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Northern Vietnam Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Northern Vietnam Canoe & kayak tours

Hanoi: Ninh Binh Tour and Ha Long Bay Cruise 3-Day Trip

1. Hanoi: Ninh Binh Tour and Ha Long Bay Cruise 3-Day Trip

Experience the beauty of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay on a multi-stop 3-day trip from Hanoi. Ride a traditional bamboo boat, kayak to scenic caves, join a Vietnamese cooking class, and go squid fishing. Most meals, entry fees, and overnight accommodation are also included. Day 1: After morning pickup in a spacious and climate-controlled bus, relax on the scenic drive through the countryside on the way to the ancient capital of the Lê dynasty at Hoa Lu.  Get free time to climb to the Hang Mua Viewpoint to capture pictures before sitting down for lunch. Later, experience traditional travel with a bamboo boat ride. Explore one of the pristine karst caves in Tam Coc before checking in to the ecolodge. Swim in the lodge pool, try more local food, or rent a bike to explore the village during your stay (costs not included). Day 2: Hop on the shuttle bus in the morning and transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (no guide during the transfer). Pause for a 15-minute rest stop at the Hai Duong Province and arrive at the cruise ship in the early afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drink once you board the boat. Sample fresh, local seafood for lunch while cruising through Ha Long Bay. Admire views of Incense Burner Island, Fighting Cock Islet, and the Stone Dog rock formation. Soak up some sun onboard or go kayaking to marvel at sights like the Limestone Mountains, the Luon Grotto, and Titop Island. Join a sunset party onboard the ship and pick up some new skills with a Vietnamese cooking class. As day turns to night, indulge in a set-menu dinner of Vietnamese food. Afterward, join a squid fishing outing with the crew. Get hands-on while cooking fresh squid with the cruise chef. Continue the fun onboard with activities like card games or sing your heart out during karaoke. Sleep overnight in a cozy cabin. Day 3:  Wake early and admire the sunrise over the bay from the sundeck. Take in the morning views of Halong Bay with a cup of tea or coffee and a hearty breakfast. Transfer by boat to Surprise Cave, the biggest cave in Halong Bay. Dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier before being transfered back to your accommodation in Hanoi.

From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch

2. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a full-day trip to Ha Long Bay and get immersed in the beauty of the stone mountains, caves, sandy beach, and more. Board a vehicle from the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the green fields. Arrive at the Tuan Chau Habour and cruise through the turquoise waters and amazing rock formations. Soak in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board. Next, you will continue to explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave. Admire the shimmering stalactites embodying countless strange and unique shapes. Take a kayak or bamboo boat to spend some time in the water and discover the stunning Luon Cave. Feel the warmth of the sunshine as you pass by Titop island. Take a refreshing dip in the water or trek to the Titop peak for photos with a panoramic view of the bay. Relax for a while before going back to the boat to enjoy a sunset party with red wine, french fries, cakes, and fruits. After reaching Ha Long harbor, the driver will transfer you back to Hanoi. 

Lan Ha Bay: 2 Days 1 Night Luxury Cruise, Swimming, kayaking

3. Lan Ha Bay: 2 Days 1 Night Luxury Cruise, Swimming, kayaking

Experience the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay on this 2-day luxury cruise through a lesser-traveled section of the bay.  Day 1 Get picked up from your hotel in Hanoi in a shuttle bus and enjoy a 2.5-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, admiring stunning views of the surrounding countryside as you drive. Upon arrival at the ferry terminal, transfer to the cruise ship and receive a welcome drink as you listen to a quick cruise safety briefing. Afterward, check in to your private balcony cabin before setting sail and admiring the magical landscapes of Ha Long Bay as you go, including a 100-year-old French lighthouse.  In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch consisting of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizers. Continue your cruise to Lan Ha Bay, a quieter section of Ha Long where you can take part in activities such as kayaking or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Once back on board, the ship will drop the anchor for the night.  ( other option some time visit the Dark & Bright Cave by kayaking depending about the weather and low tides or high tides, the guide will inform before trip) Celebrate your first night on board with a sunset party on the sundeck with tea, coffee and fresh fruits before dinner is served. At the end of the evening, retire to your cabin or join the squid fishing excursion, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar, make use of the onboard wifi access or play exciting games.  Day 2 Today, rise early to watch the sunrise over the miraculous scenery of the bay. Gently energize your body with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast. After breakfast, enjoy with swimming or kayaking at Ao Ech with beautiful view of landscape here. Once back on the ship, join a cooking demonstration and learn how to make spring rolls, a Vietnamese specialty. Enjoy lunch on board before beginning the journey back to the ferry terminal where you will board the shuttle bus that will drop you off back at your hotel in Hanoi in the afternoon.

