1. Quick facts about Cai Beo Floating Village
1.1. Location
Located in Hai Phong, Cai Beo Floating Village (also called Vung O Village) lies on the emerald waters beside Cat Ba Island in Cat Hai Special Zone. Nestled between limestone valleys and stretching along the coast of Area 2B, Ben Beo, Cai Beo is believed to be Vietnam’s oldest fishing village, dating back roughly 7,000 years. Today, it serves as both a living cultural treasure and the gateway to Lan Ha Bay, a stunning coastal paradise.
1.2. Origin
The Cai Beo archaeological site lies in a limestone valley along the coast, about 1.5 km southeast of Cat Ba center. Covering 18,000 m² and sitting 3.5 meters above sea level, it was first discovered in 1938 by French archaeologist M. Colani and later excavated several times by Vietnamese researchers.
Artifacts such as grinding stones, axes, pottery, and shells reveal a large ancient fishing community. Sheltered by the Ang Tham and Bu Nau ranges, the area’s calm seas and rich marine life supported both shallow- and deep-sea fishing, shaping one of Vietnam’s earliest coastal cultures.
1.3. Development
Though named after an ancient village with millennia of history, modern Cai Beo is home to about 300 families who rely mainly on fishing and aquaculture. Instead of traditional net fishing, locals raise fish in floating wooden cages arranged close together, forming small communities on the water. Each cage contains around 150–200 fish raised in sea-like conditions.
Since 2015, with electricity and clean water from Cat Ba Island, many have expanded into tourism, offering homestays, seafood meals, and boat tours. As the area is part of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, residents now focus on sustainable practices to preserve the village’s heritage and charm.
1.4. Significance
The Cai Beo relic site on Cat Ba Island is significant as the earliest known distinctive prehistoric coastal culture in the Northeast region of Vietnam. Existing during the Middle Holocene (approximately 7,000 to 5,000 BP), Cai Beo represents a crucial transitional stage in human history, reflecting populations who adapted to the maritime environment through a combination of fishing, gathering, hunting, and early farming.
The site yields evidence of specialized fishing tools like net weights, as well as "Bac Son style" stone axes. Crucially, Cai Beo is considered the basis or precursor for the subsequent Ha Long Culture and provides profound insights into the development of coastal culture in the Gulf of Tonkin. Recognizing its high historical and archaeological value, Cai Beo was designated a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 2009.
>>> Let’s explore Cat Ba beaches together!
2. Top things to do on a Cai Beo Fishing Village tour
2.1. Soak up the tranquil beauty of the fishing village
From a distance, Cai Beo looks like a watercolor painting - emerald waters shimmer under the sun, limestone peaks rise gracefully from the sea, and clusters of floating homes drift gently with the waves. The village’s calm blends with the rhythm of daily life, creating a rare harmony between nature and people. Small bridges link the floating houses, inviting visitors to wander and enjoy the serene beauty of Cat Ba Island.
2.2. Get a glimpse of local life
A visit to Cai Beo offers a true taste of traditional coastal living. Travelers can rent a boat to glide between floating homes and watch fishermen feed fish, sort nets, or prepare their catch. Hands-on activities such as feeding fish or learning aquaculture techniques provide a deeper appreciation of how locals have lived in harmony with the sea for generations.
2.3. Enjoy fresh seafood
Cai Beo is a paradise for seafood lovers, with floating restaurants serving freshly caught or farmed fish, shellfish, and shrimp seasoned to highlight their natural flavor. Locals raise species like grouper, cobia, and snapper using traditional, eco-friendly methods. Visitors can buy live seafood straight from fishermen or have it cooked on-site for the freshest meal possible.
2.4. Go kayaking through the floating village
One of the best ways to experience Cai Beo’s beauty is by kayaking through its calm waters. Paddling from the floating village out toward Lan Ha Bay is such a mesmerizing experience. With around 400 lush islands and over 130 pristine beaches, the bay enchants visitors with its emerald water, towering cliffs, and peaceful atmosphere. Drifting between limestone pillars as the sun sets is a memory that stays long after you leave.
