LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Natural Adventures
For adrenaline junkies or nature lovers, Vietnam has plenty to offer. Start out with a visit to Halong Bay for some sea kayaking among the karsts. Experienced climbers with their own gear might leave the water far below, as these limestone outcrops offer some excellent ascents.
Further northeast in Bai Tu Long Bay, take to the water by local boat to see the 'new' Halong Bay without the tourists. Take a trip north of the capital to Ba Be National Park - three beautiful lakes set amid verdant forest with some great opportunities for hiking and biking. Heading south to central Vietnam, Bach Ma National Park is well geared up for walkers and has a series of marked trails to waterfalls. Down on the coast below Bach Ma is China Beach.
Go under the waves at Nha Trang, dive capital of Vietnam, with several international-standard operators, before heading out of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) up towards the hills of the central highlands, where there are two of Vietnam's best-known national parks: the birding hot spot of Cat Tien, with a population of rare Javan rhinos, and Yok Don, home to elephants, elephants and more elephants.
Wind up, or down, in Dalat, a base for abseiling, cycling or rock climbing.
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