Kitesurfing and windsurfing in Mũi Né
Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in kitesurfing or windsurfing, Vietnam can be a good vacation spot with a few excellent sailing spots. One of the top 10 kitesurfing destinations in Asia, Mũi Né is located by the South China Sea in the southeast of Vietnam. Since it is not that far from Ho Chi Minh, the resort attracts many local kiters and windsurfers at the weekends. In the summer months, winds in Mũi Né are rather weak; besides, it's also the rainy season. Thus, the colder and drier period from October through April is the best to enjoy the sports that rely on a sea breeze.
The Bay of Phan Thiet, where Mũi Né is located, enjoys side/side-onshore wind of over 12 knots and up to 30 knots when it blows from the northeast. Waves are best from early fall to winter, roughly from September to December. The southern part of the Bay features a 10-km stretch with beachfront hotels, clubs, and palm-lined beaches.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing in Phan Rang
If you prefer to avoid crowds and are looking for a quieter place, Vietnam has a few other windsurfing and kitesurfing locations. Kitesurfing in Phan Rang, which is also favored by surfers, offers an advantage of flat water inside the reef and a steady wind of 20 knots during winter. Sorrento Beach Club, Phan Rang Kite Center, and Phi Kite School offer rentals for equipment. Some 60 km (35 mi) north from Phan Rang, you can enjoy a few hours in Cam Ranh that boasts a calm lagoon for beginner windsurfers.
Water sports in Nha Trang
Moving a bit more northward, you can also check out the city of Nha Trang and Bai Dai Beach, some 20 km south from the city. Nha Trang boasts a six-kilometer stretch of scenic coastline with sandy beaches and clear waters. Engaging in water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing or wakeboarding in such a beautiful place with turquoise waters dotted with tropical isles might be one of your best memories from Vietnam.
Kitesurfing in Da Nang
Central Vietnam also has a few kite- and windsurfing spots. Thanks to a solid infrastructure, Da Nang and Hoi An popular seaside destinations, and they also offer some water sports. In Da Nang, the beach and offshore waters tend to be less crowded than on southerly kitesurfing places. This also means that the water sports infrastructure might be not as well developed as in Mui Ne. Here, the winds are not as strong, but the good news is that during the Vietnam coast "low-wind" season (April–October) it's possible to kitesurf here with southwesterly winds of about 12-18 knots.
Practical info
When is the wind stronger and better for windsurfing or kitesurfing in Mũi Né, Vietnam?
It is ideal to windsurf or kitesurf in Mũi Né during October to April as the winds are dry, colder, and stronger during this period, with side/side-onshore wind of over 12 knots, rising up to 30 knots when it blows from the northeast. The best wave season here is from early fall to winter, usually between September and December, while the summer season is not windy enough for these sports, plus it's during the rainy season which could be unsafe, thus best to be avoided. Show more
Is there any place in Vietnam where beginners can find a calmer lagoon for windsurfing?
Cam Ranh, Vietnam, situated about 60 km (35 miles) north from Phan Rang, is an excellent destination if you are a beginner windsurfer looking for a more secure alternative. It boasts a calm lagoon that is not as crowded as Mũi Né, and the winds aren't as strong. Professional wind surfers can enjoy kitesurfing at Phan Rang, which has a flat water body, making topside maneuvering easier, and around 20 knots wind during winter. Phi Kite School, Phan Rang Kite Center, and Sorrento Beach Club provide equipment rentals. Show more
What is the period to experience the best waves for surfing in the Bay of Phan Thiet?
The best wave season in the Bay of Phan Thiet is during the early months of autumn up to winter, from around September to December. The winds are cold and dry from October to April, side/side-onshore with speeds upwards of 12 knots and up to 30 knots when it blows from the northeast. The winds in Mũi Né are weak during summer and accompanied by rain, resulting in undesirable conditions. That said, the winter months, from October to April, are the best for windsurfing and kitesurfing in this region. Show more
What other water activities can one participate in while in Nha Trang apart from windsurfing and kitesurfing?
Nha Trang has a reputation as one of Vietnam's best diving spots, with many dive sites for exploring unique marine ecosystems. Hon Mun Island, a marine protected area, is particularly crucial, with clear waters that provide an opportunity to view tropical marine life, including various coral, rock formations, and wrecks. Furthermore, those who opt for other sporting activities can participate in things like wakeboarding, playing beach volleyball, or even water skiing on the extended coastline of Nha Trang beaches. Show more
Do kitesurfing and windsurfing have well-developed water sport infrastructure in Da Nang?
Da Nang may have fewer crowds compared to other regions, but water sports infrastructure may not be as established as Mũi Né. During the low-wind season in Vietnam’s coast, between April to October, kitesurfing is possible with southwesterly winds of approximately 12-18 knots, slower than in Mũi Né. While Da Nang may appeal to non-experienced wind or kitesurfers, those with more experience may find the region less ideal in terms of wind strength and water sports infrastructure. Show more
