Vung Vieng Fishing Village - Discovering a floating village preserved across generations

1 Overview of Vung Vieng Fishing Village

1.1 Where is Vung Vieng Fishing Village located?

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 mines in Cua Ong – Hon Gai – Cam Pha, about 25 km from the mainland.

This floating village has been home and livelihood to 30 households and more than 300 fishermen across multiple generations. In the past, aside from drinking water brought from the mainland, their primary food source came from fishing. Today, although life still holds many hardships and struggles, everyone enjoys a well-fed, happy, and much more prosperous life thanks to tourism development. For that reason, upon arriving at Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you can still feel the vibrant sounds of laughter and the positive spirit as well as abundant energy radiating from the locals. It is no wonder that Vung Vieng Fishing Village is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

As one of four fishing villages within the World Heritage site, compared to Ba Hang, Cua Van, and Cap La fishing villages, Vung Vieng welcomes fewer tourists, making its space exceptionally airy and tranquil. Despite a precarious floating life, the floating houses of the fishermen in Vung Vieng are relatively spacious and clean. The village also boasts its own community cultural house where villagers gather, which also serves as a marketplace for handicrafts and a rest stop for visitors.

In 2012, in order to help fishermen establish a more stable life, the Ha Long Bay Management Board issued a directive requesting villagers to relocate to the mainland. Following initial resistance due to their long-established way of life over many years, most villagers have now gradually complied.

See more:  The over 700-year-old Cua Ong Temple relic site in Quang Ninh

1.2 Why is it called Vung Vieng Fishing Village?

"Vung Vieng" simulates the rattling sound of pot lids clattering when the wind blows. It was named Vung Vieng Fishing Village because in ancient times, when traders from Hai Phong sailed off to do business with China, they often passed by the village at noon. At this time, villagers were cooking rice, and the strong sea breezes caused the pot lids to clatter loudly.

Ever since, the area has been affectionately known by the name Vung Vieng (or Vong Vieng or Vung Venh).

1.3 How to get to Vung Vieng Fishing Village?

There are many ways to travel to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, such as motorboats, wooden boats, cruises, kayaking... However, the most popular way is by bamboo rowboat (a small traditional craft mainly used in the fishing village), passing through Hang Cao (a famous sea cave tunnel in Bai Tu Long Bay) which also serves as the iconic gateway to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Passing through the village gate, you can immerse yourself in daily life as well as the traditional culture and customs of the villagers living within this Ha Long Bay World Heritage site.

For an even better experience exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you can book a Ha Long cruise tour, then take a bamboo rowboat or kayak to the village. Coming out of the cave, you will witness the serene, rustic charm of Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Floating rafts leaning against the mountains resemble rough pearls awaiting refinement. The further you venture into the village, the more this "fairyland" unfolds before your eyes, leaving you pleasantly lost amid mountains, sea, and azure sky.

2 Unique experiences at Vung Vieng Fishing Village

2.1 What is interesting at Vung Vieng Fishing Village?

Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a worthwhile destination you cannot afford to miss when visiting Ha Long. When you arrive, you will have the chance to experience immense tranquility and peace. You can lounge on the pristine beaches nestled alongside the cliffs of the fishing village while enjoying peaceful, quiet moments, or experience a day as a fisherman catching fish alongside local residents. After the fishing trip, you can even savor the delicious, fresh flavors of the seafood you caught with your own hands.

Currently, when visiting Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you can take part in 2 fascinating activities:

- Fish farming with local fishermen: You will listen to explanations about the process of raising and catching fish in the morning and afternoon, followed by participating in feeding and caring for the fish.

- Joining environmental protection efforts and scooping up marine debris alongside the local fishermen.

2.2 Admire stunning photos shared by Signature Ha Long Cruise

Signature Ha Long Cruise visited Vung Vieng Fishing Village and captured many beautiful moments at this ancient village. Join MIA.vn in admiring these captivating and gorgeous shots of Vung Vieng Fishing Village recorded by Signature Ha Long Cruise!

3 Notes when visiting Vung Vieng Fishing Village

MIA.vn would like to highlight a few essential things to note carefully on your bucket list, take a look:

- The ideal time to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village is from April to June, which is sunny summer; the lush green of Ha Long Bay's natural scenery will certainly overwhelm your senses under the summer sun

- From the fishing village, you can reach several other tourist attractions such as: Mat Quy (Monster Head) Islet, Bay Gieng area, Trong Mai (Fighting Cocks) Islet, Bai Tho Mountain…

- Make sure to indulge in fresh seafood when visiting Vung Vieng Fishing Village, such as Ha Long peanut worms (sa sung) or the equally irresistible Ha Long grilled squid patties

- Rent a kayak and discover the pristine, peaceful beauty of the fishing village on your own

- The villagers are exceptionally friendly; you can easily ask to stay overnight and set sail early with them the next morning

- Prepare comfortable clothing and all necessary gear: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen… don't forget to bring your phone, selfie stick, and power bank to check in

- Bring motion sickness medicine to ensure your experience at Vung Vieng Fishing Village remains joyful and full of energy

Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a truly unique floating village in Ha Long Bay. With these insights from MIA.vn about Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you can now plan a meaningful and exciting journey. Wishing you and your family a wonderful trip filled with joy and fond memories!