The ideal places to go surfing in Vietnam

If you have seen Apocalypse Now, you already know that you can surf in Vietnam. The country has over 3000 kilometers of beautiful coastline, and the best waves are found going down the South Central Coast. Here are the best spots to go surfing.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is the next popular surf stop as you start moving south from Da Nang. This is a coastal city full of luxury getaways, high-rise beachside resorts, and expensive seafood. While Da Nang is the surfing capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang holds the title of being the diving capital of the country. That does not mean you cannot surf though, especially during Southeast Asian typhoon season (November to March). When the typhoons from the Philippines bring storms along the Nha Trang coast, you will find nice swells in the water that make surfing ideal for any level of experience.

Da Nang

Da Nang is the epicenter of surfing in Vietnam, thanks to its warm climate and long stretches of beach with great waves that break all year round. Surf season in Da Nang is around September to March, where average water temperatures are 80°F (27 °C).

My Khe Beach has a long sandy coast that stretches 18 miles (30 kilometers) southward from Da Nang center. The beach is the most popular area for surfing among expats and is growing in popularity among the locals. The conditions are perfect for beginners to learn the sport, but there are occasional dangerous rips for thrill-seekers. Nam O Point and Non Nuoc Beach are two other popular spots in Da Nang with high-quality waves to get your surf on.

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a serious surf destination in Vietnam and only 55 miles (90 kilometers) southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, so it is a popular expat weekend getaway. Basically, the whole length of the beach is surfable, but instead of catching mediocre swells at the front beach, head over to the back beach. Many say that the back beach is one of the best surf spots in the whole country. It is about a two-mile (three-kilometer) long stretch of sand with numerous unnamed and un-surfed breaks. You will find the back beach past the “Rio” Jesus statue, to the right of the Pagode Island.

The beach-break waves are powerful and suitable for all levels of surfers, and it is best to surf them during the winter. The mornings are ideal because the wind is not so strong and the tide is low. When the wind is high, try some kite surfing.

Mui Ne

Mui Ne is one of the best places to kite surf in the whole of Southeast Asia, as there is a lot of wind, so the waves here are generally wind swell. That is, unless there is a monster storm somewhere close by, which can be pretty likely because, well, Vietnam.

Hon Rom Beach is the most popular beach in the city, and the waves here work best during October to May. The strip is also large enough to find your own spot to surf at, but a key to finding the best waves is to look for other surfers so you can join them. The best spot to surf at is Suoi Nuoc Beach, which is on the way to the white sand dunes. The waves here are best from July to October.

See more: Catch a glimpse of Vietnam

Source Internet

Visit these cafes to escape the summer heat in Ho Chi Minh City

Green space and a cool atmosphere make these unique cafes in Ho Chi Minh City popular hideouts from the sizzling sun.

38 Flower Market & Tea House

This café on the busy Ly Tu Trong Street looks like a small garden in the heart of Saigon where fresh flowers can be found in every corner.

Thanks to its breezy, cool space, the café has become an ideal getaway amidst the scorching summer heat with real feel afternoon temperatures climbing to 41 degrees Celsius, or 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
Besides coffee, the drinks menu is also designed to help you cool down with various kinds of teas and juices. Prices start from VND30,000 ($1.31).

Nang Xanh Garden Café

Nestled down a small alley on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Phu Nhuan District, Nang Xanh (Blue Sunlight) Garden Café catches the attention with its eye-catching interior décor with a tropical theme.
The shop is covered with green plants, giving customers a refreshing feeling. The café is open 24 hours a day.

Tron (Round) Bistro Café  

The café on Dinh Bo Linh Street in Binh Thanh District is a not-to-be-missed address for nature enthusiasts thanks to its green space and wall decor. Guests can enjoy drinks such as strawberry tea, coffee and juices, with prices starting from VND25,000 ($1.09).

See more: The best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Source: Internet

Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand

Escape the current capital of Thailand to visit the old one: Ayutthaya. The historical city is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok, and it is filled with delicious food, a laid-back city vibe, and the ancient ruins found throughout. Here, a brief history of these intriguing remains found in Ayutthaya.

History

Sukhothai was the first Siamese capital of Thailand and was founded in 1238. Ayutthaya was later founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until about 1378. It remained the flourishing capital for about 400 years (until 1767). Sukhothai took a back seat to the thriving new capital and was, for the most part, forgotten. It was put back on the map by Rama I, when he used ancient Sukhothai artifacts to enrich and decorate his temples in Bangkok during the Chakri dynasty.

Power

Ayutthaya remained the capital for so long for a number of reasons. For one, it was home to an extensive trading port that welcomed international merchants, many of whom were from Europe. The city was a memorable one to these travelers because of the many temples and palaces found here. In addition to trading, the waterways that surrounded the city were useful in terms of protecting it, creating a watery fortress of sorts.

Name

The city was named by the same man who made Ayutthaya the capital: King Ramathibodi. Ayutthaya was named after a magical kingdom from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien.

The city’s demise

The old capital of Thailand came to a brutal end when it was attacked by the Burmese. Much of the city was devastated by fire, and those who were not killed were taken by the Burmese and forced into slavery. The city fell in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, and what is left of these relics and temples are still found in Ayutthaya today, of which there are about 50.

The ruins

All of the ruins found in Ayutthaya today took about 150 years to complete in total. Many of the palaces were made of wood which did not withstand the fires that destroyed the capital – which is why mainly stone temples remain. The temples have their own Siamese style, but many of the temples’ construction drew upon inspiration from other influences, including Sri Lanka. There are also instances of Khmer architecture, as the capital started out as a Khmer military and trading outpost. These ruins were discovered in 1991, and they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the ancient city has been squeezed into busy Thailand travel itineraries and makes a great day trip for those who have a few days in Bangkok.

See more: Top activities in Patong, Thailand