Ho Chi Minh City is better known to most as Saigon. This southern Vietnamese city is a bustling place, full of hawkers, tourists, motorbikes and colour. It is an attractive and vibrant place to be, with something going on every hour of the day. It is also the gateway to Vietnam’s Central Highlands. There, you can take an exhilarating ride on a Ho Chi Minh City white water rafting trip.
From Ho Chi Minh City, it is easy to get out and up into the hills. The nearest are around the coastal resort of Nha Trang, a popular stop-off of surfers and scuba divers. Up in the hills above the town, you’ll find the Cai River Valley and its rapids. The Cai flows through some lovely scenery, with tropical plants up to the water’s edge, river beaches and plenty of birds. Rapids on the Cai are gentle but rewarding, mostly from class 1-3.
More challenging rafting and more dramatic scenery are to be had around the hill town of Dalat. This little town is a romantic hideaway for young Vietnamese couples…and a great destination for rafters. You can paddle the Langbian River, surrounded by steep, tree covered hills. The rapids on the Langbian range from a class 1 up to class 4, so most paddlers will find stretches to challenge them. The area is remote and unexplored, with no road access. You’ll need a guide to get there, but it will still feel like a great adventure.
A Ho Chi Minh City white water rafting trip is a way to see some of Vietnam beyond the crowds (both tourist and local!). Enjoy the fresh air of the hills and the gorgeous scenery from a raft.
