Vietnam surf season and weather conditions
Da Nang Vietnam hosted a good portion of US Servicemen during the Vietnam war and many of those soldiers spent their R&R at China Beach. When the USA abandoned the military conflict, service personal came home but left their surfboards. Today, the beaches around Da Nang are a legitimate surf destination.
Vietnam sits on the edge of the South China Sea, a small but tumultuous body of water capable of dishing out decent windswell several months out of the year.
Vietnam has boardshorts and bikini weather year round. It’s super tropical with lots of rain and humidity, especially May to October which is the storm season. Water temps hover around the 80s (Fahrenheit) for most of the year approaching 90 during peak summer months. So this is a perfect timing to visit during the Canadian winter. By the way bet365 is coming to Canada, but take a break from the betting bonanza and go surf and travel.
Vietnam surfing spots and best beaches
The main surf spots in Vietnam are spread out around China Beach. Non Nuoc, Cue Dai Beach and My Khe are spots strewn along a dozen or so miles of crescent shaped beach that starts at Tho Quang on the northern tip and ends at Hoi An on the southern end.
Surf schools and lessons in Vietnam
Da Nang Adventures hosts a plethora of activities including kayaking, snorkelling and, of course, surfing. Their surf lessons cover all the basics but go the extra mile with special attention paid to popping up on your board. Lessons start at C$ 65 for a two-hour session. Tipping your instructor is encouraged.
Located on the beach at My Khe’s Temple Resort, Da Nang Surf School employs ISA certified surf school instructors. They also offer surf tours for those who want to explore the secret surf spots around Da Nang. Stand Up Paddle lessons are also available. If you’re not into having a lesson, you can rent equipment from them as well. Private surf or SUP lesson runs C$ 150 for 90 minutes.
The surf isn’t always working on the South China Sea. During those periods high wind but few waves, kitesurfing is a great alternative. Surfpoint Vietnam offers kiting and surfing lessons. Private kite surf lessons start with 3-hour “teaser” packages for C$ 225 and 5-hour beginner programs for C$ 350. They also offer surfing lessons, just ask. If you want to stay in the area, Surfpoin works in conjunction with local resorts to book accommodations based on our wants and budget.
Hotels for surfers in Vietnam
Surfers Guesthouse offers standard amenities in their modern units including WiFi, slippers, toiletries and 24-hour desk service. Rooms will set you back C$ 25. They also house a surf school that will teach you almost anything including SUP, kite and skateboarding. The big attraction here (besides the name) is the garden views found in each room. You’ll truly feel you’re in the tropics.
A good stay at a great price is the Mui Ne Surf Hotel. It’s right on the beach with ocean view rooms and standard Western comforts travellers are used to. This place got great reviews for their food too. Single rooms start at C$ 25.
The top choice for affordable living is the A La Carte Hotel in Da Nang. Steps from the beach, this multi-story building is freshly refurbished and updated with clean, modern minimalist decor. Their yoga deck provides an amazing view of the area’s surf spots as do most of the rooms. From your room on one of the higher floors you can check the surf for a mile in each direction. Full spa treatments available with special couples services as well. Rooms start at C$ 73.
Vietnam is a great vacation place for water sports activities there are many connections from Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto Pearson Airport.
Vietnam surfing guide and tips prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com) for Dailystoke.com’s surf guides.
Photo by Ammie Ngo
