Sports and leisure activities Vietnam

Originally inaugurated in 1922, the golf course was the very private estate of former emperor Bao Dai. Located on the north shore of Lake Xuân Huong, it was redesigned and reopened to the public in early 1994. It has 18 holes. The clubhouse was built in 1956 (and has since been renovated) and features an excellent restaurant. The atmosphere is subdued, as befits a golf club. On-site lessons available, as well as a store where you can buy the equipment you need to practice the sport. Various types of membership available. Preferential prices for Da Lat Palace guests.

About ten kilometres northeast of the city, in a forest setting, the course extends over 5 hectares.

Chef Duyên organizes cooking tours preceded by a visit to the capital's markets to learn about local products. To learn how to cook some classic Vietnamese dishes (pork with caramel, spring rolls...) and vegetarian dishes. Phan Thi Duyên has been passionate about cooking since she was very young, helping her mother to prepare the family meals. For more than ten years, she has been teaching Vietnamese cuisine and sharing her passion with travelers from all over the world.

Why not try ziplining? You'll fly 45 m above the ground from Ma Yen Mountain to the lake near the finish area, after a 560 m-long course. This is the longest zip line in Vietnam. What's accrobranche? Keeping your balance on a cable... Highwire is a new adventure course in Vietnam. Take up the challenge 6 m above the ground. Three levels, from the easiest to the most difficult, over a length of 587 m.

Located in the town of Van Tri, the Van Tri Golf Club is a must for golf enthusiasts. The club offers an internationally renowned golf course with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Golfers of all levels can enjoy this well-maintained course and the club's modern facilities.

A beautiful 18-hole golf course by the sea, often considered one of the most challenging in Asia. Built in the style of a magnificent Links, the Sea Links golf course and its luxury complex cover an area of 168 hectares overlooking the East Sea. You'll find it hard to avoid the sea on any of the 18 holes. Numerous winding sand dunes help to shape the course and add to its complexity.

Near Truc Bach Lake, in a picturesque neighborhood that has kept its authenticity, Vietnamese cooking classes. In addition to the practical cooking classes, the establishment organizes guided tours of the markets to learn about the different ingredients that go into the preparation of these subtly spicy dishes. The sessions take place in an adapted setting, under the guidance of experienced chefs and teachers who guide you step by step in the preparation of the dishes that will be tasted at the end of each workshop.

Within the framework of the French-speaking circle, tai-chi class by master Hoang Kim Xuân. Several sessions per week depending on the level. Tai-chi is one of the most practiced martial arts in Vietnam. It is particularly popular with the elderly, but not only... In the early morning or late afternoon, many practitioners can be seen training by the lakeside or in public spaces. Tai Chi consists of 128 movements that combine 64 movements of Yin, related to softness, and 64 movements of Yang, related to strength.

In Vietnam, the Vietclimb website, run by a Frenchman, Jean Verly, brings together climbing enthusiasts. It's an excellent source of information for climbing enthusiasts, offering ideas, contacts and partners for future outings. In Hanoi, Vietclimb has an indoor club, with a climbing wall inaugurated in 2011. A place to visit if you're a climbing enthusiast, and where you can stock up on good plans for safe climbing trips adapted to your level on Cat Bà Island and in Halong Bay(deep water soloing).

Dông Mô Lake is a hydraulic structure that dates back to 1966. This water reservoir (on average 17 km long and 4 km wide) prevents flooding and drought in the rice fields of Hanoi's western districts. The lush green setting offers an excursion destination and a breath of fresh air in the immediate vicinity of the capital. The King's Island Golf Resort, with 2 courses, Mountainview (18 holes) and Lakeside (14 holes), is a popular destination for golfers.

First climbing gym inaugurated in Hanoi in 2011 on the bank of the Red River. It owes its birth to Jean Verly, a French expatriate, passionate about climbing and who found in Vietnam a new field of development. The website (in English) offers a lot of information about the possibilities to practice this sport in Vietnam, especially in the North and in Halong Bay. The gym has a 200^m2 climbing wall with routes of various levels of difficulty for beginners and advanced climbers

In the very inspiring setting of the traditional communal house(dinh) of the village of Yên Phu, on the edge of the western lake, Vinh xuân, a Sino-Vietnamese martial art, will be taught. Vinh xuan (literally, "eternal spring") is one of the branches of Shaolin Kung Fu. It focuses on relaxation and coordination of the body as well as on the development of internal power, speed and general balance. The combat aspect is only one part of the whole system and health, physical and mental relaxation are no less important.

Small agency specialized in photographic excursions. Aimed at both amateurs and experienced photographers. It organizes visits (half-day, weekend) in the form of workshops in small groups allowing to work such or such technical aspect while discovering the secrets of the capital. Also, possibility of more distant explorations in the provinces and "tailor-made stays" for professionals (journalists, television teams...). The agency is also represented in Saigon, Da Nang and Hoi An.

Tham Phay Cave has recently become a destination of pristine beauty and mystery for adventure-seeking travellers. It takes around 4 hours of arduous trekking through jungle and karst cliffs to reach this recently discovered cave. Nicknamed North Vietnam's Son Doong for its geological resemblance to its illustrious sister and for its equally fascinating beauty. Mr Linh Adventures has exclusive access and tours of the cave.

Mui Né beach is an excellent spot for kiteboarders of all levels, both for independent sailing and for courses. Kite Vietnam offers training courses from beginner to expert level. Lessons are individualized (one instructor for one student). Instructors are experienced professionals. Possibility of working with French speakers. Great attention is paid to safety conditions: permanent assistance from safety boats.

French diving school run by Frédéric and his team of professional and experienced divers. It is recognized and certified since its opening in 2006. First dives, snorkeling and courses for all levels in small groups in the Hon Mun Marine Park. The outings start in the early morning around 7:30 am in small groups of 4 people maximum. One hour break between 2 dives. The smartest thing: a welcome break in one of the restaurants of the city after the trip. Program available on the website.

The best way to sharpen your eye on Hôi An and its surroundings. Photographic workshops led by Etienne Bossot, French photographer based in Hôi An for several years. Several workshops are offered, which allow you to improve your photographic technique while discovering the region. Morning light or sunset light, fishing harbor or countryside landscapes, professional camera or smartphone, there is something for all tastes and all levels... Private workshops (can be done in French) and exclusive destinations upon request.

First sailing school in Vietnam opened in November 2010. Manta is committed to promote, develop and standardize sailing in Vietnam, within a national team. The school has developed Vietnam's first national sailing plan and works in collaboration with the Vietnam Olympic Committee. Initiation and advanced levels. The school applies the standards of the French Sailing Federation. Several types of boats: optimist, laser...

The Saigon Culinary Arts Center offers practical Vietnamese cooking classes: introduction to the utensils used, visit to the market to choose the ingredients... Preparation of typical dishes according to different themes: vegetarian cooking, advanced level and initiation to carving with fruits and vegetables. Something to liven up your future dishes and impress your family and friends! Half-day courses or a program developed on demand.