Halong Bay is one of the most attractive tourist destinations for everyone who desires to explore the north of Vietnam. The bay is well-known for hundreds of spectacular islands and islets, together with a range of exciting outdoor activities.

Besides sightseeing and visiting famous caves and islands on the bay, kayaking is also an astonishing activity and popular among tourists that can’t miss in Halong journey. Through kayaking, tourists can have the most comprehensive experience to discover the striking the natural beauty of Mother Earth.

Kayaking Halong Bay gradually become a characteristic activity for every tourist coming to this beautiful bay, anyway be careful with the bad weather because it will make your kayaking trip less fun than expected

Kayaking in Halong Bay Overview

The service of kayaking in Halong Bay has arisen for 20 years, at the end of the 20th century. Kayaking Halong bay at first focused on water tourists and international tourists who loved adventure and challenge.

However, nowadays kayaking in Halong becomes more popular among both Vietnamese and foreign tourists, especially young people. The reason for its popularity is that kayaking brings tourists brand-new experience when exploring the system of caves and limestones or local life in Halong and observing picturesque scenery here in the most authentic way.

Joining kayaking in Halong Bay, tourists will have a great opportunity to explore the monumental bay with breathtaking scenery of numerous distinctive cliffs and pretty waterfalls, as well as the typical lifestyle of local fishermen on fishing villages.

Breathtaking scenery from a kayak

Breathtaking scenery from a kayak

Usually, people enjoy Halong holiday on a cruise and it will stop at the fishing villages where tourists can freely go swimming or kayaking and immerse into the stunning beauty of blue water in Halong Bay. Kayaking is the best way to explore details in Halong Bay, enjoy the majestic beauty of nature with typical cliffs among the rolling waves and various birds on the bay.

In addition, with the clear instructions of local guides there, it is not as difficult to ride a kayak as it seems to be.

After getting used to kayaking paddle, you can control the kayak according to your favor and continue an interesting discovery journey passing through typical fishing villages, contemplating the rocks, limestone, coral reefs or fish playing around in crystal clear water and many other impressive sceneries at a very close distance.

>>> 28+ BEST Things To Do In Halong Bay Vietnam – Attractions & Activities <<<

Different Types of Kayak – How To Choose the Most Suitable Kayak Halong Bay?

In fact, there are a variety of different kayaks, depending on your purpose and favor, which can be made from composite plastic, molded rubber or inflatable kayaks. Here are some reviews of the most popular kayaks you should know before deciding to hire the right one.

Recreational kayak

Recreational kayak

Recreational kayak

(photo: bryanherb)

This type of kayak is really nice on gentle water and fits the peace-lover. Since its stability when tourists step on, it is especially suitable for first-time players, photographers, fishing villagers or ordinary boatmen. Besides, this kayak has small partitions containing purpose.

The renting price for a recreational kayak is reasonable, and it is easy to use for primary stability. However, it is advised not to ride recreational kayak on open waters, windy areas or sea currents.

Day touring kayak

Day touring kayak is specially designed to increase the lifting capacity when encountering waters and increase safety for tourists. This kind of kayak also has storage for a day trip.

Sit-on-top kayak

Sit-on-top kayak

Sit-on-top kayak

This type of sit-on-top kayak is really attractive for children, beginners or swimmers. It has a closed body and empty holds to sit so that it is easy to step on or off. Moreover, the seats of sit-on-top kayaks are larger than that of traditional ones and difficult to overturn. This kayak is very suitable for the warm climate and it is the most popular type found in Halong Bay.

Kayaking Halong Bay Price and Where To Try

In Halong Bay, there are currently various popular spots allowing tourists to do kayaking. Here are some recommendations for you to choose:

Cat Ba Kayaking

  • Kayaking price: 50.000 VND/ kayak

  • You can hire a kayak right in the kayaking area since there are many choices for you. In another case, if you go on a cruise, kayaking fee will be included in the cruise cost.

