Before Halong Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site, and before Halong was opened to tourism, many people lived and earned their living as fishermen in the bay.
These fishermen came together in communities to support each other in work and life, created several floating villages in the bay of Halong a very long time ago and still exist until now. Let’s discover some beautiful ancient floating villages in the article below.
Originally, there were many floating villages that existed in Halong Bay back then. The life of the inhabitants of these villages was hard and limited, especially for the children who went to school. The Vietnamese government was making a huge effort to support these families by providing them with jobs and housing to bring them to the mainland.
Today, only a small number of families live in these fishing villages, retaining the traditional jobs of their ancestors.
Coming to Halong Bay, you will regret it if you do not visit one of these floating villages. All of them are amazing, but each one is different from the others.
Overall, they add to the already colorful Halong Bay which is famous for foreigners coming to Vietnam.
Floating markets are one of the best things to see in Halong Bay.
Fishing villages not to be missed
There are many fishing villages around Ha Long Bay and chances are you won’t have time to explore them all. In this case, I recommend visiting the villages of Cua Van, Vong Vieng and Ba Hang.
1. The fishing village of Cua Van
The floating village of Cua Van is one of the most famous located between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The fishing village is located in Hung Thang commune, Halong city, about 20 km from Tuan Chau tourist pier.
The whole scene is clusters of floating houses in a calm sea, surrounded by majestic limestone mountains. The ancient features, graceful natural beauty and typical traditional culture make Cua Van floating village an attractive place for tourists.
The village now has over 200 floating households, including a school, a cultural center and local houses. More than 700 people live in Cua Van village, mainly fishermen.
Cua Van is also the largest and most touristy fishing village in the region. This makes it the most accessible destination, with its frequent boat trips, prestigious homestays and excellent restaurants offering local seafood cuisine.
The village also offers a kayak rental service to explore the surrounding area and visit the nearby caves.
2. The Vung Vieng fishing village
Vung Vieng is a large floating village with long-time residents living in Halong Bay. Taking approximately 1 hour cruise from Bai Chay Port, Vung Vieng is the second largest fishing village in Halong Bay after Cua Van Fishing Village. With unique characteristics, Vung Vieng attracts more and more tourists.
As it is surrounded by islands, the water is quite calm and peaceful, reflecting village life. It is the best destination to explore fishing culture. The happy and hospitable people are always willing to welcome strangers and show them how to sail and fish, or they may even take you on a night squid catching session.
As the village is quite remote, the locals stay much closer to their traditional fishing lifestyle. They are very close to each other and spend most of their lives on the water.
Boats are their home and the ocean is their home. Even a five-year-old knows how to row and the whole family fishes together.
During a day of fishing, the children prepare the net and bait, while their brothers and father collect the nets full of fish. The antiquity of their lives makes everyone more connected to each other. Each activity takes place on the water, from birth to farewell to an elder.
3. The fishing village of Ba Hang (Three Caves)
If you don’t have the resources and time for the two villages above, Ba Hang Village is the way to go. Located just six kilometers from Ha Long Town, this village is easily accessible and can be explored in a day. The village has a population of 50 people, making it one of the smallest fishing villages off the bay.
As it is much closer to the mainland, Ba Hang village is modern and developed, so you only get a little idea of the traditional fishing culture.
But that shouldn’t stop you from exploring. All the activities available in the other two villages are also available here, from kayaking to fishing trips and squid catching. In addition, you can walk through the three surrounding caves, including the two most important caves in Ha Long Bay: Thien Duong (sky) cave and Dau Go cave.
Pristine landscapes, a long-standing lifestyle and fresh seafood, all these and more await you in the unique fishing villages of Ha Long Bay.
4. Cong Dam Fishing Village
Isolated from the mainland, Cong Dam, the oldest and smallest floating village in Halong Bay, is a destination that few tourists visit. The area is preserved, clean and remains relatively undeveloped.
It has a population of around 120 people and these people carry on the ancient fishing cultures of their ancestors to the present day. On the island there is a small museum and a school and it is surrounded by the famous limestone karsts, islets and beautiful beaches of Halong Bay.
The region also has a high concentration of coral reefs and underwater lakes hidden inside the limestone mountains. While visiting Cong Dam Floating Village, apart from kayaking or visiting the local bamboo boats, you can have the chance to visit the pearl farm located there.
5. Hoa Cuong Fishing Village
Belonging to Halong Bay, the fishing village of Hoa Cuong is surrounded by majestic limestone hills rising from the sea, constituting an impressive picture of world natural heritage.
Located in a corner of the limestone islands and islets, Hoa Cuong is where tourists can see the islands as a huge wall to protect the village from storms. Small houses built on rafts looking like fairy tales are the most popular image you can see in this peaceful village.
Although daily life in a fishing village takes place on the sea, it is not monotonous. Their long-distance calling and rowing liven up the atmosphere of the tranquil bay. Especially, when the floating village has a festival or a wedding, you will hear the locals singing fun songs with fun melodies.