>>> Check out fascinating things to do in Cat Ba!
3. Essential tips for visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village
3.1. Transportation
Getting to Ben Beo Port is simple and convenient, especially from Cat Ba’s center. It’s just a 5-minute ride by motorbike, private car, or eco-friendly electric taxi.
For those driving, the pier offers secure, reasonably priced parking for cars and motorbikes. Many tour packages also include hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a smooth connection to the boat.
To reach the port, follow this short route: From Cat Ba Wharf, head northeast along Mot Thang Tu (1/4 Street) → Nui Ngoc Street → Cai Beo Street → continue straight to Ben Beo Port.
From Ben Beo Port, boats and canoes take you to Cai Beo Floating Village in about 20–30 minutes. Travelers can charter a private boat (1,200,000–1,500,000 VND/trip) or join a shared tour that often includes Lan Ha Bay stops and seafood experiences. As the boat glides across the emerald sea, floating houses gradually appear, creating the serene, timeless charm that defines this Cat Ba fishing Village.
>>> Let’s discover how to get to Cat Ba Island!
3.2. Best time to visit
Cai Beo is beautiful all year round, but the most pleasant seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and the sea is clear. These periods offer ideal conditions for exploring, photography, and outdoor activities. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially magical, with soft sunlight reflecting off the floating homes and limestone cliffs.
>>> Don’t forget to check weather in Cat Ba in advance!
3.3. Important notes
Here are some crucial notes for visitors coming to Cai Beo village:
- Always travel responsibly, avoid plastic waste, and never litter into the sea.
- Check the weather forecast in advance if visiting during July or August, as tropical storms may affect boat operations.
- Try local delicacies such as grilled fish, tamarind crab, and steamed scallops.
- Don’t forget to shop for handmade souvenirs like conical hats, woven bags, and keychains.
FAQs about Cai Beo Floating Village in Cat Ba
What makes Cai Beo Floating Village special?
Cai Beo Floating Village stands out as one of the oldest fishing villages in Vietnam, with a history dating back over 7,000 years. Surrounded by limestone karsts and calm emerald waters, it offers both breathtaking scenery and a deep cultural connection to the sea.
What can visitors do at Cai Beo Village?
You can explore floating fish farms, enjoy kayaking, taste local seafood, or simply relax on a boat as you drift between floating homes. For a deeper experience, join the villagers in feeding fish or take part in small fishing activities.
Can tourists stay overnight in Cai Beo Vietnam?
Yes. Several cozy homestays are available, such as Lan Ha Floating Homestay, Cai Beo Homestay & Restaurant, and Eco Floating Farm Stay Cai Beo, offering peaceful nights surrounded by gentle waves.
What should I bring when visiting Cai Beo Village?
- Light, breathable fabrics and a light jacket
- Hat & sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash (Vietnamese dong)
- Camera or phone with waterproof case
- Power bank
A visit to Cai Beo Fishing Village is more than just a journey through breathtaking scenery; it is a step back in time to Vietnam’s earliest coastal civilization. Here, history, nature, and daily life blend seamlessly, revealing the enduring spirit of the fishermen who have called these waters home for millennia.
After immersing yourself in the tranquil rhythm of Cai Beo, you should balance your journey with an exciting day at VinWonders Vu Yen - Hai Phong’s new world-class entertainment park. The complex features thrilling rides, themed adventure zones, water attractions, and relaxing gardens, making it a perfect getaway for families and adventure seekers alike.
Book tickets of VinWonders Vu Yen
Your Vietnam travel does not have to end in Cat Ba. Continue exploring the country’s most beautiful destinations like Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, each offering its own charm. For a luxurious stay, choose the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where comfort, world-class dining, and stunning beachfront locations await. It is highly recommended to combine your stay with visits to the amusement parks of VinWonders across Vietnam for a perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment.
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