Kayaking is the best way to experience Ha Long Bay at the scale of the landscape rather than from above it. Seated in a sea kayak, paddling through the base of limestone towers that rise 100–200 metres directly overhead, the bay becomes something entirely different from what you see from the deck of a cruise junk.
The most rewarding paddling is into the dark tunnels and hidden lagoons that pierce the limestone islands — some passages are low enough to duck, opening into enclosed lagoons surrounded by sheer rock walls on all sides, with monkeys sometimes visible on the ledges above. Around Luon Cave and Ba Trai Dao island, the kayaking conditions are sheltered and the scenery is exceptional. All overnight cruise itineraries include at least one kayaking session. The best cruises provide properly sized sit-in kayaks; the worst offer plastic sit-on-tops with plastic paddles. Check before booking.