Where is Cua Van Village
Nestled deep within the Va Gia Mountain range, Cua Van Village is located roughly 20 kilometers from the nearest harbor, far removed from the bustle of coastal urban life. Set in the core of Halong Bay’s heritage area, the village is surrounded by tranquil waters, ideal for docking boats and providing shelter from storms.
The villagers are descendants of the early settlers who have lived on the bay for generations. Today, Cua Van remains one of the oldest and largest fishing villages in Halong Bay.
Cua Van Village overview
In 2012, the travel website Journeyetc.com named Cua Van one of the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world. In 2014, Travel + Leisure magazine also listed it among the world’s most scenic seaside villages.
Interesting Facts
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The village originated from two ancient fishing communities: Giang Vong and Truc Vong.
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Although the exact founding date is unclear, it is believed that Cua Van has been a part of Halong’s evolving culture for thousands of years.
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Archaeologists suggest that the village was once a trade hub where local Viet merchants exchanged goods with Chinese and Western ships before reaching the ancient port of Van Don.
Local life of fishing villagers for years in Cua Van Village
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The village now comprises over 300 households spread across 12 floating clusters, including schools, a community house, and fisherman’s residences.
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Most villagers earn their living through traditional fishing.
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Cua Van is home to Halong Bay’s first floating school, with seven classes serving primary and secondary students. The village also offers vocational training.
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Children as young as 5 or 6 in the village learn to row boats and often assist their parents with fishing from an early age.
How to Get There
To visit Cua Van Village, you will first need to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. You can take a long bus ride, which takes around 2 to 3 hours and costs roughly 10 USD per ticket. For a smoother trip, choose a limousine service and ask to be dropped off at the nearest pier for easy access to the village. Tuan Chau Pier (19km) and Doan Pier (30km) are the most convenient options.
Ways to visit Cua Van Village
From the pier, here are your options to reach Cua Van Village:
|
Cost |
Note |
|
|---|---|---|
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Speedboat |
40 - 200 USD, depending on boat size (2 to 30 passengers) |
This is the fastest and most private option. You can rent a speedboat to visit Cua Van by the hour or day. For bookings, contact Azgo or thuetau.com. |
|
Day Boat |
About 10 USD/ticket |
It takes on a set route through Cua Van Village, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple, and Ang Du Hang Tien Ong. You can purchase tickets directly at the service counters located at the boat ports. |
|
Cruise Tour |
A 2-day, 1-night cruise typically ranges from 81 to 200 USD per person, depending on whether you opt for a 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star experience. |
Many Halong Bay cruises follow Route 3, which includes a stop at Cua Van Village. You can check for Paradise Elegance Cruise, Paradise Sails, Bhaya Cruises, Heritage Line Violet. |
Things to Do
From faraway sight, Cua Van Fishing Village in Halong Bay stands out with its modest charm, brightly colored floating houses, each about 30 square meters in size. Surrounded by the bay’s emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, visitors can:
Things to see in Cua Van Village
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Take a hand-rowed boat tour around the village to enjoy a panoramic view.
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Visit local homes to meet the villagers, observe their daily lives, and learn about their traditional fishing methods.
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Explore key sites such as the floating school, fish farms, and netting areas to gain deeper insight into village life.
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Visit the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, which houses hundreds of ancient artifacts from the early settlers of the bay. The center also features documentary films and themed exhibits.
Cua Van Village floating culture center
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Participate in hands-on experiences such as rowing boats, setting fishing nets, or preparing seafood alongside local fishermen.
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If you visit during squid season, don’t miss out on a night squid fishing experience.
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If you are fortunate enough to visit during a festival or an event organized by the village management, you will have the chance to witness “dao duyen” love songs and traditional fisherman's chants that have been passed down through generations.
See a different way of living in Halong Bay
Travel Tips
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The best time to visit Cua Van Fishing Village in Halong Bay is between October and June, as the remaining months may see rough seas or storms.
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Squid fishing season runs from February to April and July to October.
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There is no entrance fee to visit Cua Van floating village.
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During your visit, be sure to travel light and keep your belongings secure to avoid accidentally dropping anything into the water.
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You can consider joining a guided tour for seamless arrangements, including boat rides, a local guide, and support to interact with villagers.
To continue this conversation, visit our article about plaecs to visit in Halong!
The information above will certainly be helpful for your visit to Cua Van Village. There is so much more to discover about Halong Bay, and you can explore other fascinating and detailed travel guides on our website. If you need assistance with planning a Vietnam tour, feel free to leave us a message, our team will reach out to you shortly.
