Surfing in Vietnam : Top 6 Surfing Spots for All Travelers!

Oh, Vietnam! From its sprawling greens up north, its bustling nightlife from north to south, and its mouthwatering dishes from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam sure has something in store for everyone. 

With its history dating back thousands of years, Vietnam has since developed into one of the most well-loved destinations for travelers journeying through Southeast Asia.

If you happen to be searching for some good spots to ride the waves while down in Vietnam, you've come to the right place! I rounded up some of the best spots where you can surf in the country, along with a few tips and tricks that might come in handy for you.

Is Vietnam Good For Surfing?

When it comes to surfing in Asia, one would think of places like Thailand, the Philippines, or Indonesia. However, Vietnam is known for a lot of other things, including its bustling surfing scene. With a coastline spanning more than 3000 km, you'll find a good surfing spot or 2 in the country.

Surfing in the county has come a long way since it first graced the Vietnamese waves as a way for American soldiers to relax during the war. 

Now, with several surfing schools and communities across the country, the surfer in you will find a home on Vietnamese shores.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

As an S-shaped country located on the border of what was once called Indochina, Vietnam's climate varies from south to north throughout the year. 

With its diverse topography, you can experience anything, from snowy winters to sweltering heat, depending on where you are at a certain time of the year.

In general, it's always a good time to visit any region of the country during its dry season. If you want to visit Saigon, the best time is between December to April. 

For Central Vietnam, you can choose any day between March to May. And finally, for the northern cities with 4 seasons, you can book a flight either during the autumn or spring seasons.

It's safe to say that Vietnam is an all-year-round destination, depending on your type of adventure. So, if you're looking to spend a few days in Vietnam, it's best to start planning now so you can map out where to go for every season.

Best Time to Surf in Vietnam

For the Vietnam surf season, it's generally favorable for surfers to visit Vietnam from November to March, during which typhoons usually occur in the country. 

The weather brings in high waves, which are perfect for this extreme activity. As for the temperature, it's usually pretty warm in Vietnam, so you never have to worry about freezing in the waters.

Where Is the Best Place to Surf?

There are a handful of coastal areas to choose from, depending on where you are in the country. Here's a quick rundown of the most famous surf spots in Vietnam.

6. Da Nang

Doing a quick search in the history of surfing in Vietnam, you'll find Da Nang as one of the top places where this pastime was born. 

At the time of the war, many soldiers rode the waves of what is now known as the city's My Khe beach to release stress during the conflict.

These days, Da Nang remains one of the top surfing spots in Vietnam. You'll find that a lot of surfers enjoy Non Nuoc Beach as well as Nam O Point, where they say you'll find some of the best waves in the country.

5. Mui Ne

A coastal town located in the country's southern region, Mui Ne is famous for its white dunes. 

Thanks to its windy weather, with waves coming up to 3 m on a good day, this city has become popular as a surfing and kitesurfing beach paradise.

If you're ever around Mui Ne, you can find both local and foreign surfers down by popular spots like the Little Buddha Surf Spot, Malibu, Hon Rom Beach, or Suoi Nuoc.

4. Nha Trang

For some steady waves any time of the year, head on over to Nha Trang. If you're an experienced surfer, you'll enjoy Bai Dai Beach, City Reef, and Dark Reef the most during typhoon season. If you're a newbie at the sport, the smaller waves during off-season periods will be perfect for you.

On top of being a surf town, the city is known as a luxurious getaway and seafood haven, on top of being a surf town. Talk about being the ideal seaside getaway!

3. Phan Rang

Ninh Thuan may not be familiar to most tourists, even to those who have already been to the country more than once. Still, that doesn't get in the way of Phan Rang establishing itself as a name in the Vietnam surfing community.

The province's capital boasts of long white sandy beaches with countless surf spots suitable for every surfer. Among the most note-worthy sports are Nui Chua National Park and Ninh Chu Bay Beach.

2. Phu Quy

If you're looking for a quiet place where you can just enjoy riding your board in peace, Phu Quy might be the best spot for you. 

Located more than 4 hours off the coast of Mui Ne, this island is perfect for Vietnam surfers who enjoy living the island life away from the crowd. 

As of September 2020, foreign travelers to the "island of the riches" are no longer required to register before visiting. To ride its waves and enjoy its small island beauty, you'll need to ride a speedboat to get there.

1. Vung Tau

Vung Tau is the easiest to get to if you come straight out of Tan Son Nhat Airport. This coastal area, just 90 km outside of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the most visited surfing spots in the south. The waves hit around the 1-2 m mark, but can still be calm enough for beginners to explore.

The best time to arrange some surfing plans to this southern city is around winter time.

Tips and Tricks

To make sure you have the best time surfing in Vietnam, here are a few tips and tricks that might be useful for you:

Get in Touch With the Local Surfing Community

It's probably one of the oldest tricks in the books when traveling – to get out there and mingle with the locals. 

The same principle can be applied to surfing as well! By interacting with the local surfers, you'll be able to get a good idea of when a great surfing day would be, and you'll also enjoy the vibe so much more!

Here are a few local surfing schools and communities you might what to get in touch with:

• Nha Trang Surf School
• Da Nang Surf School
• Mui Ne Local Surf School
• Vietnam Surf Soul
• Surfpoint Vietnam
• Vietnam Surf Camping

Don't Have a Surfboard? Get a Custom-Made One

It's not every day that you have to remember to pack your surfing board with you, together with the long list of items in your beach packing list. 

If you ever find yourself spontaneously booking a trip to Vietnam to surf, there are options for you to get your hands on a board ASAP!

Local stores like Surf Shack VN in Da Nang offer a variety of boards, along with other surfing gear to suit your needs. 

If you're more into getting a board that's tailor-fit just for you, you can contact the legendary Mr. Quoc of Mui Ne to make you a one-of-a-kind surfboard in the country.

Check the Weather Before Setting Sail

Like most countries, the weather in Vietnam can change with the snap of a finger. To make sure you're getting the most out of your surfing trip, it's best to check surf forecasting websites. 

You can get a pulse on the current wave conditions to see if it's up to what you're expecting to ride that day.

Plan Your Next Ride With Pilot

Now that you have all the information you need, go ahead and conquer your next favorite surfing spot in Vietnam with the help of Pilot!