Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned not only for its magnificent beauty of thousands of limestone islands but also as a paradise for unique travel experiences. Among these, kayaking is a favorite activity for tourists, allowing you to explore the bay’s beauty in a very personal way. So, what’s so special about kayaking in Halong Bay, is it difficult, and what do you need to prepare? Let’s discover all the useful information in this article for a memorable trip.
Explore Halong Bay’s Beauty by Kayak
Kayaking is not just a simple sport but also a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, feel the tranquility, and experience the unspoiled beauty of Halong Bay. With a small kayak, you can weave through mysterious caves, discover hidden beaches, and admire the unique limestone islands from a completely new perspective.
A stunning view while kayaking in Halong Bay
What is a Kayak?
A kayak is a small, narrow boat designed to be propelled across water by human power using a paddle. Traditional kayaks usually have one or two seats, with the cockpit covered by a deck to prevent water from entering. Today, there are many types of modern kayaks with diverse designs, from “sit-on-top” kayaks (without a cockpit) to tandem kayaks or kayaks equipped with additional support devices such as foot pedals.
Advantages of Kayaking in Halong Bay
- Closer to Nature: Kayaks allow you to get closer to the natural wonders of Halong Bay, places that larger boats cannot reach.
- Freedom to Explore: You can freely choose your route, stop wherever you want, and explore the hidden corners of the bay in your own way.
- Health Benefits: Kayaking is a great physical activity that helps you build endurance, strengthen muscles, and burn calories.
- Peaceful Experience: Enjoy the tranquility of the bay, away from the noisy crowds, and relax in the beautiful natural space.
Ideal Season for Kayaking in Halong Bay
Halong Bay has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. However, the best time to kayak in Halong Bay is in the summer, from April to October.
- Summer (April – October): The weather is warm, sunny, and the sea is calm, very suitable for water sports activities. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you need to book services in advance to ensure availability.
- Autumn (September – November): The weather is cool and pleasant, with less rain, also a good option for kayaking.
- Winter (December – February): The weather is cold and foggy, not suitable for water activities.
- Spring (March – April): The weather gradually warms up, but it is still quite humid.
Note: You should check the weather forecast before going to avoid rainy or stormy days, which may affect your experience.
Kayaking is a must-do activity when visiting Halong Bay in the summer
Who Can Participate in Kayaking?
Most people can participate in kayaking, as long as they are in good health and follow safety rules. Children from 8 years old can kayak with adults. However, if you have any health issues, consult your doctor before participating in this activity.
Children can also participate in kayaking with their families
Best Kayaking Spots in Halong Bay
Halong Bay has many ideal spots for kayaking, each with its own unique beauty. Here are some suggestions:
- Luon Cave: Famous for its majestic beauty and diverse ecosystem. You can kayak through the cave to discover a secret lagoon inside. Reference ticket price: VND 30,000/person/trip.
- Ba Hang (Three Caves): A quiet area with small caves and pristine beaches. Reference ticket price: VND 25,000/person/trip.
- Cua Van Floating Village: A famous floating village with peaceful beauty and unique floating houses. Reference ticket price: VND 100,000/person/trip.
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Another fishing village with unspoiled beauty and traditional cultural activities. Reference ticket price: VND 50,000/person/trip.
- Hon Ban Chan Beach: A beautiful beach with fine white sand and clear blue water, ideal for relaxing and swimming after kayaking. Reference ticket price: VND 60,000/person/trip.
- Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Famous for pearl farming.
- Dong Tien Lake: A freshwater lake nestled among limestone mountains.
- Trinh Nu Cave and Trong Cave (Virgin Cave and Drum Cave): Two caves associated with a famous sad love story.
You can choose to join Halong Bay cruise tours that include kayaking activities. Or, you can rent kayaks yourself at the above locations and explore freely.
Kayaking at Luon Cave is an unmissable experience
Tips for Safe and Effective Kayaking
Kayaking is not difficult, but to have a safe and effective experience, you need to master some secrets:
Choose the Right Type of Kayak
- Touring Kayak: For experienced paddlers, long, stable, and difficult to capsize.
- Sit-on-top Kayak: Easy to use, suitable for beginners, but prone to capsizing in strong winds or large waves.
- Feathered Paddle: Saves more energy compared to a straight paddle.
Female travelers should choose paddle sizes that fit their hands for more comfortable paddling.
Basic Kayaking Techniques
- Choose a Location: Start in calm waters to get used to the feeling on the kayak.
- Sitting Posture: Relax your arms, keep your body straight, and slightly bend your knees.
- Paddling Technique: Smoothly coordinate your arms, shoulders, back, and core muscles.
- Hand Position: Place your hands parallel to your knees for the best paddling position.
- Holding the Paddle: Hold evenly to ensure the paddle moves in the right direction.
- Adjust Paddle Length: Choose a length that suits your height and arm span.
Correct sitting posture when kayaking
Important Safety Precautions
- Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before going.
- Choose Clothing: Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing or swimwear.
- Bring Essentials: Waterproof bag, drinking water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- Always Wear a Life Jacket: Ensure absolute safety.
- Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions of the guide or team leader.
- Stay Away from Caves: Do not move too close to caves as it can be dangerous.
Always wear a life jacket to ensure safety when kayaking
Conclusion
Experiencing kayaking in Halong Bay is a fun and memorable activity, offering you the opportunity to explore the magnificent natural beauty and improve your health. Hopefully, the information and experiences shared in this article will help you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip. Don’t forget to share your wonderful moments with everyone!