Kayaking
Boasting its blue green emerald waters and limestone rock formations, kayaking through UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay is definitely one of the top activities that everyone should do when visiting.
Most tour and boat companies operating in Halong Bay have available kayaking equipments for everybody who wants to experience the World Wonder up close and personal. Seeing the formations, going through the caves, paddling through the calm waters, and embracing the landscape itself are just some of the amazing things you could do in the area.
Kayak is usually provided by your cruise (for 10 USD/kayak or included in cruise price) or you can rent one for 3 USD/kayak at each attraction place that allow kayaking such as Luon Cave, Vung Ha Beach, Titov Beach, Ba Hang Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village...
4 things to note while kayaking in Halong Bay
Kayaking is generally not difficult and is assumed to be very safe in these calm waters of Halong Bay. However, to enjoy it completely, you need follow these travel guides below:
1. Prepare well the followings:
- Suitable clothes: T-shirt and short, swimming suit in the summer; warm clothes in the winter; wet shoes, hat, sunglasses
- Necessary things: Water, sun cream, dry bag, camera, insect repellent, map of route
- Life vest (provided by cruises or the people from whom you rent the kayak)
2. Listen carefully to the tour guide instructions:
- Listen to the route, time and rules
- Learn how to use the kayak even it is not your first time kayaking
- Strictly follow the leader (tour guide) about the moving rules
- Check with your tour guide the weather, tide and wind strength to have the best and safest route
3. Stay alerted for your own safety:
- Wear the life vest and use the dry bag
- Keep a suitable distance with the kayaks in your group
- Stay away from the places, which have strong flow, against the wind
4. Be calm in an unexpected situation and do the followings:
- Adjust the speed of the whole group if any of the member is out of sight
- In case the kayak capsizes, you swim a bit, and then take the water out of the kayak by upright the kayak
- If there is an expected storm, find the safest place in the sheltered areas, beaches… to avoid the storm
- In case you are in the middle of the sea and cannot find a safe place, gather all the kayaks in you group to make a big raft
Some FAQs on kayaking in Halong Bay
Q1. Is it difficulty to paddle kayak?
If you have never been in a kayaking course, do not worry. Tour guides on cruises or kayaks owner can teach you really fast. Just be sure to listen carefully to your tour guide, follow his route, keep in sight with the others to avoid getting loss and keep a distance with mountains and islands to avoid crashing.
Q2. Is it safe to go kayaking in Halong Bay?
Kayaking in Halong Bay is considered to be safe because of its calm water. Though, you will paddle by yourself and a kayak is really small, so you must carefully follow the instructions and conditions before kayaking such as wearing the life vest and put all your devices in a waterproof bag. In case you are intoxicated, do not paddle kayak to avoid unlucky accident.
Q3. What if you have small children?
Children under 5 years old should go with parents and should not paddle kayak themselves. When you need to visit caves or beaches from the cruise, tour guide can arrange for you a local rowing boat and a local fishermen will be available to row, so you can choose this alternative options.
Q4. Do all cruises in Halong Bay include kayaking in their itinerary?
Almost all cruises in the Bay can serve you kayaking, even a 1-day trip cruise. Nevertheless, with a 2-day trip or 3-day trip, you will have plenty of time to enjoy this interesting activity. In a 1-day trip, with too many activities in one day, you will have only 20 to 30 minutes for kayaking. Moreover, long time on bus and going back to Hanoi late may make you tired. So, think about it. This marvelous Halong Bay is worth to enjoy at least a few days.
