Some of the best holiday experiences happen when you go on a kayaking trip. Even if you wouldn't ordinarily go on the water in a kayak, kayaking is relatively easy to pick up and it can be exhilarating. Vietnam has lots of kayaking hotspots for you to enjoy, with some excursions lasting days, even. Our guide intends to show you the best experiences for kayaking in terms of:
Simply kayaking on a slow river letting the current take you downstream is an adventure. Many rivers slow down the pace of your holiday. Incredibly for your mindfulness too, floating slowly by, hypnotized by nature around you. Kayaking with a local guide is your best option because they know the river and land, and kayaking in a small group adds to the fun.
Kayaking is slightly different to going on a boat trip or cruise because you are more independent with greater freedom of movement to explore. When you are holidaying in Lan Ha Bay, for example, don't automatically dismiss the idea of kayaking. This guide focuses on kayaking as your activity, so we may leave out attractions that may exist close by.
Also known as the Perfume River. The river is found at Hue Imperial City. This is the river destination to come for the quietest and peacefulness. Calm and slow with little distraction to upset your mood, you can do nothing to stop yourself admiring the beautiful scenery found on the riverbanks. It is very serene looking further still to the distant mountains.
The whole purpose of kayaking for many is finding this one thing lacking in their daily route, which is a few moments to themselves. This river permits you this contemplation and reflection often sought after. Continue on the river with your guide to complete your experience:
Before setting off with your guide make sure you agree to see everything, including the above attractions. For a little more information about Hue, see our link below.
Found in the central region of Vietnam the national park protects hundreds of caves and limestone karst mountains. You have come to kayak in parts of Vietnam that are stunningly gorgeous. As with Ninh Binh in the north of the country, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park defies belief. This is a destination as much for adventurism as for nature.
Our recommendation is to stay at least three days in the area. For the reason being two rivers ― Son and Chay ― and the surrounding areas are ideal for recreational hiking and cave exploring. It may rain in the region, all year round in fact, but it remains warm. Whilst the rain is very light, have waterproof clothing ready if you're not sure.
The two rivers have both shaped and hollowed out many of the limestone caves you'll come across. Both are the longest underground rivers in the national park. Kayaking along either river affords you the most beautiful and perfect view of rural Vietnamese life. The peace and slow pace of life feels like another world altogether and so far, flung from the hustle and bustle of Da Nang city.
How you feel, what you feel whilst floating past the rice fields and small villages is priceless.
One of Vietnam's best loved natural freshwater lakes by domestic and foreign travelers. Along the banks of the lake are ancient trees, perhaps as old as the mountains themselves, you may think. The calming blue waters feature rocks carpeted with green mosses adding to the spectacular beauty. The lake has several interesting attractions:
Your guide should also know about the ethnic villages close to the lake: there are quite a few villages. If you have booked a tour of the national park, your package will involve:
The lake is the largest of its kind in Vietnam and is super family friendly. You can arrive at the lake by traveling from Hanoi allowing yourself a few days at least to experience as much as possible.
In our experience you are often going to have a more enjoyable time kayaking the Lan Ha Bay situated north of Halong Bay. Simply because the bay is far less crowded, and the Cat Ba archipelago is more to our liking. The waters are clean and clear and mingling with the Islands, peering down you can definitely see coral reefs. Get to the bay by renting a boat yourself or go as part of a group (cheaper) together, leaving from Beo Wharf.
Phu Quoc is a beautiful Island with amazing beaches which is why this beach in particular makes our top 5 spots for kayaking. To the south of the Island there is a small town called An Thoi which is where you should start from. The town has the best beach on the Island with soft white sand under the foot leading you to the shallow waves.
Paddle out into the sea past those out swimming, enjoying the calm of the water. Just to rest for moments listening to the waves slap against your kayak is harmonious to say the least. You could even sit on the waves, quite content actually, and watch the sun go down if you wanted to. One other beach on the Island is Bai Dai beach which is okay for kayaking but it is the second choice, remember.
It wasn't easy to put together this top 5 list of kayaking destinations. There are so many beautiful rivers, lakes and beaches to kayak on in Vietnam. We could list dozens more but that'd just confuse your decision making. Our advice is to pick one out that is the closest to your primary holiday destination. Get out onto the water to fully immerse yourself with the natural world and explore it in depth.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.