Explore Cai Beo – The Oldest Fishing Village In Vietnam
Cai Beo Fishing Village stands out as both the most extensive and oldest floating village in the region. It allows visitors to observe the traditional way of life practiced by generations of local fishermen. With its deep historical roots and scenic surroundings, the village presents a genuine cultural setting that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
So, for those interested in exploration, heritage, or quiet natural landscapes, Cai Beo is a worthwhile stop on any journey through Cat Ba.
Where is the Cai Beo Fishing Village?
Cai Beo Fishing Village sits about 1.5 kilometers southeast of Cat Ba town center. Most travelers reach it by boat, taking only five minutes from Beo Port. The village ranks as both the largest and oldest floating fishing community in the Cat Ba archipelago.
Archaeologists discovered that Cai Beo has a history stretching back thousands of years. Excavations revealed tools and artifacts from early fishing communities. These finds place Cai Beo among the earliest known settlements in the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba region.
Cai Beo Fishing Village – The Oldest Fishing Village in Vietnam
Today, around 400 households live and work in the village. Especially, most families practice traditional fishing and raise seafood in floating cages. The village features floating houses linked by wooden walkways or reached by small boats. Many residents build fish cages next to their homes, creating a close connection between daily life and livelihood. Cai Beo offers a calm and authentic setting, unlike the busier parts of Cat Ba. The village lies among quiet waters and modest structures, surrounded by limestone islands and karsts. These natural features form part of Lan Ha Bay, an area rich in ecological and geological value.
Travelers often visit Cai Beo during broader boat tours around Lan Ha Bay. Others rent private boats for a closer look at local life. They might watch people feed fish, mend nets, or move goods between rafts and shore. Moreover, nearby beaches like Ba Trai Dao, Tung Thu, and Cat Co offer extra stops for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can reach them easily from the village or the main town.
Cai Beo also remains a living community rooted in tradition. It continues to reflect the maritime culture and coastal livelihood that have shaped northern Vietnam for thousands of years.
Historical & Archaeological Values of Cai Beo
Cai Beo Fishing Village, near Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam, still operates as a fishing community today. It also holds significant archaeological and historical value. Researchers have identified Cai Beo as one of the oldest known settlements in the coastal region of northern Vietnam. Evidence shows continuous human habitation from 4,000 to 7,000 years ago.
The name “Cai Beo” means “big bay,” a reference to the natural features that made it suitable for early settlement. Archaeologists uncovered two ancient hearths, 137 stone tools, 1,424 pottery fragments, and 568 animal bones. These artifacts point to a subsistence economy focused on fishing, shellfish gathering, and coastal foraging—typical of early maritime communities in Southeast Asia.
Cai Beo Fishing Village – The Oldest Fishing Village in Vietnam
During the Vietnam Resistance War Against America, American air raids bombed Cai Beo. The attacks damaged the area but didn’t destroy the village community. In 1972, archaeologists returned and found more artifacts, including stone tools and ancient fishing gear. These discoveries thus offered deeper insight into the continuity and adaptation of fishing practices over thousands of years.
Today, about 400 families live in Cai Beo. They rely on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihood. Most live in floating houses, adapted to the calm, shallow bay waters, which average four meters in depth. Despite the introduction of electricity and other modern services from the mainland, the community continues to follow a sea-based lifestyle.
Though close to the popular tourist routes of Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay, Cai Beo has remained mostly untouched by mass tourism. Few commercial boats stop here. As a result, the village has preserved its original character. Cai Beo stands not just as a working village but as a cultural landscape that reflects Vietnam’s enduring maritime traditions.
How to get to Cai Beo Fishing Village
Cai Beo Fishing Village is located near the center of Cat Ba Town, making it accessible for visitors coming from both within the island and from the mainland.
Life in Cai Beo Fishing Village
From Hanoi & Other Cities to Cat Ba Island
The most common route to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi involves a combination of road and water transport. Several bus companies operate daily services that include a highway coach and a ferry transfer. The total trip usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and seasonal conditions.
Travelers from other regions such as Ha Giang, Sa Pa, or Ninh Binh can also reach Cat Ba Island via connecting sleeper buses or transfer services, many of which are organized by Cat Ba Local. Don’t forget to reach out to us for more information!
From Cat Ba Town to Cai Beo Fishing Village
After arriving in Cat Ba Town, travelers can reach Cai Beo Fishing Village by heading to Bến Bèo (Beo Port), located roughly 1 kilometer southeast of the town center. From the port, small local boats are available for hire. These boats, accommodating groups of 4–6 people, generally cost between 200,000 and 500,000 VND per group. The journey from the port to the fishing village takes about 5 minutes by boat.
Life in Cai Beo Fishing Village
Things to do in Cai Beo Fishing Village
In Lan Ha Bay, exploring caves, hiking in Cat Ba National Park, and overnight stays in floating homestays. For those interested in marine experiences, kayaking at sunset and observing bioluminescent plankton are also available in specific areas of the bay.
Cruise options range from full-day boat tours through Lan Ha Bay and parts of Ha Long Bay to multi-day packages that include accommodation on floating lodges. Some itineraries also combine trekking and water-based activities, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural environment.
Tourists experience the life on floating house
When planning a visit, travelers should consider factors such as time of year, weather conditions, and individual preferences regarding activity intensity. A typical itinerary may range from a single day of cruising to a 2-day, 1-night trip that includes both land and sea activities. Budget requirements vary depending on the level of comfort, duration, and whether the services are booked directly or through agencies.
- Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay Full Day Cruise and Kayak
- Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
- Perfect 2 Days 1 Night on Floating Homestay and Discover Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
Overall, Cat Ba Island supports a wide range of itineraries, from short day trips to extended stays focused on nature and adventure-based experiences. Cat Ba is not only a place of natural beauty but also a paradise for adventure lovers. From deep diving to jungle trekking, every activity offers a unique thrill and unforgettable memories. We hope this blog helps you plan your trip and make the most of your time on the island. Above all, don’t forget to contact Cat Ba Local to travel with local experts!
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Experience the Magic: Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
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Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
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Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
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In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
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