5 Most Beautiful Kayaking Destinations in Vietnam
By Duc Anh
06/11/2024
Discover 5 beautiful kayaking destinations in Vietnam where you can immerse yourself in nature and experience exciting moments on the water

Introduce
Vietnam, with its countless rivers, lakes and rich marine resources, is emerging as an ideal destination for those who are passionate about water sports tourism. From experiences such as parasailing, sea walking to coral diving, especially kayaking, all bring unforgettable moments. With sheltered bays, clear blue water and beautiful natural landscapes, kayaking in Vietnam is becoming an unmissable trend for those who love this sport. Let's explore the "top" places for kayak lovers in Vietnam!
1. Tu San Alley, Ha Giang
In the past, young people conquering the Dong Van stone plateau could only stand from Ma Pi Leng Pass to admire the green Nho Que River winding at the foot of the mountain. However, today, Nho Que River at Tu San Gorge has become one of the top kayaking destinations in Vietnam, with unforgettable poetic scenery.
Tu San Gorge, where the Nho Que River flows through, has established itself as one of the most prominent kayaking destinations in the country. The river originates from Seo Lung village, Lung Cu commune, Dong Van district, flows through Tu San Gorge and along Ma Pi Leng Pass. Tu San Gorge is known as the deepest gorge in Southeast Asia, with an altitude of 1,500 m and a depth of 700-900 m. Imagine the wonderful feeling when you paddle on the calm water, immersing yourself in the majestic beauty of Ha Giang nature!
With breathtaking scenery and clear blue waters, it offers a great boating experience for those who love to explore the beauty of nature.
However, getting to the boat dock on the Nho Que River is not easy. From Ma Pi Leng Pass, you need to continue in the direction of Meo Vac until you see the sign to Xin Cai, then go about 5-7 km more to reach Nho Que Boat Dock 1. Here, you will have to trek about 2 km more to get to the boat dock near the riverbank, where you can rent a kayak for about 50,000 VND and freely paddle in this area.








2. Phong Nha - Ke Bang Cave System, Quang Binh
The World Natural Heritage Phong Nha - Ke Bang is a wonderful paradise for kayaking enthusiasts. With its majestic cave system and clear blue river, this place offers visitors unforgettable experiences. Phong Nha - Ke Bang is gradually becoming a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists who want to explore the unique natural beauty. With the perfect combination of majestic caves, clear streams and majestic mountains and forests, this is an ideal space for visitors to leisurely row a boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery that nature has bestowed on Quang Binh.
When coming to Phong Nha - Ke Bang, visitors have two interesting options to experience kayaking. The first option is the route on the Son River, a poetic and peaceful branch of the Gianh River, where on both sides of the river are peaceful villages nestled next to majestic mountains. Each stroke on the Son River will take you into a space like being lost in a wild valley, with high, overlapping mountain ranges intertwined.
The second option for those who want to explore deeper is to row a boat into Phong Nha Cave, the world's largest wet cave with a large underground river system and thousands of stalactites of various shapes waiting for you. Visitors will have the opportunity to row their own boat deep into the cave, feeling the cool air and steam from the rocks. With a free exploration schedule, you can stop at Bi Ky Cave to admire the scenery or anchor the boat on the sandbanks, rest and admire the magical beauty of the cave.
Kayak rental prices here range from 100,000 VND/hour for two people. When paddling into Phong Nha Cave, you should prepare a flashlight to easily admire the beautiful stalactite system inside, and remember to wear modest clothing because there are many species of insects living in the cave.






3. Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh
Ha Long Bay is a world-famous natural wonder of Vietnam, an indispensable destination in the journey to explore this country. When kayaking here, you will have the opportunity to weave through the fascinating islands and explore the beautiful caves. With the reputation of being one of the seven natural wonders, Ha Long has long been a favorite choice of tourists. Here, you can take a boat to visit the bay, swim or explore the caves, but the most interesting experience is kayaking, gliding through the islands with unique shapes on the water surface.
Ha Long Bay has been voted by international tourists as one of the most beautiful kayaking destinations in Vietnam, thanks to its fresh climate and poetic, majestic landscape. Visitors can freely control their small boat to larger seas. If you are a lover of cave exploration, Luon Cave, Co Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Dau Be and Ba Ham are ideal destinations for kayaking. Kayak rental costs about 50,000 VND for two people. In addition to exploring the beautiful caves, visitors can also spend time learning about the lives of fishermen in the fishing villages in the bay. If you choose a cruise tour, the kayaking service will usually be included in the tour package.
The feeling of sitting on small boats, gently gliding on the calm water, leaning close to the foot of the rocky mountains to enjoy the beauty of the limestone mountains at close range will certainly be an unforgettable experience.










4. Han River, Da Nang
The Han River, with its poetic beauty, has become a symbol of Da Nang city and a center of community exchange in the city known as the most livable in Vietnam. When you set foot in Da Nang, you not only have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery of the river from the shore but also experience kayaking, watching the city's sunset from a completely new perspective.
Kayaking on the Han River offers a different experience than rowing on the sea. While the vast sea brings a wild feeling, surfing on the Han River, you will admire a modern and vibrant city. Especially, when the sunset gradually falls, the city begins to sparkle with colorful lights, creating a magical scene.
It can be said that the Han River is one of the special kayaking locations that you should not miss. With the route starting from the Dragon Bridge, heading towards the Han River Bridge and then back, you will enjoy the beauty of the Da Nang River and the bustling, modern life on both banks. If you have the chance, row on the Han River in the late afternoon to enjoy a truly different sunset. At that time, the sunlight is gentle, helping you feel the fresh air and let your soul follow each gentle wave.







5. Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang
When talking about beautiful kayaking locations in Vietnam, it would be a mistake not to mention Phu Quoc Island. This tourist paradise is blessed with pristine islands, crystal clear blue water and endless white sand beaches. Although there are many interesting experiences on the sea, don't forget to spend a few hours kayaking on the sparkling waves of Phu Quoc.
In Phu Quoc, there are many attractive kayaking spots, of which Bai Sao and Cua Can River are the most popular choices for tourists.
Sao Beach, with its calm sea and cool breeze, is the ideal place for you to leisurely paddle, relax and enjoy a peaceful moment with the flow of time. You can also put down your paddle, lie down to sunbathe and enjoy a truly wonderful vacation.
If you love the feeling of kayaking on the river, then Cua Can River is a suggestion not to be missed. The river winds through the primeval forest of Phu Quoc, with clean water, giving you the opportunity to watch schools of fish swimming around. On both sides of Cua Can River are cool green gardens and peaceful fishing villages, creating a beautiful picture in the golden sunshine.






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