3 must-visit destinations for SUP enthusiasts in Vietnam

Tran Trung Kien

He was originally a kayak and adventure tour guide. In 2009, he and his partners founded Umove JSC, a company specializing in sports and tourism equipment. While researching kayaking, he stumbled upon Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), a sport that was already quite developed abroad but unknown in Vietnam at the time.

In 2013, he started importing a few SUP boards to try out, and after a year, the first SUP trial sessions in Vietnam began to be organized. Receiving much positive feedback, Kien decided to establish the Umove SUP Club to promote and popularize SUP widely in Vietnam.

You can read more about SUP atThis

Mien River: a picturesque place in Northwest Vietnam

The Mien River originates in Dong Ma (Yunnan, China) and flows into Vietnam in northwestern Ha Giang, passing through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, and Vi Xuyen districts, with a total length of approximately 60 km. On Vietnamese tourism maps, the Mien River remains a relatively unfamiliar name to many, despite its incredibly majestic scenery.

This river possesses the typical characteristics of a river in Northwest Vietnam: its clear, calm waters with many winding bends, surrounded by towering rocky mountains and lush green cornfields stretching endlessly to the foot of the mountains, even weaving through rocky crevices. This is also why the Mien River has become one of the most unique SUP paddling spots in Northern Vietnam.

The ideal route for SUP enthusiasts on the Mien River is approximately 18 km long, starting from Bat Dai Son Bridge and ending at Dong Ha Bridge. This route is considered to have picturesque scenery, with races that can create a dramatic chase, adding a challenge for participants, but also offering a poetic experience as they immerse themselves in nature.

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

Phong Nha - Ke Bang: A mysterious world within caves.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2013, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Bo Trach, Quang Binh) is an ideal SUP paddling destination for both amateur and professional paddleboarders. With its diverse landscape of rivers, streams, caves, and mountains, you can enjoy relaxing SUP paddling while taking in the breathtaking natural scenery.

When going paddleboarding (SUP) in Phong Nha - Ke Bang, tourists usually have two options: One is a route on the Son River – a branch of the Gianh River in Quang Binh province, a picturesque and tranquil river with villages nestled against towering mountains on both banks. The second option, for those who prefer adventure, is a SUP paddling trip to explore a part of Phong Nha Cave. This is the world's largest wet cave, inside which is a vast underground river system and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in myriad shapes, waiting to be discovered.

When kayaking into Phong Nha Cave, you should bring a flashlight to easily admire the stunning stalactite formations inside. Additionally, you should dress warmly to avoid being attacked by the many insects that live in the cave.

Other SUP paddling spots in Central Vietnam:The Perfume River (Hue), the river and sea system in Da Nang, the coastlines and bays stretching from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa…

Tuyen Lam Lake - a dreamy "muse" amidst the mist and fog of Da Lat.

Tuyen Lam Lake (Da Lat, Lam Dong) is located about 15 km from the center of Da Lat city.²Located right at the foot of Truc Lam Zen Monastery, this place is famous for its tranquil lake surrounded by pine forests and ancient villas, and is especially considered by many tourists to be the most romantic SUP paddling spot in Vietnam.

SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) tours in Da Lat are still relatively new, but promise to offer participants unforgettable experiences. You'll embark on a journey through picturesque curves, paddling while admiring the islands nestled in Tuyen Lam Lake, shrouded in mist. The SUP route also takes you past well-known tourist attractions such as Happy Hill film set, the Sculpture Tunnel tourist area, and the Suoi Tia picnic area.

With the tranquility and romantic beauty of Tuyen Lam Lake, paddleboarders can easily meditate or practice yoga right on their boards in areas near the shore. A paddleboarding trip on Tuyen Lam Lake can last up to 3 hours, and don't be surprised if you come across Dream Hill or a part of the Valley of Love – attracting curious and admiring glances from tourists from afar.

Other SUP paddling spots in Southern Vietnam:Lake Ho (Pleiku), Ta Dung Lake (Dak Nong), Saigon River (Ho Chi Minh City), and the river and canal system in the Mekong Delta.

Thanh Thúy, Trần Trung Kiên