Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
low-key, but one-day hikes and longer
treks incorporating overnight stays in
minority villages are a popular way to
explore the countryside. Sa Pa and Mai
Chau in the north, and to a lesser extent
Da Lat and Kon Tum in the Central
Highlands, provide good bases for treks.
A guide is essential for longer treks into
more remote areas, especially if you
intend to stay the night, as many places
are sensitive to the presence of foreigners,
and some require a permit or may even
be out of bounds altogether: unexploded
ordnance still litters Vietnam (see box,
p.867). As the tallest mountain in the
country, Mount Fansipan (see p.859)
offers one of the most challenging hikes,
but easier, very pleasant treks can be
taken around the country's national
parks, including Cat Ba (see p.853), Cuc
Phuong (see p.851) and Yok Don.
Multi-day hikes that incorporate jungle
trekking, caving (and camping in caves)
and crossing rivers are available in Phong
Nha-Ke Bang National Park (see p.864)
he rivers and waterfalls around Da Lat
provide good conditions for canyoning
and rock climbing , and the limestone
karsts and caves around Ha Long Bay are
attracting international attention for their
climbing, deep-water soloing and
bouldering opportunities.
agencies or outfits such as the legendary
Easy Riders in Da Lat (see p.895) or
Flamingo in Hanoi (see p.844).
DIVING AND WATERSPORTS
A number of watersports operators have
opened up along Vietnam's 3000km
coastline, though classes and equipment
rental aren't cheap. Mui Ne is the country's
premier kitesurfing and windsurfing
destination, hosting an international
kitesurfing competition every spring
(usually February); paddle-boarding and
surfing are also on offer. Several operators
in Nha Trang and Hoi An can organize
wakeboarding , waterskiing , kitesurfing
and sea kayaking , while the surf is up on
China Beach near Da Nang from
September to December. Sea kayaking
between the karsts around Cat Ba Island is
one of the most rewarding ways to
experience Ha Long Bay.
he waters around Phu Quoc, Nha
Trang and Hoi An are popular places for
scuba diving and snorkelling ; Nha Trang
is the undisputed top diving destination,
and established outfits in all three
locations offer certified courses to suit all
levels as well as discovery dives.
11
COMMUNICATIONS
Regular mail can take anywhere from
four days to four weeks in or out of
Vietnam; from major towns, eight to ten
days is the norm, though express mail
service (EMS), available in larger cities,
is twice as fast and everything is sent
recorded delivery.
When sending a parcel take it
unwrapped to the post o ce parcel
counter (often open mornings only; take
your passport as well). After inspection,
and a good deal of form-filling, the parcel
will be wrapped for you.
Internet cafés are still found in most
towns and cities, although they are
becoming obsolete with the ever-
increasing number of free wi-fi hotspots.
he vast majority of hotels and
guesthouses provide free wi-fi; some also
have computers for guest use.
he cheapest way to make international
calls is via Skype. Alternatively, it's well
CYCLING, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND
MOTORBIKING
Cycling , mountain biking and
motorbiking have become very popular
means of travel for tourists visiting
Vietnam. he most popular motorbiking
routes include Hanoi to HCMC through
the Central Highlands along the scenic
Ho Chi Minh Highway, and the
Northwestern circuit (see p.856), while
the pancake-flat Mekong Delta, and
numerous mountain-to-coast routes
starting in Da Lat and ending in Mui Ne,
Nha Trang or Hoi An are particularly
popular with cyclists. You can rent your
own bike or motorbike, but make sure
you have adequate insurance cover; a
guide is highly recommended but not
essential, as main roads are generally well
signposted. Motorbike tours can be
booked with independent guides, travel
 
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