Ninh Binh is often called the “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts and tranquil waterways. While the landscape is striking from afar, paddling through it gives you a much richer experience. Whether you’re gliding past towering cliffs, exploring caves, or relaxing on quiet beaches, canoe and kayak trips in Ninh Binh offer a flexible way to see the area’s natural beauty. Among the options, a standout is the Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruises, which combines comfort, adventure, and excellent scenery. We love how this small-group cruise balances relaxing onboard with active outings like kayaking and biking, all in less touristy waters.
If you’re short on time, consider a Halong Bay day cruise with kayak, which delivers a quick but immersive experience. For travelers seeking a longer escape, the 2-day Lan Ha Bay tour offers a mix of hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming, with fewer crowds and plenty of quiet lagoons. For those wanting to combine a scenic cruise with cultural sights, the Hanoi/Ninh Binh day trip is a full-day adventure exploring caves, islands, and kayaks with the convenience of a day from Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
1. Ninh Binh: Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruises- bike tour, kayak, meals
At number 1, this Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruise offers a perfect mix of relaxation and activity. The cruise features 10 modern cabins with private balconies, all in a small-group setting limited to 20 guests. This means you’ll enjoy a quieter experience compared to the massive boats in Halong Bay. The cruise departs from less touristy waters, offering a more authentic view of the limestone formations.
Highlights include kayaking in tranquil waters, swimming in private lagoons, and biking through Cat Ba National Park. The vessel hosts happy hours, a cooking class, sunset parties, and squid fishing at night, making it a lively yet relaxed trip. For a taste of local life, you’ll bike in an ancient village and get a free fish massage—yes, really. The reviews mention a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 19 travelers, who praise the boat’s comfort and the variety of activities.
Bottom line: This cruise is ideal if you want a small-group experience with plenty of onboard entertainment and outdoor adventures. It’s a good choice for travelers who appreciate comfort and a lively atmosphere.
2. Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: 2Days- LanHa bay tour-bike, kayak, lunch
For around $50 per person, the Ninh Binh to Cat Ba 2-day tour offers an affordable yet comprehensive look at Lan Ha and Halong Bays. It includes a limousine bus transfer directly from Ninh Binh, eliminating travel hassles. This tour is notable for its longest day tour format—about 9 hours—covering two major bays with less tourist traffic.
The highlights feature kayaking through water caves and exploring the peaceful atmosphere of the bays. You’ll bike along Cat Ba National Park trails and enjoy a fish massage in a local village. This tour emphasizes natural and cultural exploration, giving you a more genuine connection to the area beyond the typical tourist spots. The itinerary includes scenic stops, hiking, and a sunset view, providing a well-rounded experience.
Reviewers appreciate the value and natural focus of this tour, calling it a “great way to see both bays without the crowds.” It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine outdoor activities with cultural insights.
Bottom line: If you’re on a budget but craving a full day of kayaking, biking, and exploring, this tour offers a flexible and engaging option.
3. Ninh Binh: 2 days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking
At number 3, this 2-day Lan Ha Bay experience combines kayaking with hiking and island chilling. It’s tailored for those who want a bit of everything—sea, land, and wildlife. The trip includes glowing plankton kayaking at night—an unforgettable sight—and swimming in hidden lagoons during the day.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on less touristy spots and offering an authentic perspective of local life. You’ll hike jungle trails in Viet Hai village, where monkeys can be seen swinging nearby. During this two-day escape, you witness local livelihoods, kayak at night with bioluminescent plankton, and cruise through Lan Ha Bay, enjoying views away from the crowds.
Guests describe it as an “unforgettable escape” that offers a perfect mix of adventure and cultural insight. The tour’s 4.5-star rating emphasizes its quality.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers eager to see the bay from multiple angles while experiencing local village life.
4. Halong Bay: Day Cruise with Lunch and Kayak from Ninh Binh
The Halong Bay day cruise offers a classic, straightforward way to experience Vietnam’s most famous bay in a single day. This trip from Ninh Binh includes visits to iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave, all with opportunities to kayak and hike.
The highlight is the hike to the top of Titop Island for panoramic views, and kayaking around Luon Cave offers a peaceful paddle with close-up views of limestone cliffs. The cruise includes a delicious lunch on board and a scenic sunset over the bay, perfect for photography and unwinding. The small-group size and detailed itinerary provide a more intimate experience than larger tours.
Rated 5/5, this cruise is praised for its well-organized schedule and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but wanting a taste of the bay’s limestone drama.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers or those with limited time, this tour combines key highlights with a relaxed pace.
$62 per person
5. Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Ha Long Bay day trip: lunch, kayak, caves
Finally, the Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Ha Long Bay day trip is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, full-day experience starting from Hanoi or Ninh Binh. This tour covers Sung Sot cave, Titop Island, and kayaking through Luon Cave with the addition of a visit to Viet Hai village.
The trip includes biking in Viet Hai, swimming, and fishing in the water caves, plus a delicious Vietnamese lunch. The trip’s flexible start and end points make it convenient, and with a focus on both natural beauty and local culture, it offers good value for those wanting variety in one day.
Reviews highlight its full itinerary and the friendly guide team. It’s best for travelers who want a busy day of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural insights.
Bottom line: This experience suits travelers who want to maximize their time with a mix of adventure and local flavor.
$1,142 per person
How to Choose Your Canoe & Kayak Adventure in Ninh Binh
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest in active versus relaxing experiences. The Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruise offers a cozy, all-inclusive experience for those seeking comfort and lively social activities. If you prefer a full-day, budget-friendly outing, the Halong Bay day cruise delivers iconic sights with minimal fuss.
For travelers craving multi-day adventures with hiking, kayaking, and local encounters, the 2-day Lan Ha Bay trip provides a well-rounded escape. Those interested in caves, cultural visits, and lush scenery might opt for the Hanoi/Ninh Binh day trip, which packs a lot into one day.
Practical tips: Book early during peak season (October to April), and consider your fitness level—most tours involve some biking and kayaking, but details vary. Check if meals and gear are included, and clarify pickup points to streamline your day.
In summary, Ninh Binh offers a variety of canoe and kayak experiences tailored to different interests and schedules. For those seeking comfort and lively evenings, the Lan Ha Bay cruise is a winner. If you prefer a full day of exploration, the Halong Bay day cruise fits the bill. And for a more immersive, multi-day adventure, the Lan Ha Bay 2-day trip delivers. Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable aquatic journeys.