Van Gia Fishing Village
VAN GIA – CUA VAN FISHING VILLAGE AND TOURS
The largest fishing village in Halong Bay situated at Hung Thang Commune, Halong City, lies in a calm bay surrounded by karst limestone mountains and islets. With approximate 180 households living mainly by fishing, Cua Van floating village has a population of 733 and they all live on floating houses.
Having been voted as the most 15 beautiful ancient villages in the world by the website Journeyetc.com, this floating village earns a lot of respect from visitors all over the world because of their sense of responsibility when it comes to keeping their surroundings clean. Every day, locals roam around the village by boat to collect garbage and floating waste along the waters to reduce the risk of water pollution that could potentially harm their families and the rest of the community.
The location of Cua Van
Cua Van is located in the south of Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, 19 km south-east of Tuan Chau Marina.
Traveller reviews
An authentic fishing village
A floating village is something I’ve never seen before. Each small boat is the people’ house as well as their workplace. Having a chance to visit this place makes me realize how hard it is for people here to make ends meet.
Tommy Eaton – UK
An interesting journey
Situated in a remote area of Halong Bay, Cua Van Floating Village suprised me by how a whole family can live on such small boats. Despite the hardship of life, people here seem happy and satisfied with what they have. Really inspring!
Lamar Vincent – Australia
Getting to know the locals
I shared a boat with a few other tourists to get to the Cua Van Floating Village. The woman guide spoke excellent English and told us a lot about the history of the village as it is today and it was thousands of years ago. Getting a deeper understanding of this specific way of living makes ma feel much closer to the Vietnamese culture.
Dane Stevens – US
Right time to visit
Cua Van Village is a destination of year-round attraction. The first peak season runs from June to July, most of travellers are Vietnamese and Asian. The second peak season runs from December to February, with most travellers come from Europe, America and other countries in frigid and temperate zone. And then, the first off-peak season is from April to May and the second is from August to October. If you are considering to visit this village during the second peak season, you should note that prices are generally higher and availability may be an issue, hence it is better to book your excursion early to secure the best price and avoid disappointment.
The busiest times are Tết (Vietnamese New Year in Jan/Feb, dates vary), 30th April (Reunification Day), 1st May (International Workers’ Day) and Christmas Day. Independence Day is on September 2nd and it is a national public holiday, so you may experience a red bay with many Vietnam flags on the way to Cua Van. Since Halong Carnaval is an annual event organised for travellers, this street festival takes place at the end of April or/and start of May in Ha Long City.
Opening hours:
Summer: 8h00 – 17h00 | Winter: 8h30 – 16h30
| Travel time | Popularity | Hight/Low (Celsius) | Sunshine hours | Humidity |
| January | ⛴⛴⛴ | 20° / 15° | 8 | 60% |
| February | ⛴⛴⛴ | 21° / 15° | 9 | 70% |
| March | ⛴⛴ | 25° / 18° | 9 | 80% |
| April | ⛴ | 30° / 22° | 10 | 70% |
| May | ⛴ | 32° / 24° | 10 | 70% |
| June | ⛴⛴⛴ | 34° / 26° | 12 | 60% |
| July | ⛴⛴⛴ | 34° / 26° | 12 | 60% |
| August | ⛴ | 32° / 24° | 10 | 80% |
| September | ⛴ | 30° / 22° | 10 | 70% |
| October | ⛴ | 27° / 20° | 9 | 70% |
| November | ⛴⛴ | 25° / 18° | 8 | 60% |
| December | ⛴⛴⛴ | 21° / 15° | 8 | 60% |
How to visit Cua Van
Excursion to Cua Van is available in most of Halong Bay tours, both day trip and overnight boat tour. It is time to check out the first-rate recommendations for overnight cruises and cruise tours, select the best one for your vacation and fully enjoy amazing Halong Bay as well as this peaceful village.
For the those travellers who are limited of time, a day cruise still can give visitors a delightful experience. Options include a half day and full day cruise, and the Paradise Explorer would be an excellent choice.
The entrance and sightseeing fee for Cua Van Village (VND 30,000 / person) that includes in all cruises and tours of Paradise Cruises.
Nearby attractions