Hanoi: Lan Ha Bay 2-Day Luxury Cruise With Kayaking

4. Hanoi: Lan Ha Bay 2-Day Luxury Cruise With Kayaking

DAY 1: 08:30: Tour guide and Limousine Bus pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter (who book our transfer service). Arrive to Tuan Chau harbor. Welcome to Cruise and enjoy Welcome drink, meet the captain, crew to get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Complete check-in procedure. Enjoy Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch, while cruising in the magnificent Halong – Lan Ha Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay. Continue cruising through Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet and Gia Luan Habour where belonged to Cat Ba area. Discover lagoon natural area belonged to Lan Ha Bay. Drop anchor for swimming or just simply sunbathe on cruise. You will do Kayaking under tour guide’s instructions in so many beautiful spots, then Swimming or just simply sunbathe on cruise. Come back to Cruise and participate in our Sunset party. Take photos and relax. Time for dinner enjoying special seafood and Vietnamese typical food on the cruise. Evening entertainments: play game on the cruise: cards game, chess, squid fishing, relaxing overnight on the cruise. DAY 2 Have breakfast. Morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Tourists visit the famous Frog Pond. Here you can freely kayak and explore the landscape, or swim (second option visit Dark cave or Bright Cave by rowing boat or kayaking depending about tide). Back to your cabin, take relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin. Check-out from the private cabin and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check-out procedure and enjoy your last lunch at cruise. Cruise back Tuan Chau Harbor, tourist say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise. Return to Hanoi. 15:00 – 15:30: Arrive in Hanoi

Ha Long: Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day Cruise on a 4-Star Boat

5. Ha Long: Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day Cruise on a 4-Star Boat

Option 1: Bai Tu Long Bay Day 1: Explore Bai Tu Long Bay,Thien Canh Son, Cap La, and Tra San 8 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Ha Long City through the green fields in the Red River Delta. 12:30 PM: Boat cruises on Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink and cruise briefing. 1:30 PM: Have lunch while cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay 3:30 PM: Transfer to Thien Canh Son cave. Our tour guide will take you to a huge cave with many interesting stalactite and stalagmite in different amazing shapes. Return to the cruise; join sunbathing, enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water, or join a cooking class with the cruise's chef. 7 PM: Vietnamese-style set dinner 9 PM: Make new friends at the bar, or try some night fishing Day 2: Explore Bai Tu Long Bay and Vung Vieng Floating Village 7:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast with the sunrise 8 AM: Visit the ancient Vung Vieng floating village. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of nature on the village, surrounded by rocky mountains. See the small bamboo boats and the ancient village, then return to cruise. 10 AM: Pack suitcases and prepare for the end of the tour. Enjoy lunch, then say goodbye to the crew. Option 2: Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay Some time cruise overbooked, we will offer free upgrade other cruise same class or higher class in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay then operator will send details Lan Ha Bay itinerary to you.

From Hanoi:2-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise with Meals, Kayaking

6. From Hanoi:2-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise with Meals, Kayaking

DAY 1: EXPLORE BAI TU LONG BAY - CAP LA AND TRA SAN (L, D) 07h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Ha Long City through the green fields in the Red River Delta. 10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break. 12h00: Embark at Ha Long wharf – Break and photography time 12h30: Boat Cruises on Halong, enjoy a welcoming drink and cruise briefing. 13h30: Have lunch while cruising to Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay. 15h30: Drop anchor at Cong Do for an hour Kayak to exploring Cap La and Tra San then return to cruise for your leisure or join sunbathing, enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water. Join cooking class on boat. playing chess, taking.Relax and spend a romantic night on cruise.photos… 19h00: Vietnamese style set dinner is served on board. 21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing. Stay overnight on boat. DAY 2: EXPLORE BAI TU LONG BAY AND VUNG VIENG FLOATING VILLAGE ( B.L) 07h30: Have breakfast and enjoy sunrise on the bay. 09h00: Visit Vung Vieng floating village by small bamboo boat for an hour or Kayak in to the village then return to cruise for your leisure or join Sunbathing, playing chess, taking. Relax and spend a romantic night on cruise.photos…when our cruise continues to take you from 10h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay 10h30: Have lunch while cruising back through Ha Long Bay to the pier 11h30: Disembark at Ha long wharf, time to say goodbye to the crew. 12h00: Return from Ha Long to Hanoi. 14h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break. 16h00: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip.

