Tourists from Russia associate Vietnam with a place of beach relax. But it would be strange if in this country, with its 3200 thousand kilometers of coastline, surfing was not developed. In Vietnam, the socialist system still reigns. But this does not prevent people from different corners of the earth from coming here. It should be noted that Vietnam is too stretched from north to south, and its territory occupies three climatic zones. Therefore, you can catch a suitable wave almost all year round, traveling in various regions of the state.
Another natural feature of Vietnam is that, along with classic surfing, its varieties are extremely popular here: windsurfing (board riding with a sail), kitesurfing (with a parachute) and Hawaiian surfing (with a paddle). In this article we will talk about the best places to practice this sport, as well as when and on which coast it is better to come.
The benefits of surfing in Vietnam
Almost the entire coastline of the country is suitable for riding on boards. Only in the northernmost regions of Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin, the right waves do not drop in all year round. The best spots are located on the eastern and southern coasts of the country. Vietnam has a small piece of territory overlooking the Gulf of Thailand of the Indian Ocean. Here is the main resort of the southern territories of the country - the island of Fukuok. There is also great surfing, but the season for it is different from other regions.
The main advantage of practicing this sport in Vietnam is low prices. The entourage of skating resembles Hawaii, and you will spend several times less for this paradise. A warm climate is an indisputable plus for a person who occupies the water from dawn to dusk by the nature of his occupation. In Vietnam, they are meeting the "folly" practicing this extreme sport. Throughout the country you will find schools, surf clubs and equipment rental. The choice of housing off the coast is great and is designed for any wallet - from chic “fives” to guesthouses for backpackers. Well, now let's review the best resorts for surfing.
Muyne
All adherents of this water sport agree that this resort town is the capital of Vietnamese surfing. And not only in its classic version. In Mui Ne, “right” winds blow all year round, which allows you to surf the waves on a board under sail or with a kite. And for classic surfing, the best period is considered the time from September to the end of March. Then typhoons come to the Pacific Ocean, which drive serious waves to the shores of southeast Vietnam.
What are the advantages of Mui Ne over other resorts? The former fishing village, and now the rapidly developing capital of surfing, is located only 15 kilometers from the large city of Fantiet. So board skating can be combined with other activities. Mui Ne is considered more budgetary than Phan Thiet, although they have the same beach. Both resorts are a great place for a winter beach holiday. Therefore, you can come here with those family members who are not keen on surfing.
Tours in Mui Ne (Vietnam) are extremely popular in the Russian Federation. The resort can safely be called "Russian-speaking." A language barrier will not arise in surfing schools, which are very numerous here. Here they teach not only standing on the board, but also sailing or kiteboarding. The only minus of Mui Ne is the rather nasty road from Ho Chi Minh Airport. Another feature: the best surfing happens in the morning. The wind rising in the afternoon breaks the waves.
Surf Spot in Mui Ne
The best place to learn this sport is Malibu Beach. An outstanding cape protects the bay from particularly high waves. In Malibu Beach, classic surfing is best done in the afternoon, while before noon it’s kite time. In winter, professionals gather on this coast. At this time, the waves on the Malibu reach four meters.
Another spot, ideal for surfing in Vietnam, is called Secret spot. It is also protected by a cape and is characterized by stable, traveling at a distance from each other, waves. Surfers in Mui Ne have also heard such spots as Surf4you and Africa. The bottom in these places is sandy, without stones and corals.
Fanet
On the coast of this city, there are completely identical conditions for surfing with Mui Ne. In Vietnam, Phan Thiet is considered a wonderful resort for a beach holiday in winter. Therefore, the surfer needs to be closely watched so as not to run into swimmers. Like in Mui Ne, here they ride not only on the classic board, but also sail, and fly under the kite. The disadvantage of this resort are high, compared with other places in Vietnam, prices. But there are definitely more pluses.
