Mount Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest peak located in the far north just outside of Sapa. Mt. Fansipan is a very steep mountain that gets a lot of moisture. Those looking to climb it should be in good shape and prepared to to have muddy wet feet. The scenery is incredible so travelers should remember to bring a camera. For most of Vietnam having a rain coat is a little excessive because it is so warm. On the mountain having a rain coat is not a bad idea especially at night. The trails around Sapa are a lot of fun. Travelers will get the chance to go through some minority villages if travelers have the time to explore. There are well-marked trails, both long and short, for all skill levels.
When it is the best time? October to May are the best months
Book it: Active Travel Vietnam (00 84 4 3573 8569; www.trekfansipan.com)
2. MOTORCYCLING HO CHI MINH TRAIL, VIETNAM
The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line where it is used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometers through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that it is covered Vietnam’s mountainous border with Laos.
When it is the best time? October to April
Book it: Active Travel Vietnam (info@activetravelvietnam.com;
3. KAYAKKING HALONG BAY, VIETNAM
Ha Long Bay (also “Halong Bay”) is in northern Vietnam, 170 km east of Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic rock formations
If travelers thought the hideout in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” was spectacular, travelers can imagine a place where there are 3,000 such limestone islands clustered together in the East Sea of Halong Bay. Paddle through caves into secret lagoons, drift down channels are surrounded by cliffs and forest and sail out into the open sea.
When it is the best time? October and early January
Book it: Kayak Halong Bay (info@activetravel.asia;
4. EXPLORE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM
A holiday in Vietnam would be incomplete without a trip to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Popularly known as one of the ‘Rice Baskets’ of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is located in the South Eastern region of Vietnam, where the Mekong River meets the sea. A pride of the Vietnamese and the one of the most popular of the Vietnam tourist attractions, the Mekong Delta is exceptionally rich in scenic beauty. It is a place unique in itself.
When it is the best time? October to June
Book it: Active Travel Asia (0084-4-3573-
5. CYCLING ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA
Travelers will discover the world’s remarkable awesome historical site through this adventure trip and grasp the reasons why the Tomb Raider’s film maker team chose the Angkor Complex in Siem Reap for its screen backdrops. Also experience the biodiversity of Tonle Sap listed as the World Ecological Wonder.
When it is the best time? October to June
Book it: Active Travel Cambodia (info@activetravelcambodia.com;
6. CYCLING LAOS
Cycling is a great way to get off the beaten track in this increasingly popular country. Start in Luang Prabang, in north central Laos, and head to Hanoi, in North Vietnam, travelers are going to travel along the banks of the Mekong River and past the intriguing Viengxay caves.
When it is the best time? October to March
Book it: Active Travel Laos (info@activetravellaos.com;
