Despite the sweltering heat, boat rowers in Ha Long Bay diligently take tourists on journeys to explore the beauty of unique attractions across the World Heritage bay.
Discovering the Bay's Boat Rowing Craft – A “Specialty” of Ha Long Bay
The service of taking visitors floating on small boats to discover fishing village culture in Ha Long Bay was established nearly 20 years ago and remains an exceptionally appealing activity that provides livelihoods for many local fishing community members born in this region.
Rowing boats to take visitors on bay tours. Photo: Tien Phong.
The Ha Long Bay Fishing Village Tourism Cooperative in the Vung Vieng area employs nearly 100 workers with around 60 bamboo sampans regularly carrying sightseers. The cooperative's members all have deep, lifelong ties to the former Vung Vieng fishing village.
Vung Vieng, a picturesque fishing village, was once the second largest of the bay's seven traditional fishing villages. As a result, more and more visitors come here to learn about the long-standing fishing community culture and explore the breathtaking scenery.
Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Every day, the rowers' job involves welcoming visitors onto the boats, guiding them to their proper seats, carefully fitting life jackets, and embarking on the journey to explore the bay.
Photo: Tuoi Tre Newspaper.
The image of bamboo sampans drifting slowly across the bay adds romance and charm to the landscape of Ha Long Bay. Rowing boats may seem simple, but not everyone can do it, as it requires good physical health, agility, and familiarity with the marine environment.
Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The most challenging moments occur when navigating through dark, narrow caves, where rowers must exert full concentration and effort to maneuver skillfully along the right path, ensuring passengers do not hit their heads against the rocks.
Bamboo sampans have become a charming highlight on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Pinterest.
Throughout the journey, boat rowers also act as genuine tour guides, introducing visitors to the scenic spots and the significance of each destination. They often take tourists to visit the community cultural house and the replica of the historical Vung Vieng fishing village, helping them gain deeper insight into the lives of fishing folk.
Rowers always clean their boats thoroughly before welcoming guests. Photo: baoquangninh.
To do this well, rowers must thoroughly understand the historical, cultural, and landscape values of the bay so that they can confidently present them to visitors.
Many international tourists use the service. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Before concluding the tour, visitors are introduced to a natural pearl farming area featuring techniques transferred by Japanese experts. Pearl farming not only creates additional employment for local villagers, but also provides captivating experiences for tourists.
Skillfully rowing boats through sea caves. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Boats filled with tourists.
In addition to rowing skills, these workers must be proficient in basic foreign language communication, learn water rescue techniques, and remind passengers to wear life jackets.
Boat rowers double as enthusiastic guides. Photo: baoquangninh.
The old Vung Vieng "village gate". Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Therefore, taking advantage of free time between tours, rowers practice foreign languages to communicate more confidently with international guests. Before being permitted to serve tourists, they must undergo training courses and pass skill assessments.
The rowing craft provides a livelihood for fishing village residents. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Rowing boats in Ha Long Bay may seem like an easy job, but under the blazing sun and salty sea breeze, it becomes more strenuous than ever.
Every bamboo sampan is equipped with trash-collection gear. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Alongside boat rowing, collecting and treating waste and preserving the environmental cleanliness of Ha Long Bay are also prioritized. With an increasing number of tourists arriving, the bay's ecosystem is inevitably affected; therefore, environmental protection directly helps preserve the rowers' livelihoods.
Tourists visiting aquaculture floating houses. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Boat rowing tours have created seamless links between tourism activities, contributing to preserving the cultural beauty of the coastal region. The service also provides local residents with stable jobs and income to sustain their livelihoods, while offering tourists a vivid, up-close opportunity to explore the World Natural Heritage site.
English class for boat rowers. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The sight of bamboo sampans ferrying tourists across Ha Long Bay has become a distinctive highlight in the eyes of travelers from everywhere, leaving a special imprint on the hearts of all who love this heritage wonderland!
