Vietnam · CANOES & KAYAKS

The 15 Kayak Trips in Vietnam That Earn Their Price

30 tours  ·  from $16 a head

The 15 best kayak trips you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is there for a reason, so start at the top.

Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise - Swimming, Meal, Kayaking - What the $41 price covers
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi

Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking

1.Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 7,415 reviews · from $41Our pick

Escape Hanoi for a full day in Ha Long Bay, traveling by modern bus and deluxe boat. You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or ride a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swim or hike on Titop Island, and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch plus a sunset snack service. Guides such as Sunny, Alex, Ken, and Henry are frequently assigned.

“Sunny really showed all the places very well and his humorous is very funny and keep us very lively. Thank you Sunny.”

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Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming - The Hai Duong pearl stop breaks up the long bus ride
Buffet Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi

Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming

2.Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,512 reviews · from $48Top rated

Spend about 11 to 12 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by comfortable shuttle, then cruise among limestone islands aboard Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Your day includes Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, kayaking or a bamboo boat, buffet lunch, and a sunset snack party. Guides such as Minh, Tim, Duc, and Binh are often praised for clear English and careful timing.

“Had a great day out our guide Tony was very fantastic made the experience so much better with his knowledge and sense of humour. Stunning scenery but very busy place.”

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Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch - Boarding at Tuan Chau Island and cruising past the limestone islets
Canoes & Kayaks, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hanoi

Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch

3.Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,551 reviews · from $40

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by air-conditioned bus, then spend about six hours cruising among limestone islands. Guides such as Alex, Tinh, Henry, Sam, and Tom lead the day, with Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave kayaking or bamboo boats, Titop Island, a Vietnamese seafood lunch, and a sunset fruit party. Expect a full, social day with some crowds and steep cave steps.

“Had a wonderful time in Ha Long Bay! Ken was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable and attentive. The breathtaking views and smooth organization made for a fantastic day. Highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the bay.”

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Hanoi: Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking - The morning ride from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Pier
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Hanoi: Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking

4.Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,317 reviews · 4 - 13 hours · from $34

Spend a full day traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, with hotel pickup from the Old Quarter, a seafood lunch aboard Dragonfly Cruise, Thien Cung Cave, and 45 minutes of kayaking or bamboo boating. Guides such as Harry, Benjamin, and Linh are known for friendly explanations, while the long road journey is the main tradeoff.

“Perfect on time. Bus was fine. The stop at the pearl farm was nice. I've never seen this, so it was new and interesting to me. Food was fine, they had vegetarian options. The kayaking was included and a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the walk through the cave. They weren't annoying with tips oder selling. I really recommend the trip.”

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Halong Bay Day Tour By Diamond Era Cruise,Titop,Sung Sot & kayak - The 7:45 Hanoi pickup and expressway ride
Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hanoi

Halong Bay Day Tour By Diamond Era Cruise,Titop,Sung Sot & kayak

5.Halong Bay Day Tour By Diamond Era Cruise,Titop,Sung Sot & kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,301 reviews · from $48

Spend a long day from Hanoi exploring Halong Bay aboard the Diamond Era Cruise. You’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, paddle or take a bamboo boat through Hang Luon, and hike or swim at Ti Top Island. Guides such as Richie, Johnny, Tom, and Andy are praised for keeping large groups on schedule. Lunch, transfers, entrance fees, and water are included.

“Very nice and friendly team . Cruise is very nice from hygiene, safety , food and all other plannings.”

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Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch - Sung Sot Cave: impressive, crowded, and worth seeing
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Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch

6.Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,244 reviews · from $42

Spend about 12 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, then cruise to Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Hang Luon, and swim or hike on Ti Top Island. Guides such as Alex, Hoang, Ken, and Nam are praised for keeping the busy day organized. Lunch is included, but food quality can vary.

“Really nice tour seen some beautiful places and had some fun activities Ken was a great guide. Had a great day”

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Cat Ba: Lan Ha, HaLong bay full day- biking, kayaking, lunch - 8:00 pickup and the short ride to Beo Harbour
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Cat Ba: Lan Ha, HaLong bay full day- biking, kayaking, lunch

7.Lan Ha, HaLong bay full day- biking, kayaking, lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,166 reviews · 1 day · from $22Best value

From Cat Ba, cruise Lan Ha and Ha Long bays, visit a floating fishing village, take a bamboo boat through caves, swim, eat Vietnamese lunch, and cycle through Viet Hai village. English-speaking guides such as Tony, Kai, Ricky, and B keep the day moving. Kayaking is currently replaced by a local bamboo boat.

“The all day was really good, excellent care from the beggining until the end of the day, our guide was great, explained everything to us. We loved the lunch, so much food to share with the group. We could swim as well ! and for the end we were not sure where to go back and our guide helped us a lot to find our way! thank you so much for this great day!”

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PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat - Fighting Cocks and Incense Burner Island
1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hanoi

PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat

8.PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,007 reviews · from $160

Leave Hanoi at 8:30 for a 9 to 11-hour private Halong Bay outing. Cruise among limestone islands, visit Thien Cung Cave, stop at Fighting Cocks and Incense Burner islands, and kayak or ride a bamboo boat through quiet lagoons. Guides may include Hai, Robert, Gam, Jacky, or Lyn.

“Jacky gave our family of 9 a wonderful experience! We loved visiting HaLong Bay, the caves, kayaking & bamboo boat ride and one of the highlights was the most delicious lunch aboard the private boat. The family-owned boat was beautiful and they were very hospitable.”

