Vung Vieng fishing village
Fishing Village
Travelling to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, you will discover not only the natural beauty of karsts but get to know about local life, and one of the interesting site is the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, which offers visitors an opportunity to experience the local life on the calm water of Halong Bay.
You will be enchanted by the beauty of the boats, the nets slung over posts in front of the house, the simple but hospitable fishermen, and the small children smiling as they go to school. This idyllic scene shows the traditional character of a floating fishing village.
Where is Vung Vieng fishing village
Vung Vieng is located in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, 24 km from the mainland. The village is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, which provide a natural barrier against the strong winds and waves.
You will not only be immersed in the quiet and peaceful location viewing the charming landscape, and discovering the cultural life of the fishermen but also will be instructed in the fine arts of sailing and casting fish nets.
History of the floating village in Ha Long Bay
The floating villages in Ha Long Bay have a rich history and culture that dates back hundreds of years. These villages were originally established by fishermen who needed to be close to the fishing grounds and living with their community.
Vung Vieng fishing village used to be a floating community with unique way of life through generations. The villagers are mainly from the fishing community, and they make their living by catching fish, living in a community of hundreds household.
Since 2012, due to some safety and environment issues, the Halong Bay Management Board has announced to relocate all residents of floating village to maindland but the village now still have stunning landscape with floating houses and locals living on fishing and boat rowing for tourists.
Getting to Vung Vieng Fishing Village
To visit Vung Vieng fishing village, you hire a boat from Bai Chay tourist pier following Bai Tu Long Bay route and reach the village in 1 hour. However, the more relaxing way to explore the village is taking an overnight cruise or full day cruise from Halong Port to Bai Tu Long Bay.
In the cruise’s itinerary, Vung Vieng fishing village is one of the visiting sites that you will spend time on bamboo boat to relax and enjoy the beauty of local life in Vung Vieng.
Things to see in Vung Vieng Fishing Village
There are many things to see and do in Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Here are some of the must-see attractions:
Pearl farm
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is famous for its pearl farming. The villagers cultivate pearls using traditional methods, and you can visit the pearl farms to see how these precious gems are grown. You can also buy pearls directly from the farmers, which makes for a unique souvenir.
Floating houses
The village is used to be home to over 50 floating houses, which are the traditional homes of the villagers. Now, there is still 10 floating houses in the village.
These houses are built on rafts, and they can be moved around the bay depending on the fishing grounds. You can take a tour of the floating village to see the houses up close and learn about the unique lifestyle of locals.
Fishing life
Fishing is the main source of income for locals in Vung Vieng fishing village, and you can experience fishing trip for yourself. You can rent a fishing boat and try your hand at catching fish using traditional methods. You can also sample the freshly caught seafood at one of the village’s restaurants.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a popular activity in Vung Vieng Fishing Village, offered by cruise operators in Bai Tu Long Bay. You can explore the bay on your own. This is a great way to get up close to the limestone islands on the bay.
The best time to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village
The best time to visit Vung Vieng fshing village and Halong Bay is between September and November, from Mar to April when the weather is dry and cool. The bay is also less crowded during this time, you can enjoy the attractions without the crowds. However, the village is open all year round, so you can visit it at any time.
Vung Vieng fishing village is a unique visiting site that offers visitors an opportunity to experience the floating local life. The village’s stunning scenery, rich history, and unique attractions make it a must-visit destination in Halong Bay.
Whether you want to learn about the pearl farming, try your hand at fishing, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere, Vung Vieng fishing village has something for everyone.
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