Sampans, floating villages, traditional Chinese style junk boats, river and fishing boats, they each capture the essence of Vietnam. While many tout Vietnam as the gem of Southeast Asia, Smarter Travel calling it “the best place to go in Southeast Asia right now”, JustTravelDeals offers reasons to relish the unique opportunities to explore this country by boat. Take in the mystical atmosphere of the Mekong Delta and its floating villages, sail in a traditional Chinese style junk boat through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay or kayak the caves and jungle of the world’s largest cave systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here are some of our favorites, from the southern, central and northern regions of Vietnam.

Halong Bay is often called Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world and once visited, it is hard to dispute that claim. Over 1,900 islands with spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area that is without a doubt the most naturally beautiful in the country; an incomparable coastal scenery. Stop off at an islet and climb through a series of breathtaking caves and grottoes, marveling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations anywhere in the world. Not only is the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is a must see for any trip to Vietnam.

Halong Bay Kayak Tour

Kayak through the hidden beaches, caves and limestone cliffs and even enjoy some night paddles. Kayaks go where other big boats cannot. Take Thien Canh Son Cave set below a forest canopy and a stone cliff. Inside the cave, is a strange beauty – the ceiling of the cave is covered with a layer of shiny ‘carpets’, numerous sparkling stalactites appear like “hanging lamps”. Stone statues, stone elephants, seals, flowers – all seem to create an imaginary world as if in a dream.

Halong Bay Overnight aboard a Traditional Sailing Junk Boat

Board a traditional Chinese style sailing junk boat and meander through the area whose name translates as ‘Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea’. Cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay passing many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches. Stop off at an islet and climb through a series of breathtaking caves and grottoes, marveling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations anywhere in the world.

The Deluxe ‘Paradise Privilege’, is a completely private, fully chartered cruise. Designed to accommodate 6 to 8 people in two Deluxe Cabins and one Master Suite, the Privilege also features a fully-equipped modern home kitchen, and a lavish and cozy dining-room. While on board, a private butler will ensure that every moment will be tailored according to individual wishes.

Cruise to the inside of the magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, BinhPhong Mountain, and Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a swim, weather permitting, and cruise to a secluded lagoon to anchor for the night.

Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba National Park

An overnight to Halong Bay’s largest island and home to Cat Ba National Park, allows the opportunity to trek through its lush tropical forests, wander through its famous caves and explore on your own. Trekking is the best way to explore Cat Ba National Park and the length of the trek in the forest can vary depending on ability. Take the local hydrofoil to Hai Phong followed by a short visit to some of the city’s remarkable ancient Vietnamese architectural sites, including the Du Hang Pagoda and the Hang Kenh Pavillion.

Navigate the beautiful lagoons and mangroves of Danang with a traditional basket boat. Visit a local fishing village for fresh seafood and learn to be a fisherman for a day.

Kayak the Cave Systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Hang Son Doong, at 490 feet is the worlds' largest cave in Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and can fit a Boeing 747 through its biggest cavern. Those who venture here will discover subterranean forests, 350-million-year old coral fossils, and an underground lake. It was discovered by a local in 1991 and has only been open to the public since 2013.

Explore the caves and jungle of this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and surrounding cave systems by kayak on the 13,969 m-long underground river in the Phong Nha Caves. The area boasts both the largest and the third largest caves in the world.

Hue’s Nguyen Dynasty Tombs by boat

In the early 19th century, the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from Hue. For many years Hue City was the capital of Vietnam and the home of the emperors. Therefore, along the Perfume River, lie the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty Imperial tombs in Hue.

Visit Thein Mu Pagoda with a private boat and guide. Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the "Heavenly Lady Pagoda" is one of the oldest and most attractive religious buildings in the country. Continue by boat to the less visited, yet most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built around 1840, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and the natural landscape.

Hoi AnTraditional Fishing Villages

Explore local fishing villages near the mouth of Thu Bon River. Walk through the village and learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. Experience the art of catching fish using local round nets. Try paddling a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race on the river. Explore the Bay Mau tranquil waterways and learn how water coconuts are used by the locals and enjoy a traditional fisherman's lunch.

Thon Bon River Tour Boats

Tour boats await passengers on the Thu Bon River. In the 19th century, the Thu Bon River silted up, prohibiting ships from accessing the town’s docks, and the merchants moved on; however, the distinct mix of architecture remained. Today, the ancient town’s historically significant structures are interspersed with cafes and boutiques, and travelers roam the car-free streets in search of that timeless moment — the sound of temple bells, the smell of caolau cooking in a nearby restaurant, or even the sight of a fisherman quietly casting his net over the water.

It’s a place where both old and new are embraced, but old still wins out. The fisherman hauls in his net, arranging fish in his boat with painted eyes, and casts the net again. -

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Nha Trang, the “Riviera of the South China Sea” by fishing boat

Often referred to as the beach capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam, enjoys a stunning coastline with white sandy beaches, an abundance of marine life and thriving reefs, ringed by a necklace of mountain ranges. There are 19 untouched islets that are just a short boat ride away.

Board a simple, but safe and comfortable, reconverted fishing boat to explore these numerous islands, some inhabited and many dotted with idyllic fishing villages. Take a brief stop at one of these villages, Bai Tru, and wander around at will. The local people are very friendly and hospitable to visitors. Young children will ferry you between the boat and shore by coracle, the round bamboo boats so commonly used in coastal Vietnam. Swim and snorkel in some of the secluded bays around the area.

Explore the canals, visiting floating fishing villages and experience a unique way of life.Take a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River from the town of Cai Be. Board a motorized sampan for an introduction to life on the river with a private guide. Cai Be is known for its large floating market, where displays of food produce are hung from the bamboo poles over the host boat in order to attract customers. Journey across the upper reach of the river to a maze of tributaries and fruit plantations. Barges ply the route, overloaded with rice husks used as fuel for the region's numerous brick kilns.

Cruise to Vinh Long, then Cai Rang, which is a bustling market town. Enjoy a sampan ride through the colorful congestion of women and children jostling for space and vying to sell their goods. End in Chau Doc near the Cambodian border. The Mekong River at this point is decorated with hundreds of floating homes, each a self-contained farm where local families raise and sell fish to passing boats. Visit some of them with a Yampu private guide.

Mekong River Cruises

Explore the stunning Mekong River as it winds through Vietnam and Cambodia, on the 62.4 meter (205 feet) Aqua Mekong, designed to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. The generously appointed interiors have been created with local, sustainable materials and artisanal representations of the Mekong’s multifaceted cultures; a welcoming comfort between on and off shore excursions along this fascinating river. Choose between a 3, 4 or 7 night journey visiting flooded emerald forests and bamboo stilt villages accessible only by boat, among flocks of painted stork and spot billed pelicans in their last Southeast Asian refuge and to Chinese wing tipped pagoda temples and remote Buddhist monasteries.