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Home Vietnam Kayaking Tours Vietnam – Kayaking Halong Bay

Vietnam – Kayaking Halong Bay

Season(s)
March / October
Length
10 Days
Level
Easy-Intermediate
Airport
Hanoi HAN
75000

Highlights

The Best Kayaking in Vietnam

NOTE: Due to government regulation changes in Vietnam that have effected our ability to provide the best quality trip possible we have suspended this program for the time-being.

Vietnam kayaking at its best is found at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Gulf of Tonkin and one of the most spectacular sea kayaking destinations in the world. Halong means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. 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.
Expanse of Magical Islands in Halong Bay

Explore Hanoi

We start our trip in Hanoi, Vietnam’s 1000-year-old capital and the “Paris of Southeast Asia.” We stay in a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s Old Quarter and explore the city with expert guides. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to iconic Hoan Kiem Lake (“sword lake”) and to bustling and colorful street markets.
The Famous Red Bridge to the Island Temple in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

The Cuisine of Vietnam

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.
Pho Noodle Soup - A Vietnamese Classic Dish

Kayaking Halong Bay

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 sea culture where groceries come rowed door-to-door and small children commute to their floating schoolhouse by rowboat.
Kayakers Visiting a Floating Schoolhouse in Halong Bay

Luxury Afloat

Our base is a beautifully appointed, traditionally built 100-foot long junk rigged sailing vessel equipped with spacious air-conditioned double cabins with ensuite 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.
Dinner is Served Aboard the Mothership in Halong Bay

The Spirit of Vietnam

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 exciting, active adventure that provides unique insight into the culture, history, and spirit of Vietnam.
Flower Vendor in the Old Quarter, Hanoi

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive on Hanoi

Our trip begins in charming Hanoi – the “Paris of Southeast Asia.” You will be picked up from the airport and taken to a boutique hotel in the city’s Old Quarter, from which you can easily go shopping in the bustling markets, or stroll around legendary Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, you’ll enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine, a unique blend of Asian and French influences, at our welcome dinner hosted at one of the country’s best restaurants.
Overnight: Quoc Hoa Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2

City Tour

We will spend the day exploring the wonders of this ancient city. Hanoi has one foot in the past and one in the future and blends Asian culture with European influences both colonial and contemporary. You’ll see the sights, visit colorful markets, sip Vietnamese coffee in cafes, and look at the wondrous array of delicious foods available from street venders. Lunch is at KOTO, a restaurant that trains Hanoi street youth to a high standard for work in the restaurant industry (the name means “know one, teach one”). Great food and a great cause, Koto is a favorite with our guests.  In the evening, we’ll visit another great restaurant to experience a different aspect of Vietnamese cuisine. 
Overnight: Quoc Hoa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3

Halong Bay and Kayaking

At the break of dawn we’ll go for a walk around famous Hoan Kiem Lake and watch (or join) thousands of people of all ages exercising, doing Tai Chi and other morning workouts. After breakfast, an air-conditioned van takes you to Halong Bay and into kayaking nirvana. Aboard our mothership, the most beautiful and luxurious sailing junk on Halong Bay, you’ll meet our friendly crew, including a chef booked especially for our trip. We sail into the vast expanse of Halong Bay and anchor in a secluded cove. Your guides will give basic paddling instruction on a pristine white beach below towering limestone cliffs. Our day ends with an exquisite seafood meal under a starry sky. 
Overnight: Halong Bay Mothership
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - 8

Exploring the Mysteries of Halong Bay

Our mothership takes us on an odyssey through Halong Bay’s maze of more than 2000 karst formation islands. Slipping into quiet anchorages from where you’ll paddle extensively each day, and exploring the labyrinth of limestone islands that tower above in many fantastic shapes, you’ll find secret passages to hidden lagoons and magical sea caves. These are pristine places with unique ecosystems and rarely visited, even by local fishermen. You’ll stop for breaks on lovely sand beaches, swim in warm, jade-green waters, and visit the floating villages of fishing folk. Each day wraps up with a new culinary creation from our special onboard chef often accompanied by a cooking demonstration. The ship’s dining room has a staffed bar and surprisingly good wine list.
Overnight: Halong Bay Mothership
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9

Return to Hanoi

After a final paddle, our mothership takes us back to “civilization” and we disembark in Bai Chai. We return to Hanoi by van and we check into the hotel. The afternoon is free to shop and further explore this enchanting city. Our farewell “pièce de résistance” evening meal takes place in a beautifully restored French colonial mansion.
Overnight: Quoc Hoa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10

Departure

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Hanoi International Airport. 
Overnight: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations

Quoc Hoa Hotel

The Quoc Hoa Hotel is a solid three star hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter close to the beautiful silk shops on Hang Gai Street as well as iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel has a very friendly and helpful staff and the breakfast in the rooftop restaurant has a good selection of both western and Asian dishes.

Halong Bay Mothership

On Halong Bay, we base our paddling trip from a 100-foot long junk rigged yacht that has comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms. The yacht is fully staffed with crew, stewards, wait staff, and barman, as well as an amazing chef.

Extensions

At this time we do not offer any extensions for this trip but please feel free to call us about added travel options at 1-800-677-0877. We have spent a lot of time in and around the destinations we offer and are more than happy to share our experience.

Dates & Availability

Dates
Trip Length
Price
Availability
Notes
10/18/2017 - 10/28/17
10/18/2017 10/28/17 10 days
4490
Cancelled
Government Regulation Change
NOTE: Trips showing as 'Available' have at least 4 places open. All prices are $USD unless otherwise stated.

What Is Included

  • All accommodations as specified in Itinerary
  • Meals as specified in Itinerary
  • Van transport between Hanoi and Halong Bay
  • Airport transfers on first and last day of scheduled itinerary
  • Ground transportation and park/attraction entry fees
  • Expedition sea kayaks and equipment including PFDs
  • Group safety equipment including medical kit and radios

What Is Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Visa cost
  • Tipping of guides
  • Meals other than specified in the trip itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Single Supplement  $400 US
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Insurance of any kind (we strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance that covers medical and evacuation as well as cancellations for medical reasons)
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