Kayaking in Lan Ha bay : The ultimate guide with 03 best spots

kayaking into a hidden lagoon lan ha bay

Lan Ha Bay is known as being less touristy than Halong Bay, with a similar landscape of towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters, and plenty of activities such as kayaking through caves and lagoons, jumping off the boat to swim, and sunbathing on the beach.

In this article, I would like to dive deep into kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: The best spots, tips, tours and rentals.

Frequently asked questions for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Is kayaking in Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay different?

There are hidden lagoons, caves and beaches that you can kayak through or simply kayak to a small beach where no one is there, while there are lots of people at Luon cave in the Halong bay area, since it’s a well-known spot for both bamboo boats and kayaking

How do I rent a kayak?

If you book an organised tour, the tour operator or the captain can help you organise it. Most of the time, kayaking is included in the tour package. You’ll be in safe hands. There is someone (usually a tour guide) who leads the kayaking tour and shows you good routes you can’t find on your own.

What items and gear should I bring when kayaking in Lan Ha Bay?

Sun cream
Sung Glasses
Buck spray
Waterproof bag
Water bottles
Flip flogs

How much is a kayaking tour in Lan Ha Bay?

From Cat Ba: 30 to 36 USD per person, group size maximum 30 people

From Hanoi: 65 to 100 USD per person

Private tour option for Lan Ha Bay: from Cat Ba: 95 USD per person. 135 USD per person.

Private Lan Ha bay day tour from Hanoi

Private Lan Ha bay day cruise from Cat Ba

When is the best time to kayak in Lan Ha Bay?

All year round is good, except from Late November to February, since it is winter in northern Vietnam. When kayaking, you may get a bit wet, which can make you a bit uncomfortable this time.

What kind of kayaks are available?

We do offer both single and double kayaks for a single person or a couple

Top Kayaking Spots in Lan Ha Bay

kayaking lan ha bay

Tai Keo area

There is a route that takes you from the area near Van Boi beach to the Tai Keo area, usually a 1-hour journey through a hidden route where you can see local floating houses. The final stop is Tai Keo cave (We couldn’t access it when it came to the high tide)

To be on this kayaking route is simply amazing, you need to know good timing to avoid the crowd

Three Peaches Beach

It’s a popular spot for lots of day boats and overnight cruises. However, there are some of the hidden beaches that few people know, since it is a large area that stretches from one area to another with various small beaches.

There is also another part of the area where boats are arriving.

Ba Ham lake

This is a very remote kayaking spot in Lan Ha Bay that only a few boats visit. The place includes 3 large lakes connected by caves, a 2-hour boat cruise from Beo Pier in Lan Ha Bay.

However, the lake area is inaccessible during high tide. You do need an experienced local guide who leads the kayaking trip. I don’t recommend doing it on your own.

Other places for kayaking in Lan Ha bay

Dark and Light cave

It is a very popular kayaking spot for both day cruises and overnight cruises. The peak time is from 2 pm to 3.30 pm, when large cruises carrying 40 to 50 passengers arrive simultaneously. However, it is a big area with tunnels and lagoons; it is still manageable and less touristy than Halong Bay.