Sport and Leisure in Da Nang and Hoi An

Vietnam is not the most obvious surfing destination in the world, but the swell near Danang is actually excellent -- especially during the monsoon season. The centre of the surf scene is Tam’s Pub in Danang, which is a good spot to rent a board and get advice on conditions and choice surf spots.

A short detour on the road to Ba Na, the waterfall at Suoi Mo has some clear swimming holes. It gets busy at the weekends, but during the week it remains an attractive spot -- if you can ignore the litter,

A 13-mile section of Vietnam‘s National Route 1A between Da Nang and Hue, the Hai Van Pass might be short in distance, but it’s long on views. Rising up and down the Truong Son range, and with a name that translates to “Ocean Cloud” Pass, the road travels through an area freighted with historical and meteorological significance—it once formed the border between the ancient Dai Viet and Champa kingdoms, and still divides the weather patterns of south and north Vietnam. The pass was often crowded with traffic for years, but a tunnel that opened nearby in 2005 drew away many of the cars and trucks, making it relatively tranquil these days. Expect coastal vistas that will leave you speechless.

Vietnam is no slouch when it comes to pampering weary limbs, with nearly as many massage therapists in Hoi An as tailors. Standards vary according to price, but the strong competition means that you can get a very reasonable kneading for a highly acceptable price. For the full pampering experience, there are a handful of more upscale options to choose from; the spa at the Nam Hai resort is particularly sumptuous. For something a little different, try the blind therapists at Hoi An Blind Massage Centre who are known for their skilled, sensitive hands.