Cua Van Fishing Village, Halong Bay: Discover the Floating Village on the Sea
Nestled in the breathtaking Halong Bay, Cua Van fishing village has been recognized multiple times by international media as one of the world’s most beautiful villages. Surrounded by majestic mountains on one side and the vast blue waters of the bay on the other, this village offers a stunning natural landscape. You’ll be amazed and delighted as you witness the charming floating houses, a unique sight that you won’t find in the plains.
Overview of Cua Van Fishing Village, Halong Bay
Cua Van Fishing Village is a long-established floating village located in the serene waters of Halong Bay, about 20 kilometers south of the old Bai Chay wharf, at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, Cua Van not only serves as a home to local fishermen but also as a safe haven for boats seeking shelter from storms. When visiting Cua Van, you can admire the pristine beauty of the surrounding natural landscape while also experiencing the daily life of the local fishermen. The floating wooden houses, with their simple yet cozy architecture, create a friendly and peaceful living space. The sight of sailboats anchored in the distance, the gentle sound of waves, and the tranquil scenery paint a poetic picture that leaves every visitor feeling a sense of calm and lasting impression.
A key highlight of Cua Van Fishing Village is the preservation of its cultural heritage through the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center. This center houses various artifacts, fishing tools, and documents about the fishermen’s way of life. It not only offers visitors a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the sea-dwelling community but also promotes environmental awareness. The villagers are actively involved in marine conservation efforts, regularly collecting waste and cleaning the water’s surface to maintain the bay’s natural beauty.
Read more: Explore Halong Bay With Seaplane
In 2021, Cua Van Fishing Village was proudly listed among the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world by the renowned travel magazine Journeyetc.com. The village’s untouched beauty, unique cultural heritage, and the harmonious connection between people and nature make it a captivating destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Read more: Quang Ninh Museum: Information, Address, Opening Hours
How to Reach Cua Van Fishing Village
Cua Van Fishing Village is located quite far from the shore, approximately 19 kilometers away. To ensure a convenient visit, you can consider one of the following transportation options:
- Tourist Boat: If you’re traveling with a group or a large party, taking a tourist boat is a great option. These boats can accommodate between 30 to 50 passengers. See more tour: Hanoi – Halong Bay – 1 Day.
- Speedboat (Cano): A speedboat is a faster option, allowing you to save time by cutting the travel time in half compared to a traditional boat. This gives you more time to explore Cua Van Fishing Village.
- Overnight Cruise: For a more luxurious experience, you can opt for an overnight cruise, which offers full services such as accommodation and dining. In addition to visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, you’ll have the opportunity to explore other attractions such as Bai Tho mountain, Ti Top island.
Read more: Top 20 Luxury 4-Star Cruises in Halong Bay
Things to Do in Cua Van Fishing Village
Explore the Cultural Life of Fishermen
You can fully immerse yourself in the daily life of the fishermen in Cua Van by participating in activities such as rowing a bamboo basket boat, casting fishing nets, or even squid fishing at sea. If you visit during local festivals, you might also have the chance to enjoy traditional folk songs and boat rowing chants, adding a special cultural touch to your trip. These experiences will make your journey truly unforgettable.
Visit the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center
One of the must-visit places during your trip to Cua Van is the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center. This unique center, the first of its kind built for fishing communities in Vietnam, showcases more than 1,200 lively documents, images, and artifacts. It aims to preserve and maintain the cultural heritage of the fishing village through traditional activities and cultural exchanges between locals and tourists. The center has long been an attractive destination for visitors wanting to explore and learn about the rich cultural history of Cua Van, both past and present.
Boat Tour Around the Village and Nearby Attractions
A not-to-be-missed experience in Cua Van is taking a boat tour around Halong Bay and the surrounding scenic spots. On this journey, you’ll be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Halong Bay, with its stunning mountains and unique caves.
From the sea, you can admire the picturesque floating village, traditional houses, and charming cobblestone paths. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit famous attractions such as Ba Ham Lake and Tien Ong Cave, enriching your experience of the area.
Read more: Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay: Explore its grandeur and splendor
Some Tips for Visiting Cua Van Fishing Village
Here are a few tips to ensure you have a memorable visit to Cua Van Fishing Village:
- The best time to explore Cua Van is from March to June when the weather is sunny but not too hot, or from September to December when the weather is mild and pleasant.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring sneakers, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, remember to bring motion sickness medicine as boat rides can be rocky.
Currently, Cua Van is one of the few remaining floating villages in Halong Bay, as most fishermen and their families have been provided with land by the government to build homes on the mainland. However, Cua Van continues to be preserved to maintain its longstanding cultural traditions, making it a unique tourist destination that offers fascinating experiences to visitors exploring Halong Bay.
