Top 3 Vietnam’s best kayak in the off-the-beaten paths

As a sport for fitness and endurance training, popular in the US and Europe, kayaking is gradually gaining popularity in Vietnam, particularly for tourism and sightseeing of rivers, lakes and seas. When sailing, visitors will be restful to admire the natural beauty of Vietnam. In addition, with a dense river system and bordering the Eastern Sea of the Pacific Ocean to the East, you will have the distinctive experience of kayaking in Vietnam.

1.    Kayak on Nho Que River

Nestled between the mountain of Ha Giang Province, Nho Que River is regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers in Vietnam. Nho Que river carries a beautiful turquoise blue color, and it looks stunning once you view it from the top of Ma Pi Leng pass.

It resembles “the meandering silk ribbon” of Ha Giang. Kayaking on Nho Que River and cherishing this meandering silk ribbon has become a must-do activity amongst adventure seekers in the off-the-beaten-track to Ha Giang Province.

Kayaking on Nho Que River

Boat trip on Nho Que River

Originate from the Yunnan mountain region of China, and enter Vietnam at Seo Lung Village in Dong Van District of Ha Giang province, Nho Que river flows through Tu San Abyss Alley and then runs along Ma Pi Leng, one of the top 4 greatest mountain passes in Vietnam.

The length of 46 km, Nho Que river flows through the rocky sloping limestone mountain of Dong Van karst plateau geopark. Silver mountains, puffy clouds, and green lush river all create a natural landscape dreaming, majestic. While kayaking on the river, tourists can admire the beauty of Nho Que river like a silky fillet approaching in haze which brings tourists a pleasant sensation of a naturally majestic work. 

How to get to Nho Que River?

Starting from Dong Van, continue in the direction of Meo Vac until you see the signpost to Xin Cai, keep going about 5-7km, you will see Nho Que 1 Wharf. Kayaking fare on Nho Que River is 100,000 VND/person for 30 minutes. In addition to kayaking, you can opt for being restful on a boat and enjoy the fresh and tranquil ambiance. Ticket is VND100,000 ($4.31) per pax for a 30-minute boat trip.

September to October is the ideal time to visit Ha Giang as it’s a both harvest and buckwheat flower season with pleasant weather.

2.    Kayak in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Roughly 170km from Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve was established in 1999 becoming one of the great destinations for a few day trips from Hanoi. Pu Luong means the highest peak of the village, in Thai language, this is a home of ethnic Muong and Thai people. 3/4 of the nature reserve is primary tropical forest, this off-the-beaten-path with many interesting outdoor activities has allured a plethora of travelers to explore the scenery and culture here. The landscape is truly exotic and authentic.

Kayak in Pu Luong

Rafting in Pu Luong

If you are adventure lovers, make sure to pay Pu Luong a visit for kayak, particularly in the rain season. Paddle your way through stunning river landscape, pass by the rustic stilt houses, the impressive water wheels, poetic villages, and immense valleys of beautiful terraced rice fields. Besides, you could opt for rafting to have a glimpse of Pu Luong.

Whilst rafting, you will submerge yourself in the ethnic daily lives as a fisherman for hours and sail the bamboo rafts on the friendly river. This is a great place for nature lovers wishing to escape the bustle of city life. You’ll literally fall in love with the peaceful ambiance once floating through the beautiful Cham River. Images of the simple local farming life showing off in front of your eyes are like a masterpiece. You also have a chance to get hands-on experience in the day-to-day lives of the ethnic fishermen. It’s amazing, word can’t do it justice!

Best time to visit Pu Luong

February to May and September to November are the best time to travel to Pu Luong when the rice harvest season is taking place. At that time, the weather is pleasant with a temperature ranging from 15-30° C. Summer is from June to September with the temperature can surge to 38° C, while winter (November-February) can be chilly.
See more: Vietnam authentic journey with Pu Luong

3.    Kayak in Phong Nha Ke Bang

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park where the largest cave in the world, Son Doong, is located is a must-visit when it comes to your adventure. Mountains, rivers, caves & grottos, jungles, exotic and endemic wildlife… this place covers them all. This is an idyllic site for kayaking.

Kayaking in Phong Nha Cave

With the length of 7.729m, Phong Nha is among the world’s longest caves. Kayaking inside the underground river cave of Phong Nha is a truly once in a lifetime adventure. The tour brings you to the world of mysterious stalactite system with outstanding global criteria of Phong Nha cave. These are 7 outstanding criteria voted by the British Royal cave association in 1997:

1.    The longest wet cave
2.    Highest and largest entrance of the cave.
3.    The largest and most beautiful sandy-bank and reefs.
4.    The most beautiful underground lake.
5.    The most magnificent miraculous stalactites
6.    The most beautiful underground river
7.    Cave with high and large dry cave.

Kayaking outside the cave, you will be captivated by the mountain ranges of the Phong Nha National Park, passing by beautiful rock formations, lush green farmland, and the rustic village houses straddling the banks as you get closer to the main town. You’ll have the privilege of jumping out of your kayak to explore by foot, before returning to your kayak to continue the journey into Phong Nha. Price of kayaking is 100,000 VND/hour for 2 pax.

if you are looking for Vietnam Holiday Packages then email us at [email protected] to tailor your tour to these off-the-beaten tracks and get lost in these wonderland with a kayak.