Luon Cave

  • Kayaking price: 50.000 VND/ 2 people

  • Reference: Nam Tung One Member Limited Liability Company

  • Address: No. 102 Huynh Thuc Khang, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

  • Call: 0935 226 888

Ba Hang fishing village

  • Kayaking price: 40.000 VND/ person

  • Reference: Van Chai Cooperative

  • Address: No. 225, Group 7, Zone 2, Hung Thang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

  • Call: 0989 883 110

>>> Do you know kayaking is included in Ha Long Bay Day Tour? No extra cost!

Ba Hang fishing village

Kayaking at Ba Hang fishing village is must-try activity when coming to Halong Bay

Cua Van fishing village

  • Kayaking price: 100.000 VND/ hour

  • Reference: Hai Phong Ha Long Joint Stock Company

  • Address: No. 3, lane 65, Nguyen Van Cu Street, Hong Ha Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

  • Call: 0978 781 423

>>> Also, we provide FREE ITINERARY. Get one to have this experience! 

Co Cave Area

The price for all services such as kayaking or experiencing fisherman life is included in a tour provided by Indochina Joint Stock Company.

Vung Vieng fishing village

Vung Vieng fishing village

When you kayak at Vung Vieng fishing village you can see the “floating” life of locals and fisherman here

  • Kayaking price: 50.000 VND/person/hour

  • Reference: Van Chai Ha Long Tourist Service Cooperative

  • Address: No. 269, Group 5, Zone 5, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

  • Call: 0936 451 823

Cong Do Area

Kayaking service is also included in the cost of a tour provided by travel companies.

Cong Do Area

Cong Do Area or Cong Do Island covers an area of 23.36 square kilometers and it’s a nice place to go kayaking

Hon Ban Chan sand area

  • Kayaking price: 50.000 VND/person/hour

  • Reference: Van Chai Ha Long Tourist Service Cooperative

  • Address:  No. 269, Group 5, Zone 5, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

  • Call: 0936 451 823

When is The Most Suitable Period of Time for Kayaking Ha Long Bay?

To be honest, you can freely go kayaking in Halong Bay at any time throughout a year since every different period owns its interesting features.

In Spring when the weather will be warm, dry and the sea will be calm, it is quite a suitable period for kayaking activity in Halong Bay. However, the figure for visitors will be huge and it has a tendency to get crowded at this early time of the year.

go kayaking in Halong Bay

You can freely go kayaking in Halong Bay at any time

In Summer, the characteristic feature of the weather is extreme heat and humidity in Halong Bay. However, it can be a plus point for kayaking since you can refresh yourself in the stunning beauty of nature and blue water.

In Autumn, it will be cool and windy. However, the sea can get rough often as storms approaching the Vietnamese coastal provinces. It will be fewer travelers at this time of the year. Yet, you can still consider kayaking in autumn if the weather is nice.

In the winter, it can get freezing cold at some points and continuous rain that can limit you kayaking in Halong Bay. However, if fortunate, you can do kayaking in cool weather and less touristy than other times in a year.

You might want to read:

Useful Tips for Kayaking Halong Bay Vietnam You Should Know

Good preparation for kayaking

When kayaking, you will be easily getting wet, therefore, a T-shirt and shorts or swimming suit is the most comfortable for you. Besides, when you are kayaking, you will have a chance to see impressive scenery so that it is a great idea to bring a camera to capture your moments here. However, remember to equip waterproof accessories to protect your electronic devices.

Besides, life vests, drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also indispensable for kayaking preparation.

kayaking in Halong

Remember to wear the life vest before kayaking (photo: tripscape)

When kayaking

When kayaking, it is necessary to follow your tour guide, the route and time schedule. Always keep in mind that you must avoid the strong flow area, against the wind that can get you into trouble.

How to handle bad situations while kayaking in Halong?

When you go kayaking in groups, if there is any member in the group going out of sight, you need to make an adjustment to the speed of your whole group.

If your kayak is unfortunately overturned, you need to swim a little bit then try to take out the water and find help from others to get on the kayak.

In the case of an unexpected storm, you have to immediately find the nearest safe place to shelter. If you still cannot seek for a safe one, all of you should gather to make a big and strong raft.

If you have any question, feel free to ask us. AZ Local Team is always here to help!