From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Cruise w/ Kayaks, Lunch, & Transfer

7. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Cruise w/ Kayaks, Lunch, & Transfer

Explore the highlights of Ha Long Bay on a scenic cruise from Hanoi. Leave the bustling city streets behind for the day and head out into nature with your local guide. Walk through natural caves, see towering cliffs rising above the water, discover vast beaches, and eat a delicious lunch on board. Get picked up in Hanoi bright and early and drive over to Ha Long City. Board your boat at Ha Long wharf, with enough time to snap some pictures of your striking surroundings. Receive a short briefing, then navigate through calm waters while sipping on a refreshing welcome drink. Marvel at the stone mountains jutting out around you, the stunning green-watered bays surrounding you, and the white-sand beaches tucked away in them. Enjoy your lunch on board before reaching Sung Sot Cave. Step into its underground world to contemplate the massive stalactites and stalagmites. Head back to your boat for some time to relax in the sun or in the shade. Grab a paddle and head out to explore Luon Cave by kayak. Embark on a short hike or simply sit back on the beach. Begin your journey back to the main pier as the sunset's bright orange hues cover the sky. On the way back, tuck into some wine, cakes, fruits, and tasty snacks. Board your shuttle to drive back to your drop-off location in Hanoi.

Halong Bay: 2-Day 5-Star Cruise with Seafood & Kayaking

8. Halong Bay: 2-Day 5-Star Cruise with Seafood & Kayaking

Day 1 Hanoi - Halong 08:00: Pick up at Old Quarter area and transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay (if the package is included transfer service). 11:30: Arriving at the Halong Port check-in lounge. You will have time to refresh yourself after the long drive from Hanoi and wait for check-in. 12:15: After taken to the Halong Cruise, you will be checked-in. While enjoying welcome drinks, you will be introduced the itinerary and safety briefing by Cruise Manager 13:00: You will have time to savor your delicious buffet lunch and enjoy the stunning views as the boat cruises towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Fighting- Cock and Finger Islet. 14:30 – 16:00: The group is transported to Luon Cave via boat. By kayak or bamboo boat, you may explore this location's uniqueness (optional) 16:00 – 17:00: Hike to the top of Ti Top Island for stunning panoramic views of the Bay. After your hike, go for a refreshing swim in Halong Bay’s emerald waters or sip from a coconut in the shade. 17:30 – 19:00: Back on board, you can enjoy with HAPPY HOUR (from 17:30 – 19:00) – buy 2 get 1 free on drinks at Thalassius Bar or Sundeck. 19:15: Delight in the shimmering atmosphere of thousands of stars while eating a fantastic, expertly prepared dinner. 20:30: This is the perfect time to relax with karaoke or enjoy the drink at Thalassius Bar. Besides, we provide free for squid fishing tools at reception Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi 06:00: Warm up your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with a breathtaking view as the sun rises on Halong Bay. 07:00 – 07:30: Light breakfast is served at the restaurant. 07:30 – 08:30: Your next stop is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Ha Long Bay with beautiful stalactites. You will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave as well as the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years which have taken on fascinating shapes. 08:30 – 09:30: Back on board, you settle your bill, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island 09:45 – 10:45: Brunch is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor. 10:45 – 11:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, return to Hanoi. 15:00 Arrived in Hanoi old quarter

Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day Cruise Cave, Kayaking, Fishing Village

9. Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day Cruise Cave, Kayaking, Fishing Village

