CRUISES & KAYAKING TRIPS IN VIETNAM

This page lists a few popular cruises with kayaking. If you want a pure cruise, please follow this link.

A Word About Sea Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is truly a natural wonder with over 3,000 islands, grottoes, and limestone mountains that soar skyward out of calm emerald waters.

In a kayak, you can paddle through some of the many caves which lead to breathtaking lagoons, paddle to a floating village to experience this unique way of life, and even buy some pearls cultivated in the local pearl farms. The flora and fauna of the bay are spectacular, and witnessing a beautiful Sea Hawk swooping down to grab dinner is a common sight. A night paddle, surreal and mysterious, will reveal the incredible phenomenon of phosphorescence present in the water, each paddle stroke leaving a trail of glitter.

Among Ha Long Bay’s thousands of islands are countless beautiful secluded beaches. We have worked closely with the local Park Authorities to set up Private Base Camps on two of these beaches. Built into the natural surroundings are cozy straw huts, conveniently equipped with mattresses and mosquito nets, as well as a light and fan.

Each Base Camp also boasts a western toilet and freshwater shower, amenities that you’ll welcome at the end of your paddling day. The camps are staffed by friendly locals who keep the camp safe, clean, and tidy, so you can explore the bay knowing your belongings are well kept. They are also great cooks and you’ll be raving about the mouth-watering dishes, especially the fresh local seafood!

Offroad Vietnam Motorbike Adventures - Cruising and kayaking. Sea kayaking in Halong Bay and Cat Ba, beautiful sunset.

The Equipment

Our new tandem sea kayaks enable us to offer a true sea kayaking experience to avid Sea Kayakers, recreational kayakers, and first-time paddlers alike. These state of the art boats are very stable and comfortable, and cover greater distances in a day, allowing you to explore more and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Along with paddles, life jackets, and spray kirts, our boats are equipped with two sealed compartments for gear. We also have ‘dry bags’ to help keep your gear safe from the elements.

Safety

Not only have we invested in quality paddling equipment and safety gear, but we have also invested in educating our guides. Our guides have completed a 5 day intensive Sea Kayaking Guide Certification course.

Along with teaching such things as training skills, leadership skills, and navigation, a strong emphasis is placed on rescue and first aid techniques. Our Sea Kayaks are designed for ocean touring and are extremely stable in rough waters. Our trips, especially those for recreational and beginner kayakers are within the sheltered, calm waters of Ha Long Bay, so there is little or no risk of the kayak capsizing.

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KAYAKING HA LONG BAY

(2 days, 1 night: Camping & Exploring)

Booking code of kayaking 2 days: OV23

Kayaking Ha Long Bay is the perfect way to explore the calm emerald waters. We have tours that are perfect for beginners or experienced paddlers. This exciting getaway combines the perfect amount of physical activity and relaxation. Exploring caves, hidden lagoons, pearl farms, and fishing villages, you’ll meet locals and discover a side of mystical Ha Long Bay that you can’t see from a tourist boat. Leaving bustling Ha Noi behind, you’ll unwind in peace & quiet at our beach base camp.

Day 1

06:00 – Depart from Hanoi by private van. A 2-hour journey through the Red River Delta takes you to Hai Phong City for the express boat to Cat Ba Island, where you transfer to a small boat and cruise to our private base camp.

A lunch of savoury fresh local seafood is followed by instructions from your guide on the kayak gear and safety aspects. You’ll learn the basic paddle strokes and information about your paddling route. After an afternoon of exploration, a freshwater shower and a great dinner await you at the base camp. Relax under the stars before retiring for the night.

Offroad Vietnam Motorbike Adventures - Cruising and kayaking. Sea kayaking in Halong Bay and Cat Ba in 2 days.

Day 2

The friendly base camp staff will prepare a hearty breakfast before you head out for the morning to explore more of the amazing limestone karst formations and grottoes. Return to the base camp for lunch where you can relax on the beach, throw the Frisbee and take a swim. Cruise back to Cat Ba Island for the ferry to Hai Phong, then drive to Ha Noi. Tour ends at about 19:30.

