Thanks to its vast river network and captivating landscapes, Vietnam offers numerous water activities, with kayaking being one of the most popular. This activity allows visitors to explore the scenery at their own pace, combining tourism with sports. Beyond visual splendor, kayaking in Vietnam is a deeply immersive experience that invites you to feel the rhythm of the water, discover isolated coves, meet local communities, and push your limits in unforgettable settings. Kayaking provides access to remote areas and allows for authentic experiences, far from the beaten path. This 2025 trend towards experiential tourism promotes a deeper understanding of culture and environment, contributing to more sustainable and localized tourism development.

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Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, a unique experience - Mr Linh's Adventures

A UNESCO World Heritage site and listed among National Geographic's top 25 kayaking destinations, Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly the most iconic spot for kayaking in Vietnam. It is renowned for its calm waters, thousands of spectacular karst islands, caves, and picturesque floating villages. While a two or three-day cruise is ideal for exploring the bay, a kayaking excursion allows you to venture into a different, more serene, and fabulous world. Kayaking offers the opportunity to explore areas inaccessible to large boats, such as hidden lagoons and caves like Tunnel Cave or Paradise Cave. Paddlers can also navigate through peaceful floating villages, offering an intimate glimpse into the local way of life. Note that most overnight cruises include a kayaking excursion. Less known but equally magnificent, Lan Ha Bay, located south of Ha Long Bay, offers a peaceful and wild setting for kayaking, with fewer tourists and preserved marine landscapes. A kayaking excursion on its emerald waters provides easy access to numerous pristine and hidden beaches and sandy areas, giving the impression of exploring new lands.

► 2025 Halong Bay kayaking guide
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The Nho Que river, set in the Tu San canyon - Mr Linh's Adventures

Ha Giang has become a popular tourist destination in the Northeast region, attracting visitors with its wild natural beauty. Beyond the Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, the Nho Que River, nestled in the spectacular Tu San Canyon, is a true natural masterpiece. It is the deepest river in Southeast Asia, reaching 700 to 900 meters deep, overlooked by the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass. Although access to the departure pier can be a bit challenging, the beauty of the site is well worth the effort.

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Ba Be National Park, a hidden gem in North Vietnam - Mr Linh's Adventures

Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's largest natural lake, is located in a national park with spectacular and untouched landscapes. It is a peaceful place surrounded by mountains and tropical forests, ideal for a tranquil kayak ride, with opportunities to observe local wildlife and visit caves. In addition to traditional Tay ethnic boat rides, kayaking is an increasingly popular option, offering a gentle approach to the karst cliffs and allowing you to sneak into small caves. Environmentally friendly, kayaking naturally fits into a sustainable and responsible visiting experience at Ba Be National Park.

► What you need to know about Ba Be
 

Zipline and aquatic fun on the Chay River, Phong Nha - Ke Bang - Mr Linh's Adventures

The Quang Binh region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a land of majestic caves, clear rivers, mountains, and dense forests with deep green hues, offering an ideal setting for peaceful navigation. Phong Nha is particularly famous for its karst caves and underground rivers. Kayaking on the Son River allows entry into Phong Nha Cave, a unique experience where you can paddle about 1.5 km into an immense cavern with impressive rock formations, going further than traditional boat tours. It is also an ideal area for adventure and nature lovers.
 

Paddling in the Mekong Delta arroyos- Internet

Nicknamed the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta offers a serene and culturally rich kayaking experience. Paddling here means navigating a labyrinth of tranquil rivers and small channels shaded by coconut trees, surrounded by lush agricultural landscapes and generous orchards. The Mekong's dense network of rivers, canals, and islands is perfect for kayaking. Paddling along the Delta's arroyos allows for an intimate immersion, passing through local villages and offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the inhabitants, often far from typical tourist areas. You can discover floating markets, local life along the water, and explore the mangroves. If Ha Long Bay enchants with its natural beauty and Phong Nha attracts with its call to adventure, the Mekong Delta promises an authentic cultural and human experience.
 

Kayaking off Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Island - Internet

Phu Quoc – the pearl island or emerald island – is Vietnam's largest island. It is renowned for its beaches and turquoise waters, harmoniously combining kayaking and island discovery. Sao Beach, in the south of the island, with its seven kilometers of white sand, is a popular spot for kayaking, offering a beautiful marine experience in a paradisiacal setting. Bai Dai Beach (Long Beach) is also a good alternative.

► Learn more : Phu Quoc travel guide
 

Will you try Basket Boat in Hoi An ? Internet

While not traditional kayaking, these round, woven boats offer a unique and popular experience on the river. Rather than an adventurous expedition, it's a peaceful cultural and leisure activity, with moments like boat spinning, fishing net throwing, and crab fishing. This offering of basket boats, in addition to kayaking destinations, shows that Vietnam offers a diversity of water experiences, beyond adventure sports. From high-adrenaline kayaking to gentle cultural activities, the country offers a wide range of aquatic attractions, reinforcing its multifaceted tourist appeal.

Kayak rental prices generally vary between 50,000 VND and 200,000 VND per hour, depending on the location. Some excursions, particularly in Halong and Phong Nha, include kayaking in cruises or guided tours. Kayaking often provides access to otherwise inaccessible areas, such as caves, lagoons, and floating villages. It is advisable to bring appropriate clothing, a waterproof bag for your belongings, and to inquire about local conditions (currents, weather). Some sites, like Ha Giang or Phong Nha, are particularly suitable for experienced kayakers due to the terrain and conditions.
 

With a kayak, we sneak everywhere! Ba Be National Park - Mr Linh's Adventures

Vietnam proves to be a top destination for kayaking in 2025, offering a diversity of experiences ranging from the iconic landscapes of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay to the wilder waters of the Nho Que River, the tranquility of Ba Be Lake, and the mysterious caves of Phong Nha. The Mekong Delta, meanwhile, promises a unique cultural immersion at the heart of local life. Offering an experience suitable for all levels, from experienced adventurers to beginners seeking tranquility, kayaking is part of a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism approach. Will you try the traditional "basket boats" of Hoi An, a cultural and fun activity not to be missed? So... Pack a waterproof bag and set off to discover the magnificent aquatic landscapes of Vietnam!