DAY 1: HA NOI- BAI TU LONG BAY-KAYAKING-VUNG VIENG FISHING VILLAGE 8:00-8:30 AM shuttle bus will pick-up all around Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel (upon request) 11:30 Ready at Athena check-in lounge 12:00 Boarding time. 13:00 Check-in your cabin. 13:15 The Cruise Manager will give a welcome speech with all the cruise information and Safety instructions. 13:30 Enjoy the Buffet Lunch with the best products of the Bay. 14:45 Visit the Vung Vieng Floating fishing village by kayak or bamboo boat 15:30-16:30 If you want to relax on the boat instead of participating in other activities feel free to use our sauna for no extra cost. 16:30 Relaxing time: the right moment for a massage or to take some pictures of the spectacular sunset in the bay. 17:00-18.30 Happy Hour: buy 01 get 01 drink 17:30 The Cooking Demonstration is waiting for you to discover the secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine 19:00 Dinner is ready in the restaurant. Fill your senses with a selection of Western fusion food and Vietnamese traditional dishes. 21:00 Enjoy the Squid Fishing activity. DAY 2: BAI TU LONG BAY-THIEN CANH SON CAVE- HA NOI 06:30 Practice one of the oldest traditions of East Asia: Tai Chi – A beautiful and relaxing experience on the open deck. Tea and coffee are served. 07:00 Light breakfast is served. 07:30 Explore Thien Canh Son cave in Ha Long Bay. Witness its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Note: there are about 200 steps to get up to the cave. 09:00 Check out time. Please put your luggage outside the cabin and the key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to our lounge for you. Bill settlement at the reception desk. 09:30 Brunch is served at the restaurant on the 2nd deck. 10:45 The boat arrives at the pier.

Hanoi: 2-Day Luxury Cruise Bai Long Bay With Cave & Kayaking

10. Hanoi: 2-Day Luxury Cruise Bai Long Bay With Cave & Kayaking

DAY 1: HA NOI- BAI TU LONG BAY-KAYAKING-VUNG VIENG FISHING VILLAGE 11:30 Ready at Athena check-in lounge 12:00 Boarding time. 13:00 Check-in your cabin. 13:15 The Cruise Manager will give a welcome speech with all the cruise information and Safety instructions. 13:30 Enjoy the Buffet Lunch with the best products of the Bay. 14:45 Visit the Vung Vieng Floating fishing village by kayak or bamboo boat 15:30-16:30 If you want to relax on the boat instead of participating in other activities feel free to use our sauna for no extra cost. 16:30 Relaxing time: the right moment for a massage or to take some pictures of the spectacular sunset in the bay. 17:00-18.30 Happy Hour: buy 01 get 01 drink 17:30 The Cooking Demonstration is waiting for you to discover the secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine 19:00 Dinner is ready in the restaurant. Fill your senses with a selection of Western fusion food and Vietnamese traditional dishes. 21:00 Enjoy the Squid Fishing activity. Free time on the boat. The bar is open late to serve you. Overnight at Cong Do Area DAY 2: BAI TU LONG BAY-THIEN CANH SON CAVE- HA NOI 06:30 Practice one of the oldest traditions of East Asia: Tai Chi – A beautiful and relaxing experience on the open deck. Tea and coffee are served. 07:00 Light breakfast is served. 07:30 Explore Thien Canh Son cave in Ha Long Bay. Witness its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Note: there are about 200 steps to get up to the cave. 09:00 Check out time. Please put your luggage outside the cabin and the key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to our lounge for you. Bill settlement at the reception desk. 09:30 Brunch is served at the restaurant on the 2nd deck. 10:45 The boat arrives at the pier.

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Overall rating

4.1 / 5

based on 118 reviews

We were very happy with this tour! (Two girlfriends, first time in Asia, 22 years) The pick-up + return transfer went smoothly. The tour guide was always understandable and also talked a little on the bus tour. Although it was colder on our day (18 degrees) you could do everything great and for the "hiking tours" it was also very pleasant, only we didn't swim. The food was very delicious, for the drinks (coke 25,000 VND) you should bring some money with you. We would book it again :)

Very nice trip if you're short on time. Everything was well organized, all pick ups and transportations were well right on time, accommodation was great, both cruise and eco lodge Trang An, all staff very friendly. Halong bay is very busy so a lot of tourists on viewpoint but I guess that's the deal. I'd recommend staying 2 or 3 nights in Ninh Binh if you have the time, rent a scooter and go explore this beautiful area! 1 night halong is enough. Cheers everyone!

Great communication with our trip organizer. Our boat was by Theatre Cruises and we even got a room upgrade. Food and service on the cruise was really good. The mix between activities and spare time on the boat felt reasonable.

really nice guides, the eco Lodge is beautiful, the cruise was really nice. just all a bit rushed. also, transition from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay was very messy, no one knew very well what was going on and where to go

The tour was exactly as described and the food was very good. Personally, I didn’t think the destination is as special as people broadcast, but that’s definitely not an issue with the tour itself