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Viet Hai Village (Viet Hai Fishing Village) is the home of a small community of fishermen and lies in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. The village is like a shy gem, hidden under stunning limestone. But once you overcome its surroundings, a rich, vibrant cultural life blended harmoniously with the beauty of nature will unfold before your eyes.
It has been said that 100 years ago, while looking for shelter during a storm, a group of fishermen discovered a valley surrounded by lush greenery and water in the middle of the sea. They then opted to settle in the area, forming the hamlet that is now known as Viet Hai Village. The small community now covers 150 hectares and is home to 70 families of fishermen and farmers who live their basic lives in close harmony with nature.
To be honest, Viet Hai is a poor village. Fishing is the primary source of income. Local people collect fish from the sea using traditional methods such as casting nets and bamboo baskets. They also use sustainable fishing methods to safeguard the survival of marine life in the area. This has led to a long and vibrant life for the locals.
Since the rise of tourism, the local life here is getting better. People now see more “modern” items like motorcycles, houses, and even cars here. However, this doesn’t mean that Viet Hai is any less interesting. There’re plenty of things for you to do.
If you’re a big fan of adventure, head for a 12-kilometer trail trek to explore the diverse flora and fauna of Viet Hai. Cycling is also a great option since the road here is nothing like the chaos of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You could easily rent one for $5 via a local house and cycle around the peaceful route around the village.
Try to sit down with the locals and learn the secrets of traditional fishing tactics by joining local fishermen on a fishing trip. Learn how to cast nets, row bamboo wood boats, and enjoy the excitement of capturing fish in traditional ways. Last but not least, relax yourself with a massage by dropping your foot in a pond of “doctor fish.”.
How to get to Viet Hai village
The most convenient and straightforward method is to book a package with Lan Ha Bay Cruises. These cruises usually include the village on their 3-day, 2-night itinerary. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay while cruising towards Cat Ba Island.
Otherwise, take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Beo Wharf. Next, you could take a canoe, tender, or boat from Beo to Viet Hai Village. Another option is to go trekking. From Cat Ba downtown, hire a motorbike or a taxi to Cat Ba National Park. Buy the ticket (80,000 VND) to the park, and don’t forget to book a tour guide with you as the journey is quite rough. The trek to the village would be approximately 12 km long and could take you all day.
