Water Sports

Vietnam is vast stretches of sand and blue oceans, which all make idyllic spots for thrilling outdoor water sports even if you haven’t hit the water for months. From stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for a scenic cardio workout to uniquely local basket boat sailing.
Basket boat sailing 
Sailing in basket boats through coconut forests is an essential part of any visitor’s trip to Cam Thanh Village in Hoi An, as well as coastal villages in Central Vietnam. Tourists will sit in a basket boat with an experienced local sailor and slowly sail along the waters. If you know your way around the oars, you can grab them and sail the basket boats yourself. Basket boats are a rural means of transportation that date back to the French colonial era in the 19th century. In an attempt to avoid the colonial government’s harsh tax on boat ownership, Southern Vietnamese farmers and fishermen invented a new kind of boat made from bamboo baskets that can contain 3 people. 
Banana boat ride
For groups of friends or colleagues looking to have fun together, try bonding over a banana boat ride. Your group of 6 – 10 riders clad in life vests will be seated on an inflatable banana-shaped boat hooked to a speedboat, which pulls the banana boat at high speeds up to 50-80km/h. Each ride lasts about 10 minutes. The gist of the game is to hold on to one another as tightly as possible and not get flipped over into the water.
SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding)
Not only does stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) let you enjoy nature and explore your surroundings from a paddle board, but it also burns plenty of calories – it isn’t as easy as it looks from the shore. Since you’re constantly on the move on the water, your arms are always moving, which accordingly increases your heart rate and strengthens your back and arm muscles. Unlike other water sports that can only be found on the beaches or islands outside the city, SUP is a popular sport that can be accessed while in town. You can rent SUP gear at many shops located along lakes and rivers in Saigon or Hanoi.
Kayaking
Kayaking involves a small boat with enough storage for two riders to sit comfortably and a double-sided paddle, making it more suitable for a long paddling trip compared to SUP. Vietnam has plenty of beautiful kayaking spots, especially in Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. However, you can also kayak around the lakes and rivers in Saigon and Hanoi
Surfing 
Bracing and invigorating, surfing is a water sport that never goes out of style. Aside from looking cool while riding the waves, you’ll also learn more about the ocean as you pay close attention to the rhythm of waves and tides. However, in order to have a fun time surfing, you’ll need to get a crash course on how to catch a wave and paddle. You’ll also need basic swimming skills to stay safe and navigate the water whenever you fall off the board.