Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stuns visitors with its emerald waters and dramatic limestone pillars. Embarking on an adventure of kayaking in Ha Long Bay is a thrilling endeavor, promising breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. Let’s delve into a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your voyage through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with confidence.
1. Is kayaking in Ha Long Bay worth it?
National Geographic has named Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among the best 25 kayaking locations in the world. Ha Long’s flat terrain and serene waterways make it the perfect place for an amazing kayaking experience.
While enjoying the tranquility of the wind-tight emerald waters amidst sheer limestone cliffs, you will come across more than 1,600 islands, each with its own distinct beauty. On kayak boats, weave through the towering limestone karsts to discover secret caves full of awe-inspiring natural features and appreciate the poetic, unspoiled landscapes.
You can also visit idyllic fishing and pearl villages, admire peaceful beaches, or simply float on the waves of Ha Long. This experience will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Ha Long Bay in a unique way and feel closer to its magnificent nature.
Glide through tranquil waters and imposing limestone karsts while kayaking in Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)
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2. Best time to go kayaking in Ha Long Bay
The special thing about kayaking is that it is a year-round activity. Whether it’s winter or summer, dawn or dusk, kayaking allows you to see how Ha Long Bay’s beauty shifts throughout the day as the emerald green waters reflect the changing hues of the light and the sky. Let the boat glide along enigmatic caverns, anchor beneath stony islets, and investigate the enigmatic stalactites that date back thousands of years.
However, it is worth noting that June and July should be avoided as these months frequently see storms into the Gulf of Tonkin and Ha Long Bay, as well as days with unfavorable weather, rain, and choppy waves.
Read more: Ha Long Bay weather: A comprehensive guide for first-time travelers
3. A beginner’s guide to kayaking in Ha Long Bay
3.1. Kayak rental in Ha Long Bay
After embarking on a boat tour to see the islands and fishing settlements in the harbor, you can rent a kayak to explore the region’s amazing natural beauty. In Ha Long, Luon Cave, Three Peaches Beach, Three Tunnels Lake, Dau Be Island, and Cua Van Village are the most well-liked locations for kayaking. Two people can fit in each kayak, and each trip costs about VND 50,000. Currently, overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay often include kayaking experiences as part of their packages.
In Ha Long, there are lots of locations to rent kayaks. Specifically, a boat may be rented for VND 50,000 for two individuals in the Luon Cave area and VND 40,000 per person in the Three Caves area. Other areas include Lom Bo Island, Van Gia Fishing Village, Co Cave, Cong Dam area, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, and Hon Ban Chan Beach.
Depending on where the caverns are, kayaking tickets cost anything from VND 50,000 to 100,000 per person. The exact cost may vary over time. For the most recent ticket prices, please get in touch with the service provider directly.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay through kayaking excursions (Source: Collected)
3.2. Best places to go kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Here are some of the best places to discover the magic of Ha Long Bay with a kayak:
- Ba Hang Fishing Village: Ba Hang Fishing Village is located in Ha Long City’s Hung Thang Ward and is next to Thien Cung Cave, one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. Choosing to go kayaking in Ba Hang fishing village gives you the opportunity to explore the stunning natural settings up close, go through dimly lit caverns, and see the sheer cliffs while taking in the intricate, millions-of-year-old stalactite systems found within the limestone mountains.
- Ti Top Island: Ti Top Island is located 11 kilometers from Ha Long International Passenger Port and 12 kilometers southeast of Tuan Châu International Tourist Port on tourist route number 2. With its vast 500-square-meter beach, accessible service shops, and picturesque 170-meter stairway to the mountainside, it’s a must-visit location in Ha Long Bay. In addition to taking in the breathtaking panoramic views, visitors can explore tourism options like kayaking and fast boat excursions, as well as beach activities like sports and swimming.
- Luon Cave: 13 kilometers southeast of Tuan Chau International Tourist Port, Luon Cave is a lake-accessible cave that looks like a tunnel with a submerged floor. The lake gets its name because visitors have to bend to get through the tunnel during high tide. Luon Cave offers breathtaking views of the surrounding environment, which is shaped by the water, sky, rock formations, and tree roots. Visitors come to enjoy sports like kayaking and boat cave exploration in addition to taking in the natural splendor.
- Ba Trai Dao Islet: Travelers are familiar with Cat Ba’s Ba Trai Dao Islet, which is a well-known location in Quang Ninh. It’s a group of tiny islands in Lan Ha Bay that are part of the territory of Ha Long City, to the east of Ha Long Bay. You and your loved ones can go kayaking among the three rocky islands for as little as VND 50,000 per person. In addition to strengthening relationships, this activity is considered a form of physical exercise. In addition, a lot of visitors use kayaking to take breathtaking “Instagrammable” photos.
- Ba Ham Lake: Ba Ham Lake’s unspoiled beauty is found in its unspoiled, solitary nature. Encircled by imposing cliffs, it provides peace, broken only by the sound of birds. Through dimly lit caverns, one can see breathtaking stalactite formations and discover new vistas with sudden light flashes. The scenery changes from open spaces to cramped alleys, resonating with a blend of gushing water and peaceful quiet, producing an enthralling atmosphere.
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village: The fishing town of Vung Vieng provides an insight into the customs of the residents, who use age-old tools to harvest shellfish. In addition to seeing pearl farming, visitors can stay in accommodations and experience the way of life of fishermen. The village offers “Fishing with Fishermen” interactive trips in addition to showcasing traditional crafts and fishing methods.
- Cua Van Floating Village: The Cua Van Floating Cultural Center is connected to the self-managed fishing village of Cua Van. In addition to providing food, accommodation, and tours of the fishing village and its forest habitat, it also displays communal living areas and upholds the cultural values of fishing communities. Activities available to visitors include hiking, observing wildlife, and learning about the local way of life.
3.3. Essential kayaking equipment
Ha Long Bay kayaking involves careful planning, including the use of safety equipment such as a helmet, life jacket, sports shoes, sunglasses, clothing that blocks the sun, a camera, and other necessities. To further avoid placing oneself in danger, it is essential to maintain your center of gravity, modify your posture, and learn how to paddle.
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3.4. Extra notes
Here are some more pointers to guarantee a fun and safe kayaking trip in Ha Long Bay:
- Non-divers are invited: You can still enjoy kayaking in Ha Long Bay if you are not a swimmer. You must wear a life jacket, and either a qualified teacher or a skilled swimmer will be with you. The instructor will give detailed lessons on how to paddle.
- Put on suitable clothing: Get ready to get soaked! For comfortable kayaking, wear swimwear, shorts, or quick-drying clothing. Bring a waterproof camera so you can record those special moments, but use caution because it can get wet easily.
- Select the appropriate kayak: Kayaks come in a variety of styles, each with unique features. Tandem kayaks hold two paddlers, while single kayaks are appropriate for one person. While sit-in kayaks give more shelter from wind and spray, sit-on-top kayaks offer greater stability. When choosing the right kayak, take your group size, preferences, and experience level into account.
- Sun protection: In order to protect oneself from the sun’s rays, especially on extended kayaking adventures, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Hydration: Kayaking may be strenuous on the body. To stay hydrated throughout your journey, pack a lot of water.
- Eco-friendly behavior: Be mindful of Ha Long Bay’s fragile ecology. While out kayaking, take care to dispose of waste correctly, avoid littering, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of majestic limestone formations while kayaking in Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you paddle past towering limestone pillars, hidden coves, and secret beaches, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the bay’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer, this guide has equipped you with the essential information to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable kayaking adventure in Ha Long Bay.
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