almost requires taking such
a tour. Unless, of course, you have your own means of transport. In that case,
try to reach the following exciting Vietnam destinations on your own.
Northern hill tribes:
In the mountainous regions of North Vietnam, several different hill tribes still
live their traditional lives. The village of Sapa and the valleys around it are
great for exploring. For independent travelers, it can be reached by train and
mini bus, but it is also great for touring around on a motorbike. Make sure,
though, to make a trekking, too.
Tours from Hanoi:
From the capital of Hanoi, different tours can be made. Before exploring by
yourself, however, take into account that for instance Halong
Bay,
but also the Perfume Pagoda, require boat transportation as well.
Central Vietnam:
In the centre of Vietnam, between the cities of Hue and Hoi An, lies a small
mountain range, causing a change in climate, especially in winter. Where Hue is
the wettest place in Vietnam, and still pretty cold in winter, Hoi An sees a lot
of sun, and is warm year-round.
In these regions, there are a lot of interesting sights. Independent travelers,
however, need to take care since a lot of landmines are still around. This is
the area of the former demilitarized zone, and a lot of fighting took place
here. The remnants of the once flourishing Champa kingdom at My Son has suffered
from it, but is still worth a visit. While on the road, you can see more sites
with Cham towers, though.
Around Dalat:
Moving south, it's best to move away from the coastal road into the central
highlands around Dalat. This area is well suited to visit with your own means of
transport, visiting waterfalls, hill tribes, nice scenery, etcetera. Without
transport, you are stuck to another Vietnam tour to visit those sites.
Mekong Delta:
The most challenging area for independent adventure travel is in the south of
Vietnam. The Mekong Delta area mainly has waterways. The roads alongside the
water are connected over the water by monkey bridges. The Vietnamese take their
motorbikes over these bridges, but can you?
So many places in Vietnam are worth a visit. But visiting those independently is
often a challenge. For some regions, you may want to stick to a Vietnam Tour.
For others, consider having your own means of transport for the best adventure
travel. The choice is up to you.
Sapa Budget Tours
- Sapa Day Tours - Sapa Day Excursions - Day Trips Sapa Vietnam
- Sapa Walk and Bac ha Market
- Sapa Hard Trekking Two
- Sapa Hard Trekking One
- Sapa Medium Trek Two
- Sapa Medium Trek
Sapa Trekking and Adventures
- Fansipan peak conquering VIP tour (3 days - 2 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering VIP tour (2 days - 1 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (4 days - 3 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (3 days - 2 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Deluxe tour (2 days - 1 nights)
- Fansipan peak conquering Standard tour (4 days - 3 nights)
Sapa Cycling Options
- Sapa - Binh Lu - Lai Chau(with biking)
- Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Ban Ho
- Sapa Biking Tour - Ban Ho Village
- Sapa Biking Tour - Binh Lu - Lai Chau
- SaPa - Bac Ha Market with biking
- Pedalling The Remote Sapa\'s Northwest
Sapa Luxury Holidays
Traditional Minority Discovery Packages
- Green Sapa bus (Hanoi – Sapa)
- Eco Sapa Limousine Van (Hanoi – Sapa)
- Private car Hanoi Sapa
- Hanoi Sapa Private Cabin bus
- Coc Ly market with boat trip
- Cao Son market -boat trip on Chay river- Sapa Tours
Sapa Classic Trips
Northern Mountain Discovery Packages
Topas Ecolodge Sapa tours
- Topas Ecolodge and Market Package 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge and Market Package-2D/3N
- Topas Ecolodge and Victoria Sapa Package – 4D/5N
- Topas Ecolodge and Victoria Sapa Package – 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge Package – 3D/4N
- Topas Ecolodge Package 2D/3N