Experience the thrill of canyoning.

Canyoning is a tourist activity in canyons that utilizes a variety of techniques such as hiking, traversing rugged terrain, freefalling into water, rappelling down waterfalls and cliffs, swimming, etc., and canyoning is often referred to as rappelling down waterfalls. This adventurous sport not only offers experiences close to nature but also constantly challenges your willpower and endurance.

Canyoning is an adventurous outdoor activity that combines rock climbing and waterfall rafting. When participating in canyoning, you will have to hike through canyons, loop around behind waterfalls, and freefall into pools of water.

To date, Vietnam has two locations for canyoning: Da Lat and Sapa. Both locations share similar characteristics in terms of cool, peaceful weather and are surrounded by ecological forests with streams and waterfalls, making them ideal for the challenge of crossing rapids.

Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall – Da Lat, Lam Dong

Spanning an area of ​​312 hectares, Datanla Waterfall tourist area is always one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations for visitors. Throughout the year, Datanla Waterfall has an abundant and stable water flow, making your Da Lat waterfall trekking tour even more exciting.

The waterfall cascades from a 20-meter-high cliff. The stream at the bottom forms a very clear area, hence the name Fairy Stream, while the deep, secluded area above has a deep gorge called Death Gorge. Datanla has seven majestic waterfall tiers. The crystal-clear water flows down the granite mountainside and cascades over large rocks, creating a spectacular display of white foam and a hidden rainbow.

With canyoning, Datanla Waterfall is relatively easy because the cliffs aren't too high. The first challenge involves climbing down a steep, dry rock cliff 18 meters high. After overcoming this challenge, you continue to conquer the second dry rock cliff, 15 meters high. After conquering the second waterfall, you'll immerse yourself in the cool, clear stream as you slide down a 3-meter-long waterfall. After experiencing the 25-meter waterfall, you'll conquer the final waterfall of the Datanla waterfall system, 12 meters high. Datanla Waterfall has a rather murky color, especially during the rainy season due to the accumulation of red soil.

This waterfall rafting game will help you train your willpower and teamwork skills. Each journey in the game includes 6 rounds and 80 challenges with increasing difficulty. However, if you get exhausted during the game, you can stop at any time.

Canyoning at Love Waterfall – Sapa, Lao Cai

Love Waterfall, renowned as the most beautiful waterfall in Lao Cai province, stands 37 meters tall and is located in the ecological forest area of ​​Hoang Lien National Park.

Sapa Love Waterfall is a beautiful scenic spot in Lao Cai province, steeped in a lovely legend about the love between a young man and woman in the Northwest mountains. Not only does it possess breathtaking beauty, but here you also have the opportunity to experience the adventurous canyoning activity not found everywhere.

Canyoning at Love Waterfall is a combination of exciting activities such as jumping down waterfalls, cliff jumping, natural water slides, and hiking in the primeval forest. Beyond Love Waterfall, the canyoning tour includes numerous streams and waterfalls in a series of interconnected falls, ranging from easy to difficult, with slopes from low to high, suitable even for first-time canyoners.

Particularly noteworthy is the system of streams and waterfalls flowing along Suoi Vang (Golden Stream) amidst the pristine forest of Hoang Lien National Park – a place with one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Vietnam. The water in the Suoi Vang area, near the Love Waterfall, is so clear that you can see to the bottom, its distinctive color being the yellow of the rocks, giving the stream its name.

The waterfalls here are very large (especially during the rainy season), tall, and majestic. Therefore, it will be quite a challenge for first-time visitors. In addition, the weather is very cold in winter, especially from December to February of the following year, so some waterfall tours may be suspended due to the weather.

Ziplining tours across waterfalls in Sapa range in difficulty from easy to hard, with half-day and full-day tours available, and are suitable for children aged 12 and above.

What preparations are needed for a zipline adventure across a waterfall?

Canyoning is considered one of the truly extreme sports. Like all extreme sports, can be very risky. If you lack the skills or knowledge of the location you're about to explore, the risk can be significantly higher.

Like any sport, before undertaking the challenge, you should ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment and skills. This can be achieved by contacting a professional service provider. They will ensure you are accompanied by an experienced instructor and provided with all the appropriate equipment to ensure your safety and comfort during your ride.

Before embarking on the canyoning challenge, you must undergo a short training course of 30-60 minutes on the techniques for conquering the journey. This training includes safety procedures, equipment usage, and rappelling down the waterfall, all under the direct guidance of a professional.

Due to the adventurous nature of canyoning, your health and mental state will be checked again before officially starting. Blood pressure will be measured for the entire group before participation, and all protective equipment will be thoroughly checked. If you have cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure, this activity is not for you.

Next, let's talk about safety procedures and equipment. Protective gear such as life vests, helmets, and hand and leg protectors are mandatory. These are essential tools to protect your body in case of a strong impact against a cliff or waterfall. Make sure you have them all, and carefully check the safety harness according to the instructions.

To cross the waterfall, you need to observe and listen carefully to the rope descent instructions. The technique involves leaning at a 45-degree angle, moving your feet so they are always in front of your eyes, and maintaining a posture similar to sitting on a chair. Then comes the technique of springing up after two-thirds of the descent. Finally, you need to grasp the rope properly for a smooth descent. You will practice rappelling down a flat wall at the assembly point before reaching the top of the waterfall.

Water flow and levels in the canyon can fluctuate and change. Sometimes this can happen very quickly and become risky. It is important to always check the weather at least 3 days before your canyoning trip and during the time you are canyoning.

Canyoning can be quite enjoyable if you participate in a group. This allows everyone to support each other in emergency situations. If this is your first time canyoning, you'll especially need help from others, particularly your group members.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao