Recognized as the most beautiful fishing village in the world, Vung Vieng fishing village showcases a remarkably simple and authentic charm, reflecting the cultural essence of the Northern Vietnamese fishermen. When you visit this fishing village, you will have the opportunity to explore and experience a variety of fascinating activities. Let’s delve into the details to plan your trip!
Location of Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng Fishing Village, situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, is a captivating destination for travelers. Located approximately 20 km northeast of Tuan Chau Port, it is conveniently close to the coal mines of Cua Ong, Hon Gai, and Cam Pha. Despite its proximity to industrial areas, Vung Vieng has managed to maintain its pristine charm, with a tranquil and unspoiled environment.
The village’s inhabitants rely on fishing and seafood harvesting as their primary livelihood throughout the year, which presents them with a challenging and modest way of life. However, when you visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you’ll be enchanted by the lively echoes of laughter and an uplifting atmosphere that permeates the surroundings. It is this vibrant ambiance that has earned Vung Vieng its reputation as one of the world’s most picturesque fishing villages, drawing in a multitude of visitors who are captivated by its allure. As part of Quang Ninh province, Vung Vieng is a popular tourist destination, attracting a large number of travelers yearning to experience its unique charm.
The history of Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng Fishing Village has its origins dating back to the 19th century when ancient fishermen established the habit of anchoring their boats and engaging in trade and the exchange of food supplies. Today, the village is home to around 50 multi-generational families, comprising approximately 300 residents. The primary occupation of the villagers is fishing, and they sustain their livelihoods through self-sufficiency, relying on the region’s natural resources.
Since Vung Vieng became a renowned tourist destination in Ha Long, the local residents have diversified their occupations to include tourism-related activities. Some have become tour guides, while others serve as boat paddlers, accompanying visitors on sightseeing excursions. As a result, the livelihoods of the villagers have seen some improvement.
In order to improve the living standards of the residents, in 2012, the management board of Ha Long Bay issued a directive requiring the relocation of residents from floating villages to the mainland. The people of Vung Vieng Fishing Village were also required to comply with this directive. Due to their long-standing way of life, many residents initially had strong reactions to the decision. However, the majority of the villagers eventually began to comply with the directive.
How to get to Vung Vieng Fishing Village
“As you plan your visit to the captivating Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you may find yourself pondering, ‘Is Halong Bay cruise worth it?‘ when considering the various ways to explore this enchanting destination. To reach Vung Vieng Village, visitors must first travel to Halong using one of the following transportation options.
- Bus: If traveling from Hanoi to Halong, tourists can take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station. The bus fare for the Hanoi-Halong route ranges from 100,000 to 180,000 VND per person, with a travel time of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Additionally, there are high-quality Limousine buses available at a higher price, starting from 220,000 VND per trip.
- Tourist Bus: Tourist buses are a convenient option for those visiting Halong and exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village. You can catch the bus at Kim Ma Bus Station, located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. The buses depart at 6:00 AM, with a frequency of every 15 minutes. The ticket prices for tourist buses are usually higher compared to regular buses, and the journey to Halong takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- Airplane: Visitors from distant provinces can choose to travel to Halong by airplane. Flight tickets to Van Don are available on Traveloka at extremely favorable prices, allowing you to book and pay directly through the application. All flights to Van Don land at Van Don Airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from Halong City. For airport transfers, travelers can opt for the Airport Transfer service. There are around 6 flights per day from Saigon to Van Don, with ticket prices ranging from 600,000 to 1,300,000 VND.
While many tourists choose to take the train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay as an alternative route to reach Vung Vieng Fishing Village, the allure of a Halong Bay cruise is undeniable for its unique charm and breathtaking scenery. To travel to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, you have several convenient options. You can choose to take a boat, junk, or cruise ship in Halong Bay. From these vessels, you can transfer to a small rowing boat or kayak to navigate further into the village. One popular choice among many is to embark on an overnight cruise in the bay, such as the luxurious Paradise Elegance cruise operated by Paradise Vietnam.
Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by Paradise Vietnam cruise
Some pictures of Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Located quite secluded from other areas in Ha Long Bay, Vung Vieng fishing village possesses a distinct beauty. As you navigate the rowing boat to the village gate, you will witness a simple and rustic floating village surrounded by towering mountains. The image of floating fish farms along the mountainside and neatly arranged floating buoys will come into view.
Venturing deeper into the village, the ambiance of the fishing village becomes more apparent. In the center of the village, there is a communal house where residents gather and engage in communal activities. Surrounding it are the floating houses where the locals reside, as well as the aquaculture area for cultivating marine products.
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“Must-try” things to do in Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Since becoming a renowned tourist destination in Ha Long Bay, Vung Vieng fishing village has captivated visitors with a myriad of experiential activities, allowing them to explore the beauty of nature and the fascinating traditions of the fishing village.
Squid Fishing
Each region has its own season for squid fishing, and in Ha Long Bay, there are two squid fishing seasons:
- Season 1: From the first to the third lunar month (approximately January to March).
- Season 2: From the sixth to the ninth lunar month (approximately June to September).
For only 300,000 to 500,000 Vietnamese Dong per person, you can embark on a fantastic 6-hour squid fishing journey at night in Ha Long Bay. This experience allows you to admire the bay’s scenery while experiencing the thrill of catching squid as they hunt for prey beneath the water’s surface at night. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to savor fresh, crispy, and sweet squid right on the sea.
Traditionally, night squid fishing was a means for local fishermen to supplement their income. However, as tourism has developed, this activity has become an exciting experience for overnight tourists in Ha Long Bay. It offers a rustic yet captivating pastime that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
Experience Local Cuisine
As a traditional fishing village with a long-standing history of development, when you visit Vung Vieng, you can indulge in a variety of specialty dishes made from seafood. You have the opportunity to personally catch fish and request the locals to prepare it for you. You can also savor seafood specialties from the coastal region such as clams, snails, scallops, shrimp, and crabs.
Thanks to the exceptional freshness of the seafood and the traditional cooking methods of the local fishermen, you can enjoy delicious dishes made from fresh seafood that are naturally flavorful, crispy, and fresh. If you choose to visit Vung Vieng fishing village by Paradise Vietnam’s cruise ship, you will have the opportunity to enjoy meals with diverse flavors from Asia to Europe in our luxurious restaurant.
Read more: Which halong bay cruise is best to explore activities in Vung Vieng fishing village
Kayak or Bamboo Boat Ride
There are currently 8 points belonging to 5 tour routes in Ha Long Bay that are licensed to operate kayak and rowing bamboo boat services. These points include Ba Hang, Luon Cave, Dong Tien Lake, Trinh Nu Cave, Tung Sau Area, Vung Van, Vung Vieng, Co Cave, and Cong Do. In Vung Vieng, the area covers 50.22 hectares and has 200 kayaks and 60 rowing boats.
This activity takes place year-round in Ha Long Bay. However, during hot sunny days in the summer (from May to September), it is recommended for visitors to bring hats and water with them. Even on cold winter days, kayaking can still be done normally as this activity is relatively safe and there is no risk of getting wet and cold in the calm waters of Ha Long Bay.
The captivating beauty of nature in Vung Vieng fishing village promises to provide you and your loved ones with a peaceful and healing vacation. Consider the transportation options and exciting activities to create a detailed itinerary for your trip. Wishing you moments of relaxation and delightful experiences in this serene destination. Additionally, if you intend to explore Vung Vieng fishing village and Ha Long Bay by cruise ship, check out the luxurious cruise tours with the most optimized itineraries at Paradise Vietnam now.