North island and the Cua Can river by kayak

This is the gentlest active day on the site. It suits people who want to be on the water without an engine underneath them, first-time kayakers, families, older travellers who are comfortable sitting low in a boat, and anyone who wants an easy day after a long flight or before a harder trek. Activity level is 1.5 of 5: some paddling with your arms, a little walking, nothing steep.

It also suits people who would rather spend a day in the quieter north-west than on the south coast. You leave the main west-coast strip behind, the day finishes early enough for an afternoon at the hotel, and the whole thing is unhurried.

It does not suit people looking for a workout. If you want to come home tired, look at Trek & Heal or the Tien Son peak trek instead.

The Cua Can river runs out to the west coast in the north of the island. Where you kayak, the water is calm and slow, the banks are lined with mangroves, and fishing boats sit moored along the way. It is flat water: no waves, no rapids, nothing to roll you over. That is why it works for people who have never sat in a kayak.

Before you get in, the guide fits life jackets and shows you how to hold the paddle, how to steer, and how to get in and out without tipping. On the water the guide stays with the group and sets the pace to the slowest paddler. When a fishing boat passes, you move to the side and let it through; the river is a working place, not a theme park, and the boats have right of way.

How far you paddle is set by the guide on the day, according to your group and the weather. A family with young children will turn back sooner than four adults who want to keep going, and on a private day nobody has to keep up with strangers.

Rach Vem, in the north of the island, is known locally as Starfish beach. The water is shallow, and starfish can be seen on the sandy bottom. You can wade in and look at them as long as you like.

There is one rule here and our guides hold to it: look, but never lift a starfish out of the water. Starfish are lifted out for photos every day on this coast, and it harms them. Photograph them where they are, through the surface of the water. Watch where you put your feet, too, and do not step on them.

If you see other visitors holding starfish up for pictures, you do not have to say anything; just do not join in. The guide will explain the rule to children in your group before anyone gets into the water.

The pricing page explains how group size changes the quote, and how to book covers request, quote, payment and pick-up.

You can kayak on the Cua Can river all year as long as the weather is calm. In the rainy season, roughly June to October or November, showers are common; a passing shower on a river is not a problem, but heavy rain or wind may shorten the paddle. The guide decides on the day, and safety comes before distance.

In the dry season, roughly November or December to April or May, the day is sunnier and hotter. The shade on a kayak is whatever hat you bring, so cover up.

If we cancel for weather or safety, you get a full refund or another day. If you cancel: more than 48 hours before the start, a full refund less any card fee; between 48 and 24 hours, 50%; under 24 hours or no-show, no refund.

Because it is easy and finishes early, this day pairs well with a harder one. A common pattern is a forest trek on one day and the river the next, so your legs get a rest while you are still outdoors. The combining day trips page has suggestions for two, three and four days on the island.

The other land-based day, the south island heritage day, is about history and a beach rather than water and paddling. The island days page puts the two side by side.

• Sandals or water shoes that stay on your feet
• Quick-dry shorts or trousers and a light long-sleeved top for sun
• Hat, sunglasses with a strap, sunscreen
• A dry bag or zip bag for your phone in the kayak
• A change of clothes for the drive back
• Some cash for drinks and tips

• People who want a hard workout. This is easy paddling on flat water; book a trek.
• Anyone set on holding a starfish for a photo. Our guides will not allow it.
• People who want open-sea kayaking or waves. The water here is a calm river.
• Anyone who cannot get down into and up out of a low kayak, for example with a recent hip or knee operation. Talk to us first.
• People who want snorkelling and island beaches. That is the An Thoi canoe day.