3 unmissable places for SUP enthusiasts in Vietnam

Tran Trung Kien

Originally a kayak tour guide and adventure traveler. In 2009, he and his partners founded Umove JSC, a company specializing in trading sports and travel equipment. While researching information about kayaks, he accidentally discovered SUP - which was quite developed abroad at that time but was unknown in Vietnam.

In 2013, he started importing a few SUP boards to try out, after a year, the first SUP trial sessions in Vietnam began to be held. Receiving the love of many people, Mr. Kien decided to establish Umove SUP Club to promote and popularize SUP widely in Vietnam.

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Mien River: a picturesque place in the Northwest

The Mien River originates from Dong Ma (Yunnan, China) and flows into Vietnam in the Northwest of Ha Giang, passing through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, and Vi Xuyen districts with a total length of about 60 km. On the Vietnam tourism map, the Mien River is still a rather unfamiliar name to many people, even though the landscape here is extremely majestic.

This river possesses the typical features of a river in the Northwest such as: blue water surface, calm with many winding bends, the river is surrounded by towering rocky mountains and green corn fields, stretching to the foot of the mountain, then winding through the crevices of the rocks. This is also the reason why Mien River has become one of the most unique SUP paddling locations in the North.

The ideal route for SUP “players” on the Mien River can last about 18 km, starting from Bat Dai Son bridge to the final point at Dong Ha bridge. This is considered a “beautiful” route with races that can create dramatic chases, increasing the challenge for players but also no less poetic when blending with nature.

Some other SUP paddling spots in the North:Nho Que River (Ha Giang), West Lake (Hanoi), Hoa Binh Lake (Hoa Binh), Ma River (Thanh Hoa), Ba Be Lake (Bac Can) and rivers and lakes in Cao Bang.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang: mysterious world in caves

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage since 2013, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Bo Trach, Quang Binh) is an ideal SUP spot for both amateur and professional players. With a terrain combining rivers, caves and mountains, you can leisurely SUP while taking in the beautiful natural scenery.

Coming to play SUP in Phong Nha - Ke Bang, visitors often have two options: One is the route on the Son River - a branch of the Gianh River in Quang Binh province, a poetic and peaceful river with villages on both banks nestled next to towering mountain ranges. The second option for those who love adventure is the SUP journey to explore part of Phong Nha Cave. This is the largest wet cave in the world, inside there is a large underground river system and thousands of stalactites of various shapes waiting for you.

When rowing into Phong Nha cave, you should bring a flashlight to easily admire the beautiful stalactite system inside. In addition, you should also wear protective clothing to avoid being "attacked" by many insects living in the cave.

Some other SUP paddling spots in the Central region:Huong River (Hue), river and sea system in Da Nang, coasts and bays stretching from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa...

Tuyen Lam Lake - a dreamy "muse" in the mist of Da Lat

Tuyen Lam Lake (Da Lat, Lam Dong) is about 15 km from Da Lat city center.², located right at the foot of Truc Lam Zen Monastery hill. This place is famous for the beauty of the calm lake surrounded by pine forests and ancient villas, especially considered by many tourists as the most romantic SUP rowing spot in Vietnam.

SUP tours in Da Lat are still quite new, but promise to bring players memorable experiences. You will experience a journey with fairy-like curves, paddling and admiring the oases in the middle of Tuyen Lam Lake, dreamily covered in mist. The SUP route also takes players through famous tourist spots such as: Happy Hill film studio, Sculpture Tunnel tourist area or Tia stream picnic area.

With the quiet and poetic atmosphere of Tuyen Lam Lake, players can completely meditate or practice yoga right on the board, in areas near the shore. A SUP trip on Tuyen Lam Lake can last 3 hours and do not be surprised when you will encounter Mong Mo Hill or part of Love Valley - with curious, admiring eyes from afar of tourists for you.

Some other SUP spots in the South:Bien Ho Lake (Pleiku), Ta Dung Lake (Dak Nong), Saigon River (HCMC), river and canal systems in the Mekong Delta

Thanh Thuy, Tran Trung Kien