Hanoi is a fantastic place for Canoe & Kayak Experiences because of its proximity to UNESCO-listed Halong Bay and other scenic waterways. Whether you’re after a quick paddle in Luon Cave or a multi-day cruise exploring hidden lagoons, Hanoi offers something for every water enthusiast. We particularly like the Halong Bay day cruises for their blend of stunning scenery and engaging activities — perfect for a day trip from Hanoi. The 2-day/1-night luxury cruises stand out for their comfort and variety of included activities, making them a real treat for travelers wanting a more relaxed experience. For those pressed for time, the Halong Bay day tours with kayaking and caves give a good taste of what the bay offers without overcommitting. You can find options with included meals, guides, and even sunset parties, all of which make these trips memorable.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of Canoe & Kayak experiences starting from half-day tours, ideal for quick escapes, to multi-day cruises perfect for soaking in the scenery at a leisurely pace. Highlights include exploring Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and kayaking through Luon Cave. Some tours focus on luxury, like the All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, with gourmet meals and onboard activities, while others emphasize a more active day with kayaking, hiking, and swimming. The variety ensures there’s an option suited for every budget, interest, and fitness level.
1. Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking
At number 1, this popular day cruise offers a comprehensive experience in Halong Bay. For only $41 per person, you’ll explore Sung Sot Cave, hike up Titop Island for panoramic views, kayak at Luon Cave, and enjoy swimming at the Titop Beach. The tour includes seafood lunch, modern transport, and a guide, making it a good value for a full-day outing. The sunset party with wine, fruits, and light snacks adds a fun, relaxing touch. Reviewers love the mix of activities and the stunning scenery, with a 4.7/5 rating from over 7,400 reviews. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a balanced day of sightseeing and water fun without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those new to kayaking and looking for a full, active day with delicious food and scenic highlights.
2. PRIVATE TOUR HALONG BAY ONE DAY with Cave, Kayaking, Bamboo Boat
Ranked perfect with a 5.0/5 rating from nearly 860 reviews, this private, all-in-one day tour offers an intimate experience of Halong Bay’s most beautiful limestone formations. Departing at 8:30 am, you’ll cruise in a traditional boat, visit Heavenly Cave, enjoy a seafood lunch, and explore Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat. Unique to this tour is the focus on fewer travelers, allowing for more peaceful exploration. Guests praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, with one noting, “Hai was so friendly and knowledgeable.” The price of $168 per person reflects its private, personalized approach.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive experience with fewer crowds and a blend of kayaking, cave visits, and authentic local cuisine.
3. Halong Bay Full Day with Kayaking, Hiking viewpoint, Cave – Deluxe To Luxury
For $38, this full-day deluxe cruise offers a carefully curated mix of water activities, cave exploration, and hiking. Departing from Hanoi, the tour includes cruise time around Halong Bay, a visit to Sung Sot Cave, and a trek to the viewpoint on Titop Island. The highlight is the opportunity to kayak or bamboo ride in Luon Cave and relax on a white sand beach. The tour includes the admission fees, meals, and transfers, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Reviewers appreciate the value for money and the well-organized itinerary, noting the quality of the lunch onboard and the scenic views during the hike.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full day of scenic exploration with a mix of outdoor activities and comfort.
4. Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch
This group tour at $40 offers a balanced day of sightseeing with kayaking, cave exploration, and Titop Island activities. The trip includes return transfers from Hanoi, a seafood lunch, and visits to the Surprising Cave and Luon Cave for kayaking. Guests rave about the well-organized schedule and the beautiful scenery, with many mentioning the sunset party as a highlight. The itinerary provides time to relax and swim on Titop Beach, as well as to hike up Titop Peak for stunning views. Perfect for those wanting an affordable, active day with quality food and scenic stops.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who prefer group tours with a structured schedule and multiple activities.
