Do I need a tour to visit?

Q: Do I need a tour to visit?

No, you can hire a boat directly at the dock.Is it suitable for families?Yes, though children should be supervised near floating walkways.Can I kayak around the village?Yes, kayaking is a popular way to explore.Are locals welcoming?Generally yes, especially when approached respectfully.Is it crowded?It is quieter than most Cat Ba attractions.

Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village, Ha Long Bay

Village near Ha Long Bay

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Superbass

Cai Beo Fishing Village is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba, blending archaeological significance with timeless local traditions. Known for its floating homes, serene waters, and centuries-old fishing heritage, it remains a great place to visit on a walking tour of Cat Ba’s coastal settlements, offering a calmer, more traditional counterpoint to the island’s busier tourist beaches.

History and Significance of Cai Beo Fishing Village
Things to See and Do in Cai Beo Fishing Village
How to Get to Cai Beo Fishing Village
Practical Tips on Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village
Where to Stay Close to Cai Beo Fishing Village
Is Cai Beo Fishing Village Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village
Nearby Attractions to Cai Beo Fishing Village

History and Significance of Cai Beo Fishing Village

Cai Beo is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited fishing villages in Vietnam, with archaeological discoveries placing human settlement here between 4,000 and 7,000 years ago. Excavations conducted in the 1980s uncovered more than 400 artifacts, including pottery, tools, and remnants of ancient dwellings, linking the village to the prehistoric Cai Beo culture.

Over the centuries, the village has remained connected to the sea, with generations depending on fishing and aquaculture. Floating houses, bamboo walkways, and wooden boats form the foundation of daily life. Today, Cai Beo stands as both a living heritage site and a reminder of Cat Ba’s deep maritime roots.

Things to See and Do in Cai Beo Fishing Village

Most visitors arrive by small boat, gliding between clusters of floating houses painted in cheerful shades of blue, green, and red. Cai Beo’s scenic beauty and cultural richness offer several memorable experiences.

Cultural Immersion
Visitors can interact with local families, observe traditional net-making, and learn about fish farming in the floating cages beneath their homes. The rhythms of daily life-boats setting out at sunrise, bustling morning activities, and calm afternoons-provide insight into a vanishing way of life.

Scenic Viewing
The village is surrounded by limestone mountains and calm emerald waters. From certain vantage points, the dramatic karst formations resemble dragons rising from the sea. Boat rides through the village offer the best views, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.

Nature and Relaxation
Cai Beo sits beside quiet bays and forested hillsides, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful scenery. Birdsongs, gentle waves, and the slow pace of life create a soothing atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Adventure Options
Kayaking is a popular way to explore the floating community and nearby coves. Some visitors continue on to Lan Ha Bay or remote beaches after visiting Cai Beo.

How to Get to Cai Beo Fishing Village

The closest airport is Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, followed by a ferry transfer to Cat Ba Island. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ha Long Bay on Booking.com. There is no train directly to Cat Ba; most travellers take the train to Hai Phong, then continue by ferry and road. Cai Beo is located just 2km from Cat Ba Town and is easily reached by taxi, motorbike, bicycle, or on foot along the coastal road. Parking areas are available near the docks.

Practical Tips on Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village

Suggested tips: Bring small cash for boat rides or local purchases; card payments are not accepted.
Best time to visit: October to April for cooler weather and calmer seas.
Entrance fee: Free; boat rides cost extra.
Opening hours: Accessible throughout the day.
Official website: Check Cat Ba tourism information portals for boat services.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours, longer if combining with kayaking or Lan Ha Bay tours.
Accessibility: Requires stepping in and out of boats; floating walkways can be uneven.
Facilities: Minimal-basic local homes and a few small shops on the water.
Photography tip: Capture sunrise reflections when the village looks like a floating watercolor painting.
Guided tours: Local boat operators often provide informal commentary during rides.
Nearby food options: Seafood restaurants in Cat Ba Town, 2km away.

Where to Stay Close to Cai Beo Fishing Village

Cat Ba Town offers convenient accommodation and quick access to the village. Recommended stays include Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba - MGallery, Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa, and Cat Ba Sunrise Resort.

Is Cai Beo Fishing Village Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Its combination of ancient history, scenic floating homes, and tranquil bay scenery makes Cai Beo one of the best places to see in Cat Ba. Whether you come for culture, photography, or peaceful moments on the water, the village offers a rewarding and memorable experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (71)

Cai Beo Fishing Village on Cát Bà offers a striking scene of hundreds of boats and colorful houses clustered on the water, with floating seafood restaurants and a special, otherworldly atmosphere noted by visitors; travelers report boat trips that include nearby Monkey Island and catching fish, though some guests raise concerns about water pollution from local wastewater and wonder about the safety of eating village-caught fish.

Norwegian guide

2 months ago

"We got a trip for 15$ to monkey Island and fishing village. We got fish and had a great time."

andy maphrao

3 months ago

"it's very nice to visitnthe house are so colorful ...nbut it's a pity because the water so polluted because the inhabitants have no means ofdisposing of their wastewater other than dumping it directly into the sea. Is it dangerous to eat the fish produced in the village?..."

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Lukasz Pawel Tarkowski

a month ago

"For someone coming from far away, this place looks just out of the world. Very special atmosphere"

FAQs for Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village

No, you can hire a boat directly at the dock.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, though children should be supervised near floating walkways.
Can I kayak around the village?
Yes, kayaking is a popular way to explore.
Are locals welcoming?
Generally yes, especially when approached respectfully.
Is it crowded?
It is quieter than most Cat Ba attractions.

Nearby Attractions to Cai Beo Fishing Village

Lan Ha Bay - Peaceful cruising among limestone islands.
Cannon Fort - Historic bunkers with sweeping sea views.
Cat Ba National Park - Jungle trekking and rare wildlife.
Trung Trang Cave - A fascinating natural cavern on the island.
Cat Co Beaches - Cat Ba’s most popular sandy stretches for swimming and relaxing.

The Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ha Long Bay!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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