Wherever you roam across this sinuously shaped terrain, the truest essence of Vietnam lies nestled within the aged, time-honored villages. Vung Vieng Fishing Village Halong Bay, distinct yet echoing authenticity, stands as a testament to this legacy. So what else is there to do but to embark on an adventure and unveil the marvels of Halong Bay within this captivating haven.
1. Where is Vung Vieng Village?
Vung Vieng fishing village floating on Bai Tu Long Bay, about 20 km on the north-east of Tuan Chau harbor. This place became the residence for 30 families and about 300 fishermen through many generations. Before the blooming of tourism in Vietnam, the life of the people here can hardly be called easy. Drinking water and food had to be brought in from the mainland and the diet consisted mainly of fish and seafood. After international tourists discovered Vietnam, the living quality of the people, though still having much difficulty, had been improved quite a lot.
As contradicting as it sounds, the brightest smile and the most joyous laughter often come from hardship, carrying their hope and dream. And here, in this floating village, you can find it all. The laughter of the children, the heave-ho of the fisherman in the morning, the sound of people cooking and singing give this place a lively atmosphere. Deemed the most beautiful fishing village in the world, perhaps not because of the surrounding majestic mountains or the buildings and houses, but rather because it is the people that hold its true beauty.
2. The history behind Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
Came into existence ever since the 19 century, this village is the result of the gathering of fishing boats and rafts to trade goods and sell merchandise. The name “Vung Vieng” simply represents the sound made by the sea winds toying with the cooking utensils. A simple naming yet deep rooted in the very own culture of the Vietnamese: to simplify and to make it relatable. In 2012, due to the growing concern for the livelihood of the residents, the government encouraged them to relocate back to the mainland. However, by growing up and spending their life on the water, it is by no means easy to give up the nostalgic love of the sea. Thus the village still stands, for the heart of the people still beats, yearning for a life, not that of comfort but rather sticking to the sea. Maybe that is all they know, or maybe it is their fear of things they don’t know. Either way, it is love and that is all that matters.
3. Some activities for you to enjoy in Vung Vieng floating fishing village.
The village is unique, sure, but modest at best. However, don’t take them for savage or boredom. Believe me, there is much more than meets the eyes.
a. Take in the unfussiness of nature.
Isolated from the majority of Halong Bay’s destinations, Vung Vieng offers that of true tranquility. Looking for an escape? Vung Vieng can surely give it to you. Surround yourself with tall, green mountains from all four sides, here you can find true silence like nowhere else. The silence of your mind from all worries and doubts, thus replaced by the sound of the life of the locals. The put-put of the boats’s engines, the laughter of children, the clanking of the metals, the bargaining coming from the ports. All so chaotic, yet harmonize into the orchestra of life.
Visiting this place is much the same as taking a class of meditation on a spiritual level. It is peace, it is freedom, yet the view is nothing short of breath-taking. Perhaps it is the connection with nature or the sense of insignificance of a human life in the face of eternity that leaves you at ease. Take your chance and see it for yourselves. Believe me, it is worth your time.
b. Live like a fisherman.
No big boat, no giant fishing net, the life of a fisherman here is much more interesting than what you have in mind. Using bamboo boats that have not changed for thousands of years, or the more recent creation: the basket boat, the harvesters go out into the vast water fishing, not only for selling but for their dinner as well. So don’t hesitate to tag along, into a world where tranquility meets expertise, where harmony with nature is an art mastered through generations. So here, amidst the demonstrations of time-honored techniques and net weaving, you witness the genuine essence of their craft. No flowery words or haute-cuisine jargon; just the simplicity that elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Their tales, their stories, their belief and their dreams are something the fisherman are all eager to share. Through which you can easily see their love for the absurdity of a village. It is their pride, their honor and maybe somewhere in there is the madness that all the Vietnamese share. So spend a day with them on their boats, talking, drinking, and eating. You will have an oddity of a friendship before you even know it.
c. Stay the night.
If you have been hooked by the lifestyle and the scenery, don’t be afraid to ask the locals to spend a night on a floating household. It is quite out of the ordinary to sleep on the waves. But for once, why not try it out. By night, as the sun has set and the darkness wraps around you like a blanket, you will see that the liveliness is yet to end. On the horizon are the lights from the night fishing boats and surrounding you are the dim lights of the families. But the most magnificent light, I would confidently say, is the moon and stars. Far away from the big cities and the skyscrapers, the bay is luminated by only that of the extraterrestrial lumbs of dirt. Here on the clear nights, you can see the milky way with your naked eyes. Aside from the extraordinary scenery, the everyday life of the people is no less captivating. It is time well spent staying for the true Vietnamese family experience.
4. How to get to Vung Vieng Village?
The point of adventuring is to obtain new experiences. So while kayaking and speed boating is technically a choice, it is still such a disgrace. So a basket boat or bamboo boat with a local is the way to go. As you come to Vietnam, it is not to visit fast and do things your way. If so then what is the point? It is to relax, to take in the majestic nature and to see and learn the alternative of what you are so familiar with. As the Vietnamese like to say: “Nhập gia tùy tục”. When you are here, live like the locals. It won’t drain your wallet more than a few cups of cappuccino.
Thread through the “gate” like no other, from the cramp cave open the imposing nature surrounding what seemingly a humble cluster of houses. Vung Vieng Floating Village, as suggested by the name should give you enough to know about its seemingly impossible characteristic. It floats. So no bike, no car and no cruise for you. But no worry, hopping from one house to another is surely an exercise.
5. Notes for your voyage to Vung Vieng village.
Ever since the explosion of the internet, the act of venturing into the unknown is nothing more than a niche hobby. Despite that, there are things you simply must know so as to ensure a wonderful and mindful voyage.
Be fearless: Arriving in Vietnam, you simply have no choice but to be adventurous since you have already far out of your comfort zone. Eating strange food and living in places way out of your normality will surely affect your health in some way. Stocking up on antibiotics is a fantastic backup. But it only takes you one week for your guts to get used to the new environment so no need to be too worried. On the same note, don’t chicken out of the activities with the locals. Not only can it be the experience of your life, it is a chance to make some life long friends that you may not know you need.
Be careful: However, do know the difference between fearless and reckless. This country is beautiful and friendly, but by no means is it perfect. So while having a memorable stay, keep in mind that you only die once.
Be friendly: While most of the world knows about Vietnam through the infamous wars, the Vietnamese however, are much more friendly than you can imagine. So I can only ask you to be nice and courteous toward others, not only to the locals but also to the fellow travelers.
Be aware: Do take your travel guide with a grain of salt. Things might be a little bit different from what you have heard or read. Keep in mind that Vietnam is much more different and chaotic than most other countries. Not only that, be mindful of your impact on the environment and culture of the locals. While it is easy to not leave any garbage behind, it is easier said than done with cultural impact. So try your best to keep it authentic and lively for the next generation to experience its beauty.
With all that said and done, there is no word in any language in the world that can describe the marvelous beauty of this tiny floating village and the hospitality of the people living in it. No doubt an adventure here will quench your hunger for authenticity. So I can only hope for you to experience the pleasantry of Vung Vieng Floating Village and Vietnam in its entirety.
Here's a breakdown of potential expenses during your visit to Vung Vieng:
Kayak rental: 50,