Viet Hai Village offers a fantastic playground for Canoe & Kayak Experiences that combine stunning scenery with authentic local culture. Its calm waters, dramatic limestone formations, and lush surroundings make it an ideal spot for paddling adventures. Whether you’re looking to glide quietly through tranquil bays, explore floating villages, or include biking and hiking as part of your trip, the options here are plentiful. We especially like tours that focus on kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, which combines serenity with unique rock formations, or those that include visits to Viet Hai Village for a taste of local life.
Some tours go beyond just paddling—they mix in cycling, trekking, or even luxurious cruises—giving you a well-rounded taste of this special corner of Vietnam. For example, the Cat Ba Island: Halong & Lan Ha Bay, cozy boat, biking, kayak stands out for its multi-day format, private setting, and diverse activities like swimming and fish massages. Others keep it simple and affordable, like the Lan Ha Bay Halfday Cruise with Kayaking, which is perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a taste of the bay. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at the best canoe and kayak adventures, so you can pick the one that best suits your style.
1. Cat Ba Island: Halong & Lan Ha Bay, cozy boat, biking, kayak
At number one, this 2-day, 1-night cruise offers a chance to explore both Halong and Lan Ha Bays from a cozy, private boat. The trip starts in Cat Ba, cruising through Lan Ha Bay, which is less crowded than the main tourist spots, giving you a more relaxed experience. The boat features five cabins, perfect for private groups or special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays.
The tour combines kayaking in tranquil waters, swimming, and exploring the fishing village of Cai Beo, plus biking in Cat Ba National Park. One of the highlights is the flexibility of the itinerary, including a dinner on board, guided tours, and an overnight stay with plenty of opportunities for sunset views. The experience is ideal for families, couples, or private groups wanting a personalized escape. The reviews rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to disconnect from crowds. For a multi-day adventure that balances activity and relaxation, this cruise is hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking privacy, multi-day flexibility, and a mix of adventure with downtime.
2. Cat Ba Island-Lan Ha Bay Day Trip: Kayaking, Swimming, Biking
This full-day trip hits the highlights of Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba, making it a solid choice for travelers short on time. The tour includes cruising, kayaking beneath rock arches, and exploring Dark & Bright Caves, which are among the most photogenic features of the bay. You’ll also visit Cai Beo floating village to learn about local fishing traditions, adding an authentic touch to the day.
A major plus is the opportunity to cycle through lush, scenic areas to reach Viet Hai Village, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and local insights. The onboard lunch offers a delicious taste of Vietnamese cuisine, making the day both active and satisfying. The reviews applaud its value and scenic diversity, especially for travelers wanting a quick but comprehensive experience. This tour suits active travelers keen to combine paddling with cultural exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a balanced day trip, combining kayaking, cultural sights, and scenic cycling.
3. Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Halfday Cruise with Kayaking
For those pressed for time, this 4-hour tour offers a taste of Lan Ha Bay’s beauty. Departing from Cat Ba, you’ll cruise on a traditional junk boat, enjoying views of towering limestone formations. The highlight is the kayaking around Tai Keo Lagoon, close to the Cai Beo fish farm, where you can paddle into quiet, untouched spots.
The tour includes swimming on pristine beaches and exploring the bay’s spectacular scenery without the longer commitment of multi-day trips. It has a solid 4.4/5 star rating from 11 reviews, with many travelers appreciating the peaceful kayaking portions and scenic comfort. This option is perfect if you want an affordable, half-day escape with a focus on paddling and scenery.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a quick, relaxing paddle with gorgeous views.
4. Cat Ba: National Park Trek, Village Visit and Kayak Day Tour
At number four, this full-day adventure combines trekking in Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with a visit to Viet Hai Village. The tour includes a guided walk (2.5 hours) through lush forests, offering a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the sounds of nature. Afterward, you’ll have a home-cooked Vietnamese lunch, a taste of local hospitality.
Post-lunch, the tour takes you to Viet Hai, a remote village where you can experience local life before taking a bike ride (1 hour) through the village and surrounding countryside. The highlight for many is the kayaking session in Lan Ha Bay (1.5 hours), where you paddle past dramatic limestone karsts and calm waters. The tour’s unique mix of hiking, cultural exchange, and paddling makes it a well-rounded choice for active travelers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and underwater exploration.
