Fishing villages in Halong Bay: A journey into Vietnam’s maritime heritage
- Mar 17, 2025
- 4 min read
When most travelers picture Halong Bay, they think of towering limestone islands and luxury cruises. But beyond the famous scenery lies another side of the bay that tells a deeper story—its traditional fishing villages. Long before tourism arrived, generations of local families made their homes on the water, living alongside the tides and relying on fishing as their way of life.
Although many residents have moved ashore in recent years, visiting a Halong Bay fishing village remains one of the best ways to understand the region's cultural heritage. You'll see floating homes, fish farms, wooden boats, and peaceful waterways that reveal a slower rhythm of life rarely experienced by most visitors.
Why fishing villages are an essential part of Halong Bay
The fishing villages are more than just another stop on a cruise itinerary—they're an important part of Halong Bay's identity.
For centuries, local communities adapted to life on the water, building floating houses, raising seafood, and navigating the bay long before roads connected nearby towns. Their knowledge of the tides, weather, and marine ecosystem has been passed down through generations, shaping the culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, while modern life has changed many of these communities, visiting a fishing village still offers a chance to experience a side of Ha Long Bay that feels authentic and deeply connected to nature. It's a refreshing contrast to the busy cruise ports and popular sightseeing attractions.
A glimpse into local life of floating villages
One question many visitors ask is whether people still live in the floating villages today.
The answer is yes—but the communities are much smaller than they once were. Over the past two decades, many families have relocated to the mainland as part of conservation and education programs. Today, some residents continue working on the bay through fishing, aquaculture, pearl farming, and tourism, while others travel between the mainland and the villages for work.
What surprises many travelers is how connected daily life remains to the water. Boats are still used for transportation, fish farms continue to operate, and you'll often see local residents greeting one another as they pass through the floating communities. It may look peaceful from the outside, but it's also a place where people continue to work, adapt, and preserve traditions that have existed for generations.
The most beautiful fishing villages in Halong Bay
Each fishing village has its own character, so the best choice depends on the type of experience you're looking for.
Fishing Village | Best Known For | Best Way to Visit |
Cua Van | Traditional floating houses and local culture | Overnight cruise or day cruise |
Vung Vieng | Quiet waterways, kayaking, pearl farms | Bai Tu Long Bay cruise |
Cong Dam | Remote scenery and fewer visitors | 3-day cruise |
Ba Hang | Easy access and bamboo boat rides | Day cruise |
If you're visiting Halong Bay for the first time, Cua Van Fishing Village is usually the best place to start. It's one of the largest and most well-known floating communities, offering a glimpse into traditional life on the bay.
For travelers looking to escape the busier routes, Vung Vieng Fishing Village feels much quieter. The calm waterways make it one of our favorite places for kayaking, and many cruises also stop here to introduce visitors to pearl farming.
If you have more time, Cong Dam is worth considering. It's further from the main tourist areas, so the surroundings feel more untouched and peaceful. Meanwhile, Ba Hang is a convenient choice for visitors on shorter itineraries, especially if you want to enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride without spending the night on a cruise.
Experiences You Shouldn't Miss at a Fishing Village
1. Ride a Traditional Bamboo Boat
One of the simplest yet most memorable experiences is taking a bamboo boat through the floating village. Local rowers gently guide you between floating houses, fish farms, and narrow waterways while sharing stories about life on the bay. It's a slower way to explore, giving you time to appreciate details you might miss from a larger cruise boat.
2. Explore the Village by Kayak
If you enjoy being more active, kayaking is the best way to discover the quieter corners of a fishing village. You'll paddle through peaceful lagoons, pass beneath limestone cliffs, and reach places that bigger boats simply can't access. Early morning is especially rewarding, when the water is calm and the bay feels almost untouched.
3. Visit Floating Fish Farms
Many villages continue to operate floating fish farms, where local families raise species such as grouper, snapper, and shellfish. It's a fascinating opportunity to learn how aquaculture supports the local economy and why it has become an important part of life in Halong Bay today.
4. Learn About Pearl Farming
Some cruises include visits to pearl farms, where you'll discover how cultured pearls are grown using traditional techniques combined with modern technology. Seeing the process firsthand gives visitors a greater appreciation for one of the bay's most valuable local industries.
5. Slow Down and Observe Daily Life
Sometimes the most meaningful experience isn't an activity at all. Spend a few quiet minutes watching fishermen repair their nets, boats moving between floating homes, or families going about their daily routines. These ordinary moments often leave the strongest impression because they offer a genuine glimpse into life on the water.
Eco-Tourism and Responsible travel
With the rise of tourism in Halong Bay, protecting the fragile marine environment and supporting local communities has become increasingly important. Many tour operators now offer eco-friendly excursions that emphasize responsible travel. Visitors can contribute to sustainable tourism by:
Choosing non-motorized boats or kayaking to explore fishing villages, reducing water pollution.
Avoiding single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste to help maintain the bay’s pristine waters.
Purchasing handmade crafts, seafood, or pearls from local fishermen, ensuring that tourism benefits the community directly.
Respecting local customs and traditions by engaging with villagers in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
Eco-tourism initiatives have helped raise awareness about environmental preservation in Halong Bay. Many villagers are now involved in conservation efforts, including coral reef protection and marine life rehabilitation projects.
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