In Phan Thiet you can find a budget hotel on the first line from the sea, in the immediate vicinity of the spot. In a large resort there will be no problems finding a Russian-speaking instructor. Unlike calm Mui Ne, the infrastructure of evening relaxation is more developed here, and during the day you can diversify your activities with excursions.
Special tours for lovers of all types of surfing
The fifteen-kilometer beach connecting Muine and Phan Thiet is considered ideal for board riding. Therefore, from November to early March, special surfing tours are organized here from Russia (but also from other countries). What are they? As in the usual package for beach goers, the tour includes a flight to Ho Chi Minh Airport, transfer to the resort, hotel accommodation with meals. But the program also provides lessons at a surf school with a Russian-speaking instructor.
The class is small - only 3-4 people, so the teacher can pay attention to each beginner. For a small fee, individual classes can be booked. They also teach the intricacies of wind and kitesurfing. The price of the tour includes the rental of all equipment - surfboard, wax, lycra, lichen. The school has a locker room, safe, shower. If you have already learned to ride the waves, you can hone your skills or just rent equipment.
Vung tau
The resort is located in the south of Vietnam. According to tourists reviews, Vung Tau is a great spot for beginners. Absolutely non-aggressive waves are present here even in calm weather, thanks to underwater currents. In December and March, the resort is occupied by kite and windsurfers, as good steady winds rise here. In January, the sea may be closed to athletes.
The disadvantage of Vung Tau is that the resort is located on a prominent promontory, and therefore takes all the blows of the elements. For classic surfing, you should come to this spot in November-December or February-March. But if you are an ace, you can try your hand at Vung Tau even in January. Since the resort is "geared" for beginners, there are many surf schools, including Russian-speaking ones. But they are all with a bias in kiting.
Surfing in Da Nang (Vietnam)
This resort is located in the central part of the country. And this means that you can relax at the resort all year round. Climatic conditions of Da Nang delight not only beach people, but also fans of classic surfing. Beginners are better off coming in the summer months. The waves during this period are calmer. The best period for professionals is from November to January. In Da Nang (Vietnam), surfing tournaments were held in the 1990s.
But the best spot is not a city beach, but the coast of Mui Khe, a ten-minute walk from the resort. Tourists often compare the local swell with Indonesian or Hawaiian. In winter, the waves reach three meters here. Of the advantages of Da Nang can be noted the presence of an international airport. Although there are no direct flights from Moscow to this resort. Danang is a medium-sized city. It has enough sightseeing offers and evening entertainment.
Nha trang
Most Russians associate this city not with surfing in Vietnam, but with a relaxing beach holiday. Nevertheless, the wind and tidal conditions in Nha Trang are similar to those in Mui Ne. But a huge number of swimming beachgoers makes sailing or kite riding problematic. And fans of classic surf are catching a wave on the beach at the Vietnamese resort. Nha Trang itself has the island of Hong Do, surrounded by coral reefs. The coastal break creates a good swirling wave.
But the best spot in the Nha Trang area is located 30 kilometers south of the resort, on a beach called Bai Dai. There are surfing schools. And even five-year-olds are taken there. The season here is typical for Central Vietnam: in the summer the sea is favorable for beginners, and from November to March the high wave season begins for professionals. The advantage of Nha Trang can be considered transport accessibility. During high season, many charters land at the local airport. The entertainment infrastructure is developed here, like nowhere else in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam also has a small stretch of coast in the Gulf of Thailand. The largest island of the country, Phu Quoc, lies on the same parallel as the resorts of Thailand. And therefore, the season there does not coincide with other territories of Vietnam. The dry period lasts from November to April. The good news is that it is also suitable for fans of classic surfing. There may be stable waves at this time.
But fearless Big Wave Ride lovers should come here in the rainy season. During this period, the waves become simply huge. But they are predictable, and the board is easy to manage. Fukuoka has its own airport and berths for ferries (the island is located 60 kilometers from mainland Vietnam). Equatorial climate and always warm sea is an indisputable advantage. Minus of the island - in the absence of any established spot for surfing. Fukuoka also has few schools and equipment rental shops.