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Best Halong 5 star Day Trip, inclusive,buffet,cave,kayak,transfer - Boarding at Tuan Chau Harbor
1-Day Tours, Buffet Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi

Best Halong 5 star Day Trip, inclusive,buffet,cave,kayak,transfer

9.Best Halong 5 star Day Trip, inclusive,buffet,cave,kayak,transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 933 reviews · from $45

Spend 10 to 12 hours touring Halong Bay from Hanoi by limo bus and cruise boat. Visit Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat, with a seafood lunch, English-speaking guide, sunset party, and Old Quarter pickup included.

“Views of halong was superb and the people is friendly great experience clean boat and good speaking English tour guides.. the food was average though could improve there.”

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Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise with Meals, Kayak or Bamboo Boat - Limestone islands and the choice between kayaking and pearls
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Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise with Meals, Kayak or Bamboo Boat

10.Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise with Meals, Kayak or Bamboo Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 899 reviews · from $133

Spend one night aboard the 5-star Alisa Cruise in Ha Long Bay, with meals, a private bathroom, cave visits, a pearl farm, kayaking or a bamboo boat, Tai Chi, and onboard activities. Guides such as Ian and James Bond help bring the schedule to life, while staff can handle gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs when told in advance.

“We stayed two nights at Alisa Cruise. It was one of best experiences I’ve ever had. Thanks for Anna who organised our booking and everything. She was very helpful and professional.”

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Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave - Deluxe To Luxury - Choosing kayaking or a bamboo boat
Canoes & Kayaks, Full-Day, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi, VIP

Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave – Deluxe To Luxury

11.Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave – Deluxe To Luxury

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 884 reviews · from $38

Spend 12 to 14 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by air-conditioned bus and deluxe boat. You will cruise past limestone islands, eat lunch onboard, visit Sung Sot Cave, hike 420 steps on Titop Island, swim, and choose kayaking or a bamboo boat. Guides such as Sam and Hercules are praised for friendly, clear service.

“Amazing guide, really good quality cruise, great food, everything bang on. Great value for money, super clean and lovely staff.”

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2D1N: Halong Bay 4-Star Cruise - Cave, Kayak, Swim, Meals - Lunch with the limestone pillars
2-Day Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Tour Reviews

2D1N: Halong Bay 4-Star Cruise – Cave, Kayak, Swim, Meals

12.2D1N: Halong Bay 4-Star Cruise – Cave, Kayak, Swim, Meals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 855 reviews · from $133

You spend two days and one night on a 4-star Ha Long Bay cruise, with kayaking or a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, meals, a sunset party, cooking class, Tai Chi, and squid fishing. Pickup may be arranged, though Hanoi Old Quarter transfers cost extra. Guides such as Alex and Bobby have earned especially warm praise.

“I was lucky as this trip was cancelled on short notice, and I was moved to Mila Cruise. This happened with other guests from other ships as well having paid a much higher fee. As a solo traveller, Ha Long Bay is definitely on the more expensiRead more”

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Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming - Highway Transfer - The Hanoi pickup and highway ride
Canoes & Kayaks, Full-Day, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi

Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming – Highway Transfer

13.Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming – Highway Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 743 reviews · from $39

From Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll ride the highway to Ha Long Bay, eat lunch aboard a comfortable boat, paddle or take a bamboo boat through Hang Luon, visit Sung Sot Cave, and swim or climb at Ti Top Island. Guides such as Viet, Huy, Duc, and Mr. Tiger have led this busy, fast-moving day.

“Everything was great. Really friendly staff, great food, great sights and comfortable transport. A little pushy at times to hurry the group along but understandable. More warning before each sight woud be nice to avoid toilet queues on the boat while the tour leaves you behind.”

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Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch - Boarding at Tuan Chau Island and cruising past the limestone islets
Canoes & Kayaks, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hanoi

Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch

14.Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 725 reviews · from $40

Spend a full day cruising Halong Bay from Hanoi, with shared coach transfers, a Vietnamese seafood lunch, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking or a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, and Titop Island. English-speaking guides such as Ken, Phong, and Linh have led recent departures. Expect a busy, active day with excellent scenery and limited time at each stop.

“This was the perfect trip, we were not necessarily in a hurry but didn’t want an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. We got all we wanted from this trip. A great lunch on board(the food just kept on coming). A long day but we’ll worth it. Beware: our accommodations was outside the old town and although our booking included pickup/drop off we got a text the day before saying they couldn’t pick up/drop off from our location. Not a problem as taxis are cheap and we are confident travellers … but this did figure in our decision making/choice of company.”

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All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming - Day 1: limestone islands, Sung Sot Cave, and Titop Island
2-Day Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Cruises, Ha Long Bay Cruises in Hanoi, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hanoi, VIP

All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

15.All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · from $50

Spend one night on a small-group Halong Bay cruise with pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a private balcony cabin, meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, cooking, and squid fishing. The route may include Bai Tu Long, Halong, or Lan Ha Bay. Guides such as Alex, Sunny, Tom, and Tung have earned praise for clear, friendly service.

“Great experience. The pick up (and drop off) from the Old Quarter was seamless. The boat we went on was lovely. All rooms had balconies and the common areas were bright and well maintained, There were a lot of activities available to do, if you wanted. Service was exceptional and everyone was willing to make this excursion as good as it could be. The port that you go from is a little disorganised but the staff from the boat are always available to help.”

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