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KAYAKING HA LONG BAY

(3 days, 2 nights: Kayaking & Camping)

Booking code of 3 days kayaking: OV24

Kayaking Ha Long Bay is the perfect way to explore the calm emerald waters. In fact, we have tours that are perfect for beginners or experienced paddlers. This exciting getaway combines the perfect amount of physical activity and relaxation. Exploring caves, hidden lagoons, pearl farms, and fishing villages, you’ll meet locals and discover a side of mystical Ha Long Bay that you can’t see from a tourist boat. Leaving bustling Ha Noi behind, you’ll unwind in peace & quiet at our beach base camp.

Day 1

06:00 – Depart from Hanoi by private van. A 2-hour journey through the Red River Delta takes you to Hai Phong City for the express boat to Cat Ba Island, where you’ll transfer to a small boat and cruise to our private base camp.

After lunch of savory fresh local seafood, you have instructions from your guide on the kayak gear and safety aspects. You’ll learn the basic paddle strokes and information about your paddling route. After an afternoon of exploration, a freshwater shower and a great dinner await you at the base camp. Relax under the stars before retiring for the night.

Offroad Vietnam Motorbike Adventures - Cruising and kayaking. Sea kayaking in Halong Bay and Cat Ba in 3 days.

Day 2

A whole day paddling and exploring the Bay at your own pace while having a closer look at the amazing karsts. You’ll explore some of the many caves that lead to stunning lagoons, paddle to some floating villages to see this unique way of life, and stop to chill out at one of the many beaches here.

Eat lunch aboard the support boat before you continue paddling in the afternoon. Cruise back to the base camp for dinner. Enjoy another relaxing night at the base camp.

Day 3

The friendly base camp staff will prepare a hearty breakfast before you head out for the morning to explore more of the amazing limestone karst formations and grottoes. Return to the base camp for lunch where you can relax on the beach, throw the Frisbee and take a swim. Cruise back to Cat Ba Island for the ferry to Hai Phong, then drive to Ha Noi. Tour ends at about 19:30.


KAYAKING IN HALONG BAY

(4 days, 3 nights)

Booking code of 4 days kayaking: OV47

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay, ~170 km, ~31/2 hrs bus trip

Leave Hanoi for Ha Long City (former name: Bai Chay). Arrive in Ha Long by 12:30. Board on traditional junk and begin an exploration of magical Halong Bay, one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations. You will enjoy lunch with excellent & fresh seafood on the boat while cruising to Nui Ngoc fishing village. After the seafood lunch, you will receive instructions on kayaking techniques and safety procedures by Offroad Vietnam’s guide. Start 21/2 hours paddling from Nui Ngoc to Ba Men temple. Visit Ho Ba Ham (Thee Caves Lagoon) before reaching the beach at Ba Men temple for swimming. Dinner and overnight on boat.

Day 2: Halong kayaking

Get up for an early swim and breakfast before a three-hours kayaking trip to explore Dau Be Island. Stop to swim and sunbathe on the beach of a deserted island. Continue on to a floating village where residents fish and raise crabs and shrimps. Meet the boat again for lunch. Afternoon, explore the Three Beach Island by kayak, if you are lucky, you would be able to see the protected area of endangered monkeys. Dinner and overnight on boat.

Offroad Vietnam Motorbike Adventures - Cruising and kayaking. Sea kayaking in Halong Bay and Cat Ba in 3 days

Day 3: Halong kayaking

Full-day kayaking from Lan Ha Island to Bats Lagoon and explore the whole area. Lunch, dinner, and overnight on boat.

Day 4: Kayaking, Halong – Hanoi

In the morning you start for an hour or so to cross some caves. Meet junk then lunch before getting back to the mainland. Finally, transfer back to Hanoi.

Contact us at [email protected] in case you need more details of our Vietnam cruising & kayaking tours from Hanoi.

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