Despite the sweltering heat, boat rowers in Ha Long Bay still diligently carry on their journeys taking tourists to explore the beauty of unique tourist destinations in the World Heritage bay.
Exploring the craft of rowing boats on the bay – a “specialty” of Ha Long Bay
The service taking tourists cruising on boats to learn about fishing village culture in Ha Long Bay was introduced nearly 20 years ago and remains a particularly appealing service today, providing a livelihood for many local fishing villagers born in this land.
Rowing boats to take tourists to explore the bay. Photo: Tien Phong.
The Fishing Village Tourism Cooperative of Ha Long Bay in the Vung Vieng area has nearly 100 workers with about 60 bamboo rowboats regularly carrying tourists. Cooperative members are all people who have deep, lifelong ties to the old Vung Vieng fishing village.
Vung Vieng, a picturesque fishing village, was once the second largest among the bay's seven old fishing villages. Therefore, more and more tourists come here to learn about the long-standing fishing village culture and explore the splendid scenery.
Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Every day, the boat rowers' job is to welcome tourists aboard, guide them to sit in the proper spots, put on life jackets carefully, and begin the journey to tour the bay.
Photo: Tuoi Tre Newspaper.
The sight of bamboo boats drifting slowly across the bay has added romance and charm to the picturesque scene of Ha Long Bay. The work of 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 arduous part is rowing through small and dark caves, where the boat rowers must strain to navigate, maneuvering the boat along the right path so tourists do not hit their heads against the rocks.
The bamboo boats have become highlight accents on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Pinterest.
During the tour, the boat rowers also act as true tour guides, introducing visitors to the scenic spots as well as the significance of each destination. They often take tourists to visit the community house and the replica of the old Vung Vieng fishing village so that visitors can gain a better understanding of the life of the fishing folk.
Boat rowers always clean their boats thoroughly before welcoming tourists. Photo: baoquangninh.
To do this well, boat rowers must thoroughly understand the bay's cultural and historical values and landscapes to confidently present them to visitors.
Many foreign tourists use the service. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Before concluding the tour, visitors are introduced to the natural pearl farming area featuring a process transferred by Japanese experts. Pearl farming not only creates more jobs for fishing village residents, but also offers captivating experiences for tourists.
Skillfully rowing boats to take visitors through sea caves. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Boats packed with tourists.
In addition to rowing skills, those doing this job must also be proficient in communicating in foreign languages, learn water rescue skills, and remind tourists to wear life jackets.
An enthusiastic boat rower cum tour guide. Photo: baoquangninh.
The old "village gate" of Vung Vieng. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Therefore, taking advantage of times when there are no passengers, rowers must hone their foreign language skills to communicate more confidently with foreigners. Before serving tourists, they must undergo training classes and pass skill tests before being certified to practice.
Boat rowing creates livelihoods for fishing village residents. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The profession of boat rowing on Ha Long Bay may seem like simple work, but under the harsh sunlight and the saltiness of the sea, the job becomes more arduous than ever.
Each bamboo boat is equipped with trash-collection tools. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Along with rowing boats, the collection and treatment of waste and environmental sanitation in Ha Long Bay also receive attention. As more and more tourists visit, the bay's environment is also impacted; therefore, caring for environmental protection also contributes to safeguarding the livelihoods of boat rowers.
Tourists visiting an aquaculture raft house. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The boat rowing service transporting tourists has fostered cohesion among tourism activities, contributing to preserving the cultural beauty of the coastal region. The service also helps many locals obtain stable jobs and incomes to support their lives, and especially provides tourists with an opportunity to explore the natural heritage in the most vivid way.
An English class for boat rowers. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The image of bamboo boats taking visitors across Ha Long Bay has become a unique highlight in the eyes of tourists from all over, becoming something special in the heart of every visitor who loves this heritage site!
