Rock Climbing in Vietnam

Vietnam has some seriously good limestone climbing, from quiet mountain valleys and rice fields to dramatic sea cliffs scattered across Lan Ha Bay. For most visiting climbers, there are two main areas to know about:

• Huu Lung — primarily sport climbing, with single-pitch and multi-pitch routes
• Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay — deep water soloing, sport climbing, multi-pitch and a few trad routes

They offer very different experiences. Huu Lung has a peaceful countryside feel, while Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay combine climbing with islands, beaches and turquoise water. If you have enough time, climb in both. If you don’t, choose based on your preferred climbing style, atmosphere and travel plans.

A Note on Card Payments in Vietnam

Credit card payments are still not widely accepted in Vietnam, especially outside major cities. However, bank transfers are now extremely common, even in rural areas, and apps such as Wise, Revolut and Moreta Pay can make this surprisingly easy.

If you’re heading into more remote areas, though, don’t rely entirely on digital payments. Bring enough cash in Vietnamese đồng (VND) and withdraw cash from ATMs in cities or towns before you leave.