Highwire walking, Flyboarding, and Zip-line - the adventure sports in Vietnam attracted a lot of travelers in 2017 looking to test themselves on games requiring courage, patience, and flexibility.

Zip-line

Zip-line is an outdoor activity, originating from a form of transport in high and rugged mountains. With the zipline, visitors have the chance to enjoy stunning natural landscapes while flying through the air at high speed.

Zip-line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley.

Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds. Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy. Zip line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes course.

This past time, Zip-line is very popular in such localities as Lam Dong Province, Thua Thien-Hue,and Quang Binh Province. In which, Phu Sa Do Tourism and Commerce Joint Stock Company has got the green light from the central province of Quang Binh to build the world’s longest zip-line at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

The construction site covers 35 hectares, spanning from Nuoc Mooc Stream to Dark Cave. The VND300 billion (US$13.2 million) project is expected to help develop adventure tourism products and watersports along the zip-line such as an overhead pedestrian bridge, windsurfing, kayak cruising and indoor climbing.

Paragliding

Paragliding is quite a new sport in Vietnam which requires money, time and a lot of technical skills. Vietnam has much potential to develop and promote paragliding since it has very supportive weather, topographic diversity and magnificent scenery from north to south.

The spot to play Paragliding is located at Luong Son commune, Hoa Binh province, about 40 kilometers away from Hanoi on the southwest. In addition, Bai Nha belongs to Lac Son, Hoa Binh province is the best place to hold annual paraglide competition because it has many favorable conditions of space, weather, and wind.

Khau Pha also the most famous paragliding place in Vietnam, located on the national highway 32 leading to Mu Cang Chai. Every year, from September to October, pilots from all over the country come to Khau Pha to share the sky and the sight of immense golden terraced rice fields below.

Highwire tightrope walking

Highwire tightrope walking challenges people’s ability to keep balance while moving along a narrow wire or rope. Wire-walkers have to overcome obstacles at a relative height to the ground. The activity is usually organized in forests, mostly in Hue and Da Lat, with a ticket price of VND120,000.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the best way to savor the beautiful lakes & oceans of Vietnam. Whether you are a novice or a first-time enthusiast, Vietnam has some ideal destinations to go.

Halong Bay is a not to miss place for fantastic kayaking. With thousands of limestone islands rising abruptly out of emerald sparkling water and amazing caves, some with pristine lagoons inside, Ha Long Bay tempts even the most jaded mind.  Without a doubt, you can explore Ha Long as independent traveler, yet arranging for a group tour from Hanoi is much cheaper and even easier.

There is nothing more interesting than cruising around these magnificent settings while keeping you a bit busy. Many ships offers kayak as an optional/extra service in Halong Bay tour package. You should ask clearly if the service is included or not.

Vietnam also has several lakes with gorgeous water and surrounding settings. Among them, Ba Be Lake and Thac Ba Lake are the greatest choices for kayaking in Vietnam. As they are located in far north region, they offer you complete tranquility and relaxing atmosphere.

The best time to go kayaking in Ha Long and Ba Be is from March to May. This is also the best time to travel Sapa and Vietnam in general. Kayaking gear is available as part of the service, yet bringing your own gear and sun scream is absolutely more stunning. Also, it is better to have a tour guide with you. Kayaking in Halong is generally safe if you know where to go, especially with some long and dark caves in Lan Ha Bay.

Flyboarding

Flyboarding ranks among the top ten most dangerous adventure sports in the world. It is a thrilling experience for adrenaline junkies who enjoy being propelled into the air at high speed with water pressure. It is a new past time in Vietnam with costs ranging from VND800,000 to VND1 million for 15 minute rides, available in Nha Trang.

The Flyboard staff in Nha Trang will give you all the helpful tips you need to fly across the water during this activity that combines the skills and practices of water skiing, wakeboarding, and even acrobatic diving. When booking, select from a 5-minute, 10-minute, or 20-minute session.

When you arrive at Flyboard Nha Trang, your session starts with a briefing explaining the technical and safety aspects of Flyboarding. The staff members show you the right way to use the board and your body to control the Flyboard so you can fly high above the water and dive like a dolphin. The necessary gear is provided to protect you from any impact on the water. When you get on the water, your trainer stays by your side and guides you through the process as you learn how to control your height and distance for a successful flight.

Surfing

Surfing is a popular sport in many foreign countries. Surfers must be proficient swimmers and learn different surfing techniques before taking a board out to water. Surfing had become popular on the beaches in Da Nang, Phan Thiet, and Vung Tau. The rental price for a board is VND700,000 per hour or about VND2 million with an instructor.

In whichs, Suoi Nuoc Beach is located on the way to the white sand dunes and on good conditions gets a great swell and wind. The annual SSS Surf and SUP Competitions have been held here hosted by Jibes Beach Club. In addition, the best waves can be found further North (3-4hrs) in Phan Rang where the waves break onto a solid bedrock reef. This place also has some of the best wind conditions in Vietnam so it really has everything a water lover craves.

Hanoitimes