To visitors, the sea may mean: Blue waters – swimming – seafood – cruises. Yet to the fishing community, the sea is also their livelihood, a realm fraught with risks, and the anchor that shapes their families' lives. From these very roots, rich beliefs and festivals among coastal residents have flourished.
What is the Cau Ngu Festival celebrated for?
In Van Don, the Cau Ngu Festival takes place at the start of the year with heartfelt wishes for:
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Favorable rain and gentle winds.
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Calm skies and tranquil seas.
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Safety for fishermen.
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Smooth and bountiful voyages out to sea.
In 2026, the festival is organized on February 28 with an incense offering ceremony at King Ly Anh Tong Temple and a palanquin procession to the Cai Rong Fishing Port area.
This is a community celebration before it is a tourism product
This distinction is vital. The festival exists because of:
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The fishermen's way of life.
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Community faith.
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Memories of the sea.
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Hopes for safety.
It does not exist simply because tourists need photo opportunities.
When encountering the procession
Do not:
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Cut across the procession line.
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Pull procession participants aside for photos.
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Touch the palanquins.
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Stand directly in the path of the procession.
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Fly drones directly above the crowd without authorization.
Please step to the side and observe respectfully.
When entering the fishing port
A fishing port is an active workplace. Avoid standing:
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In the pathways of cargo handcarts and trolleys.
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Directly at the wharf edge.
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In front of warehouse entrances.
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Where locals are sorting seafood.
A great picture is never worth disrupting someone's livelihood or causing danger.
Photographing fishermen
Always ask for permission before taking portraits. When capturing wide-angle shots of port activities, still avoid shoving your camera right in front of workers or filming private moments for extended periods.
Do not board fishing boats without permission
A fishing boat is:
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A working environment.
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Personal or commercial property.
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Equipped with hazardous machinery.
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Subject to slippery areas.
Only board if invited by the boat owner or as part of an official experiential tour program.
Fisherman experiential tourism
Van Don is developing community-based marine tourism experiences centered around local livelihoods and aquaculture. Please choose organized tour products rather than walking up to a fishing boat and asking: “Can I tag along for the day? I’ll pay you.” Going out to sea involves waterway safety regulations, vessel registration, and operating requirements.
A golden rule to keep in mind
At a resort, you are a customer. In a fishing village, you are first and foremost a guest of the community. This distinction shapes how you should carry yourself.
Quick Checklist
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Understand the significance of the festival before attending.
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Do not cut across the procession.
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Do not touch the palanquins or offerings.
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Do not obstruct daily operations at the port.
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Ask for permission before taking portrait photos.
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Do not board fishing vessels without authorization.
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Only join clearly organized fisherman experience tours.
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Do not purchase prohibited marine species or seafood products.
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Never litter into the sea.
