Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned not only for its magnificent beauty with thousands of limestone islands but also as an ideal destination for unique travel experiences. Among these, kayaking in Ha Long Bay is a must-do activity, offering the chance to discover the bay’s hidden beauty in a completely different way. Are you ready to explore mysterious caves, peaceful fishing villages, and immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay?
Top 8 Best Kayaking Spots in Ha Long Bay
Kayaking is not just a sport but also a journey to explore the miraculous natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. However, not every area in the bay is suitable and permitted for kayaking. Here are 8 licensed kayaking service spots, promising to bring you the most wonderful experiences:
Ba Hang Fishing Village
Ba Hang Fishing Village is a captivating destination where you can experience kayaking amidst the peaceful scenery of an ancient fishing village. Located near Thien Cung Cave, Ba Hang attracts visitors with its pristine, tranquil beauty and the simple life of local fishermen. With an area of 16.7ha, this area allows a maximum of 55 kayaks and 60 rowing boats to operate, providing you with just enough space to explore and enjoy. You can easily combine a kayaking experience at Ba Hang in 4-hour Ha Long tours, exploring more of Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trong Mai Islet, and Dinh Huong Islet.
Kayaking in Ba Hang Fishing Village, Ha Long Bay
Luon Cave
Luon Cave, located on Bo Hon Island, is a must-visit destination for those who love kayaking. With its poetic and peaceful natural scenery, Luon Cave offers you the opportunity to admire the 60m long cave arch and the magnificent limestone mountain system. Kayaking through the cave, you will see the magical stalactites and immerse yourself in the tranquil space of nature. The Luon Cave area has an area of 11.84ha, allowing 55 kayaks and 30 rowing boats to operate. You can choose a 1-day (6-hour) Ha Long Bay cruise tour to explore Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Finger Islet, and Fighting Cocks Islet.
Kayaking through Luon Cave in Ha Long Bay
Dong Tien Lake and Trinh Nu Cave
Dong Tien Lake and Trinh Nu Cave are two adjacent locations, offering a unique and romantic kayaking experience. Dong Tien Lake is a saltwater lake located amidst majestic limestone mountains, while Trinh Nu Cave captivates visitors with its mysterious beauty and sparkling stalactites. This area has an area of 82.62ha and is allowed to operate with a maximum of 450 kayaks. You can combine exploring Dong Tien Lake and Trinh Nu Cave in a 1-day (6-hour) Ha Long Bay cruise tour, along with Trong Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave.
Kayaking on Dong Tien Lake, Ha Long Bay
Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng Fishing Village, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in the world, is an ideal destination to experience kayaking and explore the life of local fishermen. Located separately from the mainland, Vung Vieng possesses pristine and peaceful beauty, attracting visitors with its simplicity and closeness to nature. With an area of 50.22ha, this area allows 200 kayaks to operate. To explore Vung Vieng and experience kayaking, you can choose Ha Long Bay tour route number 4 (8 hours), combined with visiting Thay Cave, Co Cave, and Cong Do area.
Kayaking near Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Ha Long Bay
Cua Van Fishing Village
Cua Van Fishing Village, located in a calm sea area and surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, is a great destination for kayaking and learning about the life of fishermen. Here, you can admire the picturesque scenery, learn about local culture, and experience activities such as shrimp catching and net casting. The Cua Van area has an area of 78.27ha, allowing 200 kayaks and 30 rowing boats to operate. To kayak at Cua Van, you can book sightseeing boat route number 3 (6-8 hours), combined with visiting Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake, and Ang Du area.
Tung Sau Pearl Farm
Tung Sau Pearl Farm, surrounded by undulating rocky islands sheltered from wind and calm waves, is an ideal destination for kayaking and learning about the pearl farming process. Here, you can directly observe the pearl production process and choose the most beautiful jewelry as gifts. This area has an area of 76ha and allows a maximum of 155 kayaks to operate. You can experience kayaking at Tung Sau area in a 1-day (6-8 hours) Ha Long Bay tour, combined with visiting Soi Sim Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Me Cung Cave.
Co Cave
Co Cave, known as “a scenic spot in the heart of the heritage”, is a must-visit destination for those who love kayaking and exploring the magnificent beauty of Ha Long Bay. With a majestic cave system and long sandy beaches, Co Cave is an ideal place to admire the scenery and participate in many exciting experiences. This area has an area of 43.22ha and allows a maximum of 150 kayaks to operate. Co Cave belongs to sightseeing route number 4 in Ha Long Bay, bringing you a journey to explore famous destinations such as Vung Vieng fishing village, Cong Do area, and Thay Cave.
Cong Do – Tra San
Cong Do – Tra San, the last destination on the list of permitted kayaking spots in Ha Long Bay, is famous for its diverse ecosystem and colorful coral reefs. This place has a total area of 62.42ha, allowing 200 kayaks to operate. With pristine beauty, rich flora and fauna, and calm waves, Cong Do – Tra San is an ideal destination to participate in kayaking experiences. You can kayak in the Cong Do – Tra San area on an 8-hour Ha Long tour, combined with visiting Vung Vieng, Thay Cave, and Co Cave.
Important Notes When Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
To have a safe and memorable kayaking experience in Ha Long Bay, please note the following:
- Follow instructions: Always listen to and follow the instructions of the staff on board and kayaking guides.
- Wear a life jacket: Life jackets are mandatory equipment to ensure safety throughout the kayaking process.
- Get used to the kayak: If you are kayaking for the first time, take about 5 minutes to get used to how to control the kayak.
- Choose the right type of kayak: Depending on your ability and preferences, you can choose a touring kayak, a sit-on-top kayak, or a paddle kayak.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Wear loose, comfortable, and water-resistant clothing.
- Stay away from caves: Do not move too close to the caves in the bay to avoid danger.
With these suggestions on locations and important notes, hopefully you will have a wonderful and memorable kayaking trip in Ha Long Bay. Don’t forget to contact reputable travel companies to book a tour and get the most detailed advice!