Vietnam kayaking at its best is found at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular sea kayaking destinations in the world. Here, more than two thousand soaring limestone karst islets are sculpted by elements that form a labyrinth of protected and spectacularly scenic waterways. With special permission we’ll paddle remote parts of the Bay most visitors never see. Food is one of the most interesting and satisfying ways to discover a culture and Vietnam’s cuisine is a fascinating blend of classical Asian with French colonial that puts a premium on the freshest ingredients. Throughout this trip we’ve picked culinary experiences that bring an extra dimension and depth to your visit.

We start our trip in Hanoi, Vietnam’s 1000 year old capital, the “Paris of Southeast Asia,” where we stay in a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s Old Quarter. From there it’s a short walk to iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and to bustling and colorful street markets. We’ll explore the city with expert guides, and for a unique window into the culture we’ve put together a special program that includes a morning market visit with the chef from one of the city’s best restaurants; this is followed by a cooking class in the restaurant kitchen. We’ll visit cafés where you’ll experience the country’s coffee culture. You’ll dine in our carefully chosen series of restaurants that showcase the very best of Vietnamese cuisine.

On Halong Bay we kayak every day, exploring this vast archipelago’s turquoise lagoons and hidden sea caves, stopping to swim in the warm jade-green water and relax on beautiful sand beaches. Visits to villages take you into a world apart where people live their whole lives afloat. Kayaks fit right into this place where groceries come rowed door to door and small children commute to their floating schoolhouse by rowboat. Our base is a beautifully appointed, traditional built 100 foot junk rigged sailing vessel equipped with spacious air conditioned double cabins with en-suite bathrooms, large deck areas for relaxation and a dining room. Each day our special chef will prepare for you an array of tempting dishes made from the very freshest seafood and local ingredients.

Our Vietnam kayaking trip combines some of the most beautiful and exotic paddling in the world with some of the best food anywhere. Join us for an exotic, active adventure that provides unique insight into the culture, history and spirit of Vietnam.