Cua Van Fishing Village

Cua Van Fishing Village is located in Phuc Thang Commune, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, about 20 kilometers from the tourist boat harbor. Nestled within the serene Paradise Bay, the village is embraced by majestic and lush mountains.

A hidden fishing village amidst Ha Long Bay (Source: HalongWave)

If Ha Long Bay is considered a natural wonder, then Cua Van Fishing Village is a masterpiece crafted by human hands. The village was established hundreds of years ago by fishermen seeking a safe place from storms. Over time, it has become an integral part of the magnificent Ha Long Bay, boasting a unique cultural heritage rooted in the lives of the fishing community.

The village's special attractiveness originates from its modest 30-square-meter floating cottages, which house roughly 300 households. Each house, with its small size and bright colors, adds to the village's allure, attracting thousands of curious visitors each year.

Time to come 

The ideal time to explore Cua Van Fishing Village is from April to June, when the weather is sunny but not too hot, making it perfect for discovering the village and enjoying the coastal tourism in Ha Long, Quang Ninh.

During peak tourist season, Cua Van Fishing Village can get quite crowded with visitors. Therefore, it’s advisable to check, review, and book your accommodation at hotels or guesthouses in advance to avoid the risk of rooms being fully booked.

How to get there

Cua Van Fishing Village is located several kilometers away from the mainland, so the primary means of transportation to get there are boats and ships. In Ha Long, tourists can purchase day-trip tickets for a boat or canoe ride to the fishing village.

Explore the floating houses on the bay (Source: Catba)

However, if you'd like to stay longer and explore the village, you can book an affordable Ha Long cruise tour and experience a luxurious lifestyle with gourmet meals on board. Tourism in Ha Long has developed significantly, offering a wide range of cruise options, from 3-star to 5-star, depending on your budget and preferences.

A note for visitors: when visiting Cua Van Village, be sure to bring a power bank for your electronic devices and phones, as the electricity supply here is quite weak and nearly nonexistent.

Read more: Halong Bay Trip full-day: Scenic Drive, Kayaking & Cave Exploration

Things to do 

Exploring the Simple Beauty of Cua Van Fishing Village

When visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, you will be able to admire the breathtaking natural scenery of the islets and sharp "4K" limestone mountains of Ha Long Bay. Don't forget to take a photo with the colorful floating houses and witness the traditional fishing techniques of the local fishermen in the village.

Discover the scenery and unique charm of Cua Van fishing village (Source: Mia)

Cua Van's appeal stems from the harmonic blend of stunning natural scenery and the simple charm of the fishing community. The sea, mountains, clouds, and rows of floating houses nestled against the cliffs form a serene setting in the sky and waters of Ha Long Bay.

When touring Cua Van Fishing Village, a must-do activity is watching the sunset. This is the perfect time for tourists to rent kayaks and admire the beauty of the village, and explore the daily lives of the fishermen as the sun sets, marking the end of another fishing day for the locals.

Participating in Local Activities

Cua Van's beauty nowadays is not only reflected in its picturesque views, but also in the charming songs of "Giao Duyen" - a unique type of performance art produced by the fishing community from their rich and colorful daily lives.

Participate in using the fishing tools of the local villagers (Source: Quang Ninh)

When visiting Cua Van, guests can directly participate in activities such as fishing net weaving, hook making, basketboat fishing, and more. These routine duties of the fishing community have changed into unique tourism attractions that draw visitors.

In addition, Cua Van Fishing Village has garnered the respect and admiration of travellers all over the world, thanks to the people' strong sense of responsibility for cleanliness. Every day, people row boats around the town, collecting rubbish floating on the lake to reduce the risk of water pollution and safeguard their families and the community.

Tasting Local Specialties

When visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the local specialties, featuring unique flavors crafted by the hands of the local people. Seafood specialties, freshly caught by the fishermen, are always delicious and reasonably priced, ensuring that you’ll fall in love with the local cuisine. 

Squid fishing at Cua Van is an exciting activity for visitors (Source: Vietnamnet)

Visitors can also participate in nighttime fishing activities, including a chance to capture fresh fish and squid that can be eaten straight away. This is an activity you should not miss.

Cua Van Floating Cultural Center

Visitors can also visit the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, which preserves and promotes the traditional culture of the fishing village through cultural activities and interactions with local fishermen.

The Cultural Center showcases artifacts of the ancient fishing village (Source: Homepay)

The center houses over 1,200 visual documents and lively artifacts about Cua Van fishing village, organized into five main themes: the livelihood of fishermen, the material life of the fishing community, aquatic living intertwined with human life, spirituality, and cultural practices, and the legacy for today and future generations.

The unique performance art practiced by the residents (Source: Quang Ninh)

The residents of the fishing village are very friendly and hospitable. Visitors can engage in activities such as rowing basket boats, catching fish, or squid fishing to experience the life of the fishermen. During festival days, guests can enjoy the sweet melodies of traditional rowing songs performed by the locals. A visit here is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Around Cua Van Fishing village

Cua Van Fishing Village is also near several other fascinating destinations, such as:

Vang Vieng Fishing Village, established in the early 19th century, is a unique village where fishermen primarily rely on fishing to support their daily lives. The village offers a peaceful and simple way of life. Visitors can explore the pristine beauty of the area and experience life with the locals, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Houses nestled against the mountains in Vung Vieng (Source: Alamy)

Thien Cung Cave: an expansive cave covering over 10,000 square meters. As you venture deeper into the cave, you'll find a layer of phosphorescent minerals that glow with an enchanting light, combined with colorful lighting that makes the cave stand out like never before.

Inside Thien Cung Cave (Source: Mytour)

Kim Quy Cave: offers breathtaking views of stalactites and stalagmites that have been forming over hundreds of years. The natural light from the outside, combined with artificial lights of various colors, creates a mystical and glittering atmosphere inside the cave.

Conclusion

Visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, which has been recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, offers tourists a more optimistic and positive perspective on life. This is definitely a destination you should include in your Ha Long itinerary.

Read more: Ha Long Bay Trip Full-day: Jewel of Northern part