1 Overview of Vung Vieng Fishing Village
1.1 Where is Vung Vieng Fishing Village?
Location: Street 7, Tuan Chau, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
Vung Vieng Fishing Village (also known as Vong Vieng Fishing Village) is located in Bai Tu Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam, near the coal-mining area of Cua Ong–Hon Gai–Cam Pha, 25 km from the mainland.
This floating village has been home and a source of livelihood for 30 households and more than 300 fishermen over many generations. In the past, aside from drinks brought in from the mainland, most of their food came from fishing. Today, although life remains demanding and tiring, residents are better nourished, happier, and more prosperous thanks to tourism development. That is why, when you arrive at Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you can still hear the lively sounds of residents chatting and laughing, and feel their positive spirit and abundant energy. It is no wonder that Vung Vieng Fishing Village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
One of the four fishing villages located within a World Heritage Site, Vung Vieng receives fewer tourists than Ba Hang, Cua Van, and Cap La fishing villages, making it especially spacious and peaceful. Although livelihoods can be precarious, the floating homes of Vung Vieng’s fishermen are relatively spacious and clean. The village also has its own community hall where residents can gather, and where visitors can shop for handicrafts and take a break.
In 2012, to help fishermen achieve a more stable life, the Ha Long Bay Management Board issued a directive requiring residents to move to the mainland. After several rounds of strong resistance, as they had grown accustomed to their way of life over many years, most residents have now begun to comply.
Read more: Cua Ong Temple, a more than 700-year-old historical site in Quang Ninh
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is like a rough pearl hidden in a heavenly bay
A deeply moving scene that brings tears to the eyes of everyone who sees it
The community hall in Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Although life can be precarious, tourism has significantly improved the incomes of most fishing-village residents
1.2 Why is it called Vung Vieng Fishing Village?
“Vung Vieng” evokes the clattering sound of a pot lid rattling in the wind. The village got its name because, long ago, people from Hai Phong traveling to trade with China would often pass by at midday. At that time, the villagers would be cooking, and the strong sea breeze often blew the pot lids around, making them rattle.
From then on, the place came to be known affectionately as Vung Vieng (also called Vong Vieng or Vung Venh).
The “floating” village appears simple and rustic amid mist-shrouded mountains
Nestled securely against the mountain cliffs
1.3 How do you get to Vung Vieng Fishing Village?
There are many ways to get to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, including by sampan, boat, ship, or kayak. The most popular option, however, is a bamboo boat—the small type commonly used in fishing villages. The route passes through Hang Cao, the most famous sea cave in Bai Tu Long Bay, which also serves as the gateway to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Once you pass through the village entrance, you can immerse yourself in the daily life, culture, and traditional customs of the people who live in this Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site.
For an ideal Vung Vieng Fishing Village experience, you can book a Ha Long cruise and then paddle a bamboo boat or kayak to the village. Once you emerge from the cave, you’ll see the village’s simple, rustic beauty. Each floating raft nestles against the mountains like a rough pearl waiting to be polished. The farther into the village you go, the more the “heavenly” scenery unfolds before you; surrounded by mountains, sea, and blue skies, you may feel as though you’ve drifted into another world.
Bamboo boats are a popular way to take you to Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Each boat can carry 4–5 people, including the rower
2 Unique experiences in Vung Vieng Fishing Village
2.1 What is there to enjoy in Vung Vieng Fishing Village?
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a wonderful destination you shouldn’t miss when visiting Ha Long. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience an immense sense of peace and quiet. You can relax on the village’s secluded beach along the foot of the mountains and enjoy a tranquil moment, or spend a day fishing alongside local residents. After the catch, you can savor the delicious, fresh seafood you’ve just helped bring in.
Today, visitors to Vung Vieng Fishing Village can enjoy two particularly interesting activities:
- Raise fish alongside local fishermen: They’ll explain the fish-farming and harvesting process in the morning and afternoon. You can then help raise the fish and feed them.
- Help protect the environment by collecting litter with the fishing-village residents.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village organizes a meaningful activity to protect the marine environment of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site
The villagers’ genuine, welcoming nature
If you’d like to stay overnight and head out to sea with them early the next morning, just ask politely and they’ll be happy to agree
The natural scenery surrounding Vung Vieng Fishing Village is like a priceless painting
The colorful “homes” create a welcoming impression and catch the attention of visitors
2.2 Admire a series of stunning photos shared by Signature Ha Long Cruise
Signature Ha Long Cruise visited Vung Vieng Fishing Village and captured many beautiful moments in this historic village. Join MIA.vn in admiring these captivating and stunning images of Vung Vieng Fishing Village, taken by Signature Ha Long Cruise!
A breathtaking scene in Bai Tu Long Bay, where Vung Vieng Fishing Village is located. Photo: Signature Ha Long Cruise
The farther into the village you go, the more spectacularly the heavenly scenery unfolds. Photo: Signature Ha Long Cruise
The village comes alive with cheerful voices and laughter early in the morning. Photo: Signature Ha Long Cruise
The villagers of Vung Vieng Fishing Village, captured in a simple and rustic moment. Photo: Signature Ha Long Cruise
The faces of international visitors beaming with joy and delight. Photo: Signature Ha Long Cruise
3 Things to keep in mind when visiting Vung Vieng Fishing Village
MIA.vn would like to share a few things to carefully add to your bucket list. Take a look:
- The ideal time to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village is from April to June. It’s also summer, with plenty of sunshine, and the lush colors of nature in Ha Long Bay are sure to amaze you as you take in the view under the summer sun.
- From the fishing village, you can also visit several other attractions, such as Devil’s Island, the Bay Gieng area, Trong Mai Islet, and Bai Tho Mountain.
- Make time to enjoy fresh seafood when you visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village, such as Ha Long sipunculid worms or the equally delicious local specialty, Ha Long squid cakes.
- Rent a kayak and explore the fishing village’s pristine, peaceful beauty on your own.
- The villagers are very friendly, so you can ask to stay overnight and head out to sea with them early the next morning.
- Pack comfortable clothes and all the essentials: a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and more. Don’t forget your phone, selfie stick, and power bank for taking photos.
- Bring motion sickness medication so you can enjoy your visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village and keep your energy up.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a truly unique floating village in Ha Long Bay. With these insights from MIA.vn, you can plan a meaningful and exciting trip of your own. We hope you and your family have a wonderful trip filled with happy moments and beautiful memories!