5. Ha Noi: 2 days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking
For travelers based in Hanoi, this two-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Lan Ha Bay with kayaking with bioluminescent plankton, hiking in Viet Hai, and exploring less-touristy areas. The trip focuses on immersive activities that showcase the bay’s natural beauty and local life, including swimming in hidden lagoons and night kayaking with glowing plankton—truly a magical experience.
The tour emphasizes a genuine connection with the environment and local communities, with plenty of opportunities for relaxing on beaches or cycling through jungle trails. Priced at $118, this trip provides good value for those wanting a full, multi-activity getaway with overnight stays. Reviewers appreciate the chance to witness real life in the area and the variety of activities packed into two days.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers with multiple days, who want both adventure and cultural insight.
6. Cat Ba Island: 2 Days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking
This tour closely mirrors the previous one, with similar highlights like cruising Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, and visiting Cai Beo. The emphasis is on paddleboarding in hidden lagoons and swimming at pristine beaches. It includes authentic Vietnamese meals onboard and a hands-on cooking class, adding a cultural flavor.
A key feature is relaxation and active exploration, with options to cliff-jump at beaches or explore remote villages. Rated 4.6/5 from five reviews, travelers enjoy the balance of activity and comfort, making it a solid choice for those wanting a rich experience over two days.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers and food lovers who want to enjoy scenic beauty with cultural activities.
$118 per person
7. Cat Ba: Lan Ha Bay Luxury Day Tour: Cruise, Kayaking, Biking
If you’re after a more luxurious experience, this one-day tour delivers with a spacious cruise, water slide, and floating swimming pool onboard. It explores Lan Ha Bay with a special route, showing off the bay’s untouched scenery. Included are kayaking, biking through Viet Hai Village, and scenic sightseeing.
The tour is designed for those who want comfort without sacrificing adventure. The biking in Cat Ba National Park offers a chance to stretch your legs, while the kayaking provides intimate views of limestone formations. At around $61, it’s a good value for a day of refined adventure, with solid reviews praising the unique facilities and scenery.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and active exploration in a single day.
$61 per person
8. Full Day Cliff Jumping with Kayaking and Viet Hai village
For adrenaline junkies, this 8-hour tour is a highlight. It features cliff jumping, kayaking, and enjoying lunch in Viet Hai Village. The day also includes cycling around the village and relaxing at pristine beaches to watch the sunset.
This tour is guided by professional instructors and offers high-quality gear, making safety a priority. The cliff jumping is a unique feature, giving an extra thrill to your paddling day. Reviewers praise the combination of adventure and scenic beauty, noting the guidance and equipment as top-notch.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers comfortable with heights and looking for a full day of adventure.
$130 per person
9. From Hanoi: 3-Day Cycling, Kayak & Cruise Experience
This three-day tour offers a comprehensive immersion into Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba. It includes night kayaking with glowing plankton, cruising, cycling in remote villages, and swimming in clear waters. The highlight is the opportunity to meet playful monkeys and relax on quiet beaches.
Designed for those wanting a deep dive into local life and natural beauty, the tour balances adventure and relaxation over three days. It’s a pricier option at $309, but it’s packed with varied activities that justify the expense for dedicated explorers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with time, who want an in-depth, multi-day adventure in Vietnam’s most scenic bay.
$309 per person
How to Choose the Best Canoe & Kayak Experience in Viet Hai Village
Choosing the right tour depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you crave a luxury experience with comfort and exclusivity, the Lan Ha Bay Luxury Day Tour is a good pick. For short trips that pack a punch, try the half-day cruise or the full-day adventure with kayaking and biking in Viet Hai.
Travelers with more time or seeking multi-day adventures should consider the 3-day experience or the 2-day local exploration, which blend hiking, kayaking, and cultural visits. Budget-conscious travelers will find the halfday cruise and other single-day options offer excellent value.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak season, and consider your fitness level—some tours involve hiking or cliff jumping, which might not suit everyone. Think about whether you prefer a relaxing scenic paddle or an adventurous, action-packed day.
To sum it up, Viet Hai Village and the surrounding bay offer a range of canoe and kayak experiences that suit adventurers, culture seekers, and luxury travelers alike. From quick half-day paddles to multi-day expeditions, there’s something for all. For a peaceful escape or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the key is picking the tour that best matches your travel style and energy level. Be sure to book early—these trips fill up quickly, especially during peak season.