The stunning limestone peaks of Halong Bay are best explored by paddle. Several well-organized kayaking tours let you get up close to the bay’s hidden caves and serene lagoons. I’m especially fond of the Overnight Luxury Alisa Cruise – it combines comfortable accommodations with excellent guided kayaking sessions and meals. For a longer adventure, the 3-Day Oriental Sails cruise hits all the right notes with its relaxed pace and multiple kayaking stops.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the full-day and half-day options. The Halong Full Day Tour packs in great value with kayaking, cave visits, and beach time. For those short on time, the Half Day Heaven Cave tour efficiently covers the bay’s highlights.
Let’s look at my favorite kayaking tours in detail:
[List would follow]
Key Points
- The Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise offers a premier kayaking or bamboo boat experience in Halong Bay with high customer satisfaction.
- The 3-Day Cruise Relaxing and Kayaking on Oriental Sails provides a leisurely three-day, two-night kayaking experience in Halong Bay, with weather-dependent activities.
- The Halong Full Day Tour includes a kayaking or bamboo boat ride, with a focus on cave exploration and beach visits, accommodating up to 70 participants.
- The Half Day Explore Halong Bay With Lunch, Heaven Cave and Kayaking offers a more intimate kayaking experience, with a maximum of 48 participants.
- The Halong Bay Full Day With Kayaking and Swimming on Titop Island features a kayaking or bamboo boat ride, as well as the opportunity to hike and swim on Titop Island.
Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise With Meals, Kayak or Bamboo Boat
The Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise offers a premier experience in Halong Bay.
With 52 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this cruise is a top choice for travelers.
The cruise includes overnight accommodation, all meals, professional guide, and activities like kayaking or a bamboo boat ride.
Pickup is available from hotels in Hoan Kiem District, and guests must be ready at the cruise location dock before 11:45 AM.
Though non-refundable, the cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum of 15 travelers.
Priced from $150 per person, the cruise provides an immersive and luxurious way to explore the stunning Halong Bay.
Read our full review: Overnight Luxury 5 Star Alisa Cruise With Meals, Kayak or Bamboo Boat Review
Book now: Check availability
3-Day Cruise Relaxing and Kayaking on Oriental Sails
For those seeking a more leisurely day-long cruise experience in Halong Bay, the 3-Day Cruise Relaxing and Kayaking on Oriental Sails offers an appealing option. Rated 3.9 out of 11 reviews, this three-day, two-night cruise includes meals, kayaking, and other excursions.
The cruise departs from Halong International Cruise Port, with shuttle bus transportation available from Hanoi. While accommodations are clean and spacious, with attentive staff, the area can be quite crowded.
Travelers may want to consider upgrading to a nicer cruiser for a more exclusive experience. Activities like kayaking can also be weather-dependent.
Read our full review: 3-Day Cruise Relaxing and Kayaking on Oriental Sails Review
Book now: Check availability
Halong Full Day Tour : Cruise, Kayak, Cave, Lunch, Beach & Island
A popular full-day tour in Halong Bay allows travelers to experience the area’s stunning natural beauty through a cruise, kayaking, cave exploration, and visits to a beach and island.
The tour lasts 6-7 hours and accommodates up to 70 people. Included are round-trip transportation, lunch, afternoon tea or sunset party, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.
Kayaking or a bamboo boat experience is also part of the itinerary. While the unique landscape is noted, some reviewers mentioned quick stops on the islands and an overwhelming guide.
Read our full review: Halong Full Day Tour : Cruise, Kayak, Cave, Lunch, Beach & Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Half Day Explore Halong Bay With Lunch, Heaven Cave and Kayaking
Exploring the captivating landscapes of Halong Bay is a half-day adventure that immerses travelers in the region’s natural wonders.
The “Half Day Explore Halong Bay With Lunch, Heaven Cave and Kayaking” tour, operated by Old Quarter Travel, offers a comprehensive experience. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch, a breathtaking visit to the Heaven Cave, and the opportunity to navigate the bay’s serene waters by kayak or bamboo boat.
With a maximum of 48 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. The tour starts and ends at the Tuan Chau International Marina, making it easily accessible.
Whether you’re seeking a day of adventure or a chance to learn about Halong Bay’s beauty, this tour is a must-try.
Read our full review: Half Day Explore Halong Bay With Lunch, Heaven Cave and Kayaking Review
Book now: Check availability
Halong Bay Full Day With Kayaking and Swimming on Titop Island
The Halong Bay Full Day With Kayaking and Swimming on Titop Island tour offers an immersive experience in the stunning natural landscapes of this iconic Vietnamese destination.
Spanning a full day, the tour includes hotel transfers, a Vietnamese lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
Highlights include exploring Surprising Cave, hiking on Titop Island, swimming at Titop Beach, and kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride.
Guests can also photograph the beautiful vistas from Titop Island’s peak and enjoy sunset tea with cake and fruit.
With a maximum of 25 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized adventure in the picturesque Halong Bay.
Read our full review: Halong Bay Full Day With Kayaking and Swimming on Titop Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Halong Bay offers a variety of exciting canoe and kayak experiences. Whether you choose an overnight cruise, a multi-day trip, or a day tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the bay’s stunning limestone landscapes up close. With options for both relaxation and adventure, there’s an experience to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.