Kayaking Hotspots in Vietnam

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Over the years, kayaking has quickly become one of the most popular and engaging ways to explore the natural landscapes of Vietnam. You can explore magnificent rivers and lakes as well as the coastal sea of Vietnam by gently paddling along the currents while immersing yourself in your surroundings.

Read on to discover some of the best places for kayaking in Vietnam.

Nho Que River - Tu San Canyon

Kayaking through the Tu San Canyon on the Nho Que River

Located in the northern province of Ha Giang, the Nho Que River runs through Tu San Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia. Kayaking through this majestic landscape will allow you to experience the fresh breeze and the incredible mountains of the northern regions of Vietnam. During February and March, the emerald-green water and the red trees together create one of the most stunning sceneries in Vietnam.

Price: VND 50,000 per person.

Ba Be Lake

Kayaking through Be Be Lake in the middle of Ba Be National Park

Ba Be Lake sits at the heart of Ba Be National Park, located in Bac Kan province in northeastern Vietnam. Kayaking here will allow you to get closer to the wildlife as well as drifting through the lush forest and its many small caves.

Price: VND 50,000 per person.

Ha Long Bay

Tourists enjoying a kayak trip out at sea in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is located off of the coast of Quang Ninh province, and its rock formations make for a perfect destination to explore on kayaks. With many ancient caves, hidden lagoons, and quaint floating villages to discover, you will surely have a fantastic kayaking adventure at Ha Long Bay. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to begin your kayaking experience here. Luon Cave, Ba Hang, and Cua Van are some suggestions to consider.

Price: VND 40,000 - 50,000 per person.

Lan Ha Bay

Rowing through Lan Ha Bay on kayaks

Lan Ha Bay is located in the vicinity of Cat Ba Island of Hai Phong, just south of Ha Long Bay. The unspoiled archipelago consists of 400 islands of various sizes, making it an ideal place to explore by kayaks. The gentle, calm waves in this area also compliment the peaceful nature here.

Price: VND 50,000 - 100,000 per person.

Hoa Binh Lake

Tourists kayaking on Hoa Binh Lake

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Hanoi lies Hoa Binh Lake, which is the largest artificial lake in Southeast Asia. It includes roughly 47 islands of various sizes. The lake has become a hotspot for water activities, and kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the lake’s many islands and small caves.

Price: VND 70,000 - 100,000 per person.

West Lake

Kayaking on the open water of West Lake in Hanoi

Located right in the middle of Hanoi, West Lake is an extremely accessible option when it comes to places for kayaking in Vietnam. You can enjoy a gentle kayaking trip here as the waves are relatively calm without traveling too far from the city’s center. Being on the water is also a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Price: VND 50,000 - 100,000 per hour.

Chay River - Dark Cave

Kayaking on the Chay River and the Dark Cave area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Located in the central province of Quang Binh, Chay River, and the Dark Cave is a part of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Kayaking is available from the Phong Nha boat station or the wharf at Tro Mong Forest Management Station, which is near the world’s largest cave Son Doong. The emerald-blue water here combines perfectly with the ancient karst mountain formations to portray an incredible picturesque scenery. The ticket to this area includes kayaks rental, mudbaths, and other water activities.

Price: VND 450,000 per adult and VND 150,000 per child.

Perfume River

Tourist kayaking on the Perfume River in Hue

The Perfume River runs through the ancient city of Hue and is a great alternative way to view the city. Kayaking on the Perfume River through the city makes for a relaxing adventure while giving you a different perspective of the locals.

Price: VND 50,000 - 100,000 per hour.

Han River

Tourist kayaking on the Han River in Da Nang with the Dragon Bridge in the background

When it comes to kayaking in Vietnam, kayaking on the Han River in the city of Da Nang is where you can enjoy the view of the city in harmony with nature. You will be able to appreciate the beauty of the city’s landscape and its famous beautiful bridges by paddling through the city.

Price: VND 100,000 per person.

Tuyen Lam Lake

Tourists navigate through the trees in Tuyen Lam Lake in Da Lat on kayaks

Tuyen Lam Lake is the biggest lake in the highland region of Da Lat. It is a fantastic place for kayaking as the gentle water is accompanied by superb weather and the views of the pine hills in the distance. During the early autumn season, the leaves of the maple trees will turn red, giving even more dynamic to the scenery here.

Price: VND 100,000 - 150,000 per person.

Cai River

Tourists paddling through the turbulent parts of the Cai River on kayaks

The Cai River flows through the coastal city of Nha Trang, making a winding path towards the sea. Floating on the Cai River downstream will give you a view of both lush forest greenery and the cityscape. Some routes of the Cai River are known to be a bit rough, so be prepared for an exciting ride if you choose to go along these parts.

Price: VND 100,000 - 150,000 per person.

Ham Luong River

Kayaking on the Ham Luong River with coconut trees along the river banks

The Ham Luong River in Ben Tre province is a part of the Mekong Delta in the southern region of Vietnam. Kayaking here will give you a different view of the greenery. Instead of a lush forest canopy, you can expect to find coconut trees with its dense green leaves. Floating down the river through the countryside provides a serene atmosphere that is nothing short of a pleasant experience.

Price: VND 100,000 per person.

Sao Beach

Tourists kayaking in the open sea at Sao Beach on Phu Quoc Island

Located on the biggest island in Vietnam - Phu Quoc, Sao Beach is a popular location for water activities, especially for kayaking in Vietnam. Kayaking out to sea here is a relatively peaceful experience, even with the fluttering ocean waves.

Price: VND 100,000 - 150,000 per person.

Conclusion of Kayaking Hotspots in Vietnam

Whether you are in the mood for a relaxing sightseeing adventure or an exciting exploration of the landscape, kayaking is an ideal activity to accomplish this. When it comes to places for kayaking in Vietnam, there are plenty of choices to choose from to begin your exploration of the natural beauty of Vietnam from a different perspective.