Overview of Cai Beo Fishing Village
Cai Beo Fishing Village is believed to be one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam, with an age of over 7,000 years. Today, it is home to hundreds of floating houses spread across Lan Ha Bay, forming a vibrant yet tranquil community that thrives off aquaculture. In Cai Beo Fishing village, most families live in modest floating homes, raising fish like grouper, snapper, and cobia in underwater cages. The area surrounding Cai Beo is protected, and local authorities are working to preserve both the cultural identity and ecological health of the bay. Therefore, visiting here not only supports local livelihoods but also contributes to the preservation of one of Vietnam’s living heritage sites.The Beauty of Cai Beo Fishing Village
What makes Cai Beo special isn’t just its age – it’s the harmony between nature and people that has lasted for centuries. The floating houses form quiet lanes on the water, surrounded by towering karst cliffs and the gentle sway of boats moving with the tides. Unlike the bustling markets of the mainland, Cai Beo moves at its own pace, shaped by the rhythms of tides and weather. From the decks of boats or even on a kayak, you can admire the raw limestone formations, spot jellyfish, and watch as children jump from one floating house to another with ease. It’s a place where visitors can feel connected to the sea, not just visually but spiritually.Activities To Enjoy at Cai Beo Fishing Village
Have a Boat Tour Around Cai Beo Fishing Village and Lan Ha Bay
Exploring Cai Beo Fishing Village is best done from the water, and boat tours are the most popular way to navigate its quiet, floating lanes. You can choose to rent a traditional wooden sampan paddled by local villagers or join a motorized boat trip for a broader loop around Lan Ha Bay. Guided kayaking tours are also available for those who want to move at their own pace, gliding silently through the channels between floating homes and aquaculture cages.For a longer, more immersive visit, overnight boat stays are possible. Some boats are equipped for basic overnight stays and allow you to sleep surrounded by calm waters under a sky full of stars. This quiet overnight experience contrasts with the busier pace of Cat Ba Town and allows for early-morning exploration before other tourists arrive.Visit Local Fishing Farm
One of the most immersive activities is visiting the floating fish farms that are essential to local livelihoods. Farmers here cultivate species such as cobia, grouper, and snapper in underwater cages, and many are open to visitors who want to learn more about the process. You’ll get to see how feed is distributed, how fish are raised and harvested, and how villagers balance traditional knowledge with modern aquaculture practices. Some tours even include the chance to feed the fish yourself or try casting a fishing net under guidance.
Try Local Aquatic Cuisine
Dining is another memorable part of the Cai Beo experience. Several floating houses offer freshly prepared seafood lunches or dinners made with the morning’s catch. Meals often include steamed clams, fried squid, grilled fish, and stir-fried morning glory, served with rice and home-brewed fish sauce. Eating on the water while surrounded by the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay is one of the most authentic ways to experience this coastal region.
Take Photographs Among The Bay
Photography enthusiasts will find Cai Beo Fishing Village to be a dreamscape. Early mornings and late afternoons offer ideal lighting for capturing the misty beauty of the bay and the daily routines of fishermen and women. The vibrant blue and green hues of the water, wooden boats painted in bright colors, and the dramatic karst backdrops all make for striking compositions. Don’t forget to bring a zoom lens or waterproof case if you’re using a phone or camera on a kayak.
Nearby Outdoor Activities in The Water
Cai Beo is also a launch point for many Lan Ha Bay cruises that prioritize sustainable and off-the-beaten-path travel. These trips may include stops at Monkey Island (home to semi-wild langurs), snorkeling areas with coral reefs, or remote sandy beaches such as Ba Trai Dao and Van Boi. Activities like swimming and paddleboarding are available in designated areas where water conditions allow, and guides will usually give safety briefings before any physical activity begins. The relatively calm and protected waters of Lan Ha Bay make these activities accessible even to beginners.
Tips When Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village
How to Get to Cai Beo Fishing Village?
Reaching Cai Beo is relatively simple but involves a few steps depending on where you’re coming from. First, you’ll need to get to Cat Ba Island, which is best accessed via Hai Phong. From there, you can take a speedboat or ferry from Got Pier, which connects to a short bus ride into Cat Ba Town. Once in town, Ben Beo Port is just a five-minute ride away by taxi or motorbike, and it serves as the main gateway to the village. Once at the port, you’ll find a number of local boats available for hire, though it’s recommended to pre-book a tour for a more structured experience.When Should You Visit Cai Beo Fishing Village?
The weather is an important factor to consider. The best time to visit Cai Beo is from October to April, when the skies are generally clearer and the seas calmer. During the hot summer months of May to September, the area can experience sudden rainstorms, high humidity, and unpredictable waves. If you do visit in the summer, plan for early morning departures and avoid kayaking or long boat rides in the afternoon, when storms are more likely to develop.
What To Bring When Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village?
While the experience is largely serene, it’s essential to be prepared for basic conditions. Most floating homes do not have modern toilets or advanced facilities, so short visits are usually more comfortable than full-day stays unless you’re on a tour boat equipped for it. Bring your own drinking water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, as shops are limited near the village. A waterproof bag is useful for phones and cameras, and you should always wear a life jacket while on the water.
Some Cautions When Visiting the Local Villages
Respect for local culture is key when visiting Cai Beo. Always ask for permission before entering a floating house or taking close-up photographs of people and their daily activities. Don’t litter, and avoid touching or disturbing the fish cages and aquaculture equipment unless explicitly invited to do so. Supporting local fishermen by purchasing a small seafood snack, a boat ride, or a meal directly contributes to the sustainability of the village.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, you won’t find traditional gift shops here, but you may be able to buy dried seafood, homemade fish sauce, or small handcrafted nets if offered by locals. These items make meaningful and authentic keepsakes while helping families earn extra income. Just be sure to ask if items are for sale and always check for the price before buying.