Diving in Vietnam - Explore Best Dive Sites in Vietnam

Diving in Vietnam is getting more and more popular among diving communities. It is one of the newest dive destinations worldwide. Diving in the country started around the 90’s when PADI members (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) began offering courses around the state.

The Vietnamese’s diversity in underwater corals – more than 300 spices, animal life and reefs, contribute for the popularization of this sport around the globe. There are about 20-30 diving centers in Vietnam scattered around 8 major locations. The proximity to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, all developing countries, is another great aspect for the development of diving activities in the area.

The most famous dive destinations around the country are: Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Whale Island, Con Dao Archipelago, Cu Lao Cham Marine park and more. Whale Island is probably the most famous of the Vietnamese dive spots, but as long as you don’t mind diving at slightly lesser known locations, you’ll be able to find some great deals on hotels in Nha Trang and Hoi An. The name should not fool visitors, although called whale, whales are rarely seen or even sharks. There are various depths from 10 to 40 meters. It is a suitable destination for novice and experienced divers. The Con Dao archipelago is a mere example of nature preservation. Over 250 000 turtles has been released to sea and many mature turtles have been marked and are under the protection of the law.

Diving either on the south or the north of the country is pretty similar. The season starts early May and continues to September with visibility up to 40 meters, still water and average water temperature of around 27C. Then from November to March is the low, rainy season and visibility is limited up to 5-10 meters, even some diving centers are closed between November and January.

For all adventurous and experienced divers a very popular site is the Three Kings or Hon Trau Nam. The divers can experience labyrinths, dive in caves, meet various sea slug spices. One can actually encounter whale sharks, sting rays or even manta ray. It is probably the most beautiful destination to visit in Vietnam.

Whale Island also offers to its visitors the chance to experience night dives with depths of up to 12-15 meters. Night diving reveals a great number of fishes that usually hide in corals during the day, and only come out of their holes at night. A variety of sea horses, crabs, shrimps and more are to be seen sleeping in the ocean. Besides these night dives, experienced divers are able to visit neighboring wrecks and sunken ships known to local guides.

Some people say that the best diving destination in the world is the red sea, and they will probably be right, but Vietnam has great potential. Actually when talking about diving, Vietnam may not be the first place to come to mind but with its warm tropical waters, diverse natural ecosystem, hospitable local people and almost year round diving locations, it is a place worth considering when making you diving vacation plan.

Vietnam a Country of Spectacular Scenic Beauty and Charm

Travel to Asia has become a great appeal to visitors from all corners of world. In recent times Vietnam has emerged as a popular tourist destination among globetrotters. It is one of the most beautiful countries of South Asia which has achieved several milestones in recent times like lifting of restriction, government reforms, opening of borders which make it a popular tourist destination of Asia thronged by large number of travellers. Make a plan and book low fare flights tickets for holidays in Vietnam a country which is glittering with spectacular scenic beauty, the warmth of people, historical marvels, ornate Confucian temples, splendid French colonial architecture etc which makes it a great country of contrasts and contrast means a greater variety of travel experience that satisfies even the most discrete travellers.

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Hanoi is the capital and second largest city of country located on the right bank of Red River is among the major attractions of Vietnam. Throughout its thousand years eventful history which is marked by wars, destruction and natural calamities, the city has never lost its charm and still among the most sought after tourist destinations. If you are a culture vulture, then Hanoi has so much to offer. The city has well preserved its 1000 year old history and traditions along with lush and verdant parks as well as beautiful locations that will quite simply keep you busy for days on your holiday trip. So start your trip with the most famous attractions of city.

Hanoi Old Quarter

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 Located nearby Hoan Kiem Lake in Hoan Kiem district, Old Quarter is among the major attractions of city. Packed with charming colonial architecture, Buddhist temples and pagodas it is city’s major commercial district. Once the guild street of silversmiths, now home to travel agencies, elegant café houses and tombstone carvers , it is a maze of 36 streets between Hanoi’s famed Hoan Kiem Lake which has more than 1000 year old history and is still going strong. Old Quarter is also famous for its shopping, dining and nightlife. When other parts of Hanoi might quiet down at night, the Old Quarter is the place where night owls head to. Live music, discos, pubs, bars as well as decent karaoke joints are the norm here. The place is also a shopper’s delight and houses artistic products around the country. It is a must visit for art lovers and history buffs.

Vietnam Women’s Museum

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It is an unexpected gem of city and is a recently renovated institution that examines Vietnam through the lens of its female population like their war efforts, participation in struggle, marriage customs, traditional dresses etc. Pair it with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology and enjoy the whole trip.

Hanoi Opera House

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Built in 1911 by then ruling French , the Hanoi Opera House is a phenomenal piece of neo-classical French architecture featuring Gothic themes. It is the biggest theatre in the country that speaks in volumes about its historical and cultural evidences of Vietnam. Visitors will be entertained in this historical landmark featuring a range of events including local Vietnamese Opera, traditional folk music, ballets along with many international events.

Temple of Literature

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The Temple of Literature is often cited as one of Hanoi’s most popular and picturesque tourist attraction. It was originally built as a university in 1070 which is dedicated to Confucius scholars and sages. This historical site is a ranked as one of Hanoi’s most important cultural places and is steeped in Vietnamese history. So why wait, just catch low fare flights to Hanoi and visit these historic sites that offer you glimpses of rich cultural heritage of country.

Night Markets

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One thing that you just can’t afford to miss in Hanoi is its night markets. Visit the Old Quarter, Hang Giay and Hang Dao streets which seem like an infinite line of illuminated orange stalls on every Friday and Saturday night. The festive atmosphere, color and vibrancy of these markets are just infectious. Visit them once and the memory of them remains with you forever.