The world’s best wild swims
Little can match the pleasure of taking a dip in a secluded spot.
Sliding into a river or striking out for the centre of a lake, it’s
impossible not to feel as if you’ve become part of the scene, rather
than simply marvelling at it.
Indulge in one of these stunning
swims and we promise they’ll make your trip even more memorable. Just
remember not to swim alone and to take advice from locals about currents
and conditions before stripping down to your bathers.
A man dives into a river beneath a giant Roman aqueduct in Provence, France. Photo by David Stubbs / Aurora / Getty Images
1. Pont Du Gard, France
This
stunning Roman aqueduct is best viewed while swimming in the shallows
in its shadow, where the river is at its widest. The water is crisp and
gin clear, the nearby beach perfect for a picnic. Swimming is forbidden
directly underneath the arches, where the river narrows and currents
swirl.
2. Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Splayed out across southern Vietnam,
the Mekong’s muddy outlets offer some truly exhilarating wild swims.
Home stay in Vietnam , on a fruit farm on the banks of the river, is
ideal. Here you can swim with Tam’s family, who’ll keep you safe and out
of the way of submerged trees and fast-flowing water.
3. Lubok Simpon, Malaysia
Just across the river from Taman Negara’s main hub of Kuala Tahan, Lubok Simpon
is a delightfully secluded swimming spot nestled in the world’s oldest
rainforest. The muddy riverbed will suck at your toes, but once you’re
swimming against the current, it’s utterly invigorating. Don’t be
tempted to strike out for deeper, turbulent waters on the opposite bank.
4. River Granta, UK
South
of Cambridge, the Granta’s wide meanders are ideal for a bracing
British swim. Willows, replete with ropes dangling temptingly into the
deep central channel, line the far bank. There is a series of swimming
spots on the two-mile walk along the Granta from Cambridge to Grantchester.
A mile and a half along the towpath through Grantchester Meadows is a
small muddy beach with overhanging willows and rope swings, ideal for
getting in and out. Follow in the footsteps of Rupert Brooke and take
tea at the gorgeous Orchard Tea Rooms after you’ve been for a cooling
dip. The tea rooms are in Grantchester village, signposted from the
towpath and a ten-minute walk from the swim spot.
5. Cenote Yokdzonot, Mexico
The
deep sinkholes, or cenotes, of Yucatán are essential swimming spots for
intrepid travellers. Ease yourself into the silky water of the
locally-run Cenote Yokdzonot, a managed swimming spot
where locals charge a small fee to take a dip. Try not to think about
the seemingly unending depths while you’re dive-bombed by the swallows
that nest in the surrounding walls.
Tourists jumping from Tat Kuang Si Waterfall. Photo by Kimberley Coole / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images
6. Kuang Si Waterfalls, Laos
Hop on a tuk-tuk in Luang Prabang
and make a beeline for the beautiful waterfalls at Kuang Si, with a
series of inviting pools that are crying out to be swum in. The
crystalline, blue water is deliciously cooling during hot Laos summers.
Go later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and that searing midday
heat.
7. Wattego’s Beach, Australia
The surfing paradise of Byron Bay
might not seem the ideal spot for an indulgent dip. But sheltered,
north-facing Watego’s Beach is the perfect place to cool off during the
height of a scorching Aussie summer. The water is far calmer here than
at nearby Tallow Beach, although stay close to shore to be on the safe
side.
8. Boiling River, Yellowstone National Park, USA
If diving into icy water’s not your scene, then the aptly named Boiling River will warm your cockles. The cold Gardner River
merges here with fiery hot springs to form a tepid set of pools that
won’t leave you gasping for breath when you sink your shoulders beneath
the surface. It’s rocky, so bring swimming shoes if you can.
‘The penguins of South Africa’ by Pictrues. CC BY 2.0
9. Boulders, South Africa
Swimming
with penguins might seem like something you’d only do in an ultra-thick
wetsuit while on an Antarctic adventure. But at Boulders, Cape Town’s
best swimming beach, you can get nose-to-nose with the little fellas.
Offshore boulders make this a calm, secluded area on an otherwise stormy
coastline.
10. Lake Lungern, Switzerland
Alpine lakes are just about the most idyllic places for a summer swim, and few are better than Switzerland’s Lake Lungern.
The water is so clean it’s drinkable, so no need to worry if you take a
gulp while working on your freestyle. There’s even a water slide and
diving board for the big kids in your group too.
HUONG VIET TRAVEL – MEMBER OF PATA, ASTA, IATA
Add: 20 Nguyen Truong To Str, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : (84-4) 37162149 Fax: (84-4) 37161738
Add: 20 Nguyen Truong To Str, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : (84-4) 37162149 Fax: (84-4) 37161738
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