5. All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking, Swimming
Ranking at number 5, this luxury cruise for $50 per person combines comfort, activities, and authentic experiences. Over two days, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and enjoy kayaking or swimming in pristine waters. The tour includes meals, fishing, and even a Thai cooking class. Its small group size (up to 20 travelers) fosters a more personalized atmosphere. Guests note the exceptional service and beautiful cabins, with some calling it “the time of our life.” The focus on luxury makes it a good fit for travelers looking to indulge while still exploring the bay’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a relaxed, upscale experience with plenty of activities and personalized service.
6. CozyBay Boutique 2D1N Kayak, Swiming ,Titop, Cave, Expressway way
Rating 5.0/5 from over 600 reviews, this 2-day boutique cruise is perfect for those wanting to combine kayaking, cave visits, and scenic hikes in a comfortable setting. It includes a visit to Surprise Cave, Titop Island, and a pearl farm, with kayaking, cooking classes, and a foot bath thrown in. Speedy expressway transfers from Hanoi make logistics easy. Reviewers love the friendly staff and the well-organized itinerary, calling it “a wonderful experience” and praising the delicious meals. The tour balances activity with relaxation, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a more relaxed 2-day trip with diverse activities and comfortable accommodations.
7. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking And Swimming – Highway Transfer
This full-day tour at $39 offers a compact, activity-packed experience. Departing from Hanoi in the morning, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak around Luon Cave, and swim or hike on Titop Island. The highway transfer provides a smooth ride, and the lunch onboard features fresh seafood. Reviewers mention the efficient organization and the beautiful scenery, with some expressing satisfaction at the value for money. It’s a solid option for travelers who want a quick but complete day on the bay.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those with limited time who still want the key highlights of Halong Bay.
8. Best Halong Bay Full-Day Trip, All inclusive,cave,kayak,transfer
Rated 5.0/5 from nearly 500 reviews, this all-inclusive full-day trip offers a luxury experience with a sunset party, kayaking, and visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. For $42.90, you’re transported in comfort from Hanoi, with lunch included. Guests appreciate the quality of the cruise and the friendly staff, noting that the scenery is breathtaking. The combination of activities and relaxation makes it a very popular choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a luxury day trip with everything included.
9. Halong Bay 2D1N Cruise multi options, transfer, swim and kayaking
This multi-option cruise priced at $55 offers two days of exploring Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. It includes kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and seafood meals. Guests love the flexibility to choose activities, with some calling it a “perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.” The small group setting and professional guides enhance the experience, making it suitable for travelers who want more time on the water and less rushed exploration.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for those wanting multi-day comfort and activity balance.
10. 3D and 2N Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba Island Kayaking & Trekking with Vega
This longer adventure, for around $370, is for serious explorers. Over three days, you’ll cruise Lan Ha Bay, kayak, bike, and trek around Cat Ba Island. Highlights include Dark and Light Cave, Frog Lagoon, and Buddhist stone statues. Guests rave about the variety of activities and the tranquil nights aboard the Vega Luxury cruise. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive and active experience, with plenty of scenery, adventure, and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for seasoned water and land adventurers wanting an immersive multi-day trip.
How to Choose Your Perfect Canoe & Kayak Experience in Hanoi
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and your interest in active versus relaxed experiences. If you want a luxury, all-inclusive cruise, options like the All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise are ideal. For a short, active day, the Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise provides a good balance of sightseeing and water fun. Budget travelers will appreciate the group tours with multiple activities included, while those seeking comfort should look at multi-day cruises with quality cabins and gourmet meals. Remember, booking early often ensures better availability, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi offers an array of Canoe & Kayak Experiences that suit all tastes and travel styles. Whether you’re after a quick paddle in Luon Cave, a luxurious overnight cruise, or an active multi-day adventure, there’s something here to meet your needs. For many, the beauty of Halong Bay‘s limestone islands and serene waters makes every trip unforgettable. We encourage you to compare these options carefully, think about what kind of experience you want, and book early to secure your spot. Happy paddling!