WORLD HERITAGE HALONG BAY

FISHING VILLAGES

More particularly, a visit to these villages, travelers will not only have a chance to explore the beauty of the daily lives of the local fishermen and their culture, but also to participate in community-based activities.

Apart from natural beauty, historical and archaeological significance, the Bay of Ha Long is also home to 4 fishing villages namely Ba Hang, Cua Van, Vong Vieng and Cap La with a total of 287 households and 1,283 residents of which Cua Van is the largest. These fishing villages have maintained both a tangible and intangible marine culture and pulled lots of travelers both at home and abroad. Situated at Hung Thang Commune, Ha Long City, 20 km away from the tourist boat wharf, the fishing village lies in a tranquil Bay surrounded by mountain. Cua Van Village has a population of 733 in 176 households who mainly earn their livelihood by fishing.

Visiting the village, tourists will be charmed the villagers' daily life as well as the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen, as the fishing village of Cua Van is completely different from others: the village is free from busy lanes and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts.This makes it ideal for anchoring boats here. In general, floating houses of the fishermen look spacious and clean, and well-off families are characterized by tiled house roofs and furnished with radios, television sets, tables and chairs, etc.

In addition, visiting the fishing village of Cua Van, travelers will certainly be lured the training establishment for local children which accommodates four classrooms and one small room for teachers over an area of 150 m2. They are the first floating classrooms in Ha Long. At present, Cua Van has 7 classes, mainly in grade 1 and grade 2. The youngest pupil is 8, while the oldest is 17.
It is interesting to see the rambunctious children flocking to "school". Their bustling calling and their flopping rowing warm up the peaceful atmosphere of the Bay. Looking at the small boats driven by tiny oars going to school, and the radiant faces of the children, one feels confident in a vibrant future for the fishing village. Cua Van has become a "must-see" tourist attraction and has been included in the itinerary of almost all travel agencies. In the future, a Floating Cultural Center will be established in Cua Van fishing village, which will become an important interface between the Ha Long people and tourists.

Beside the fishing village of Cua Van, the other three ones of Ba Hang, Vong Vieng and Cap La are among the favorite choices of travelers. More particularly, a visit to these villages, travelers will not only have a chance to explore the beauty of the daily lives of the local fishermen and their culture, but also to participate in community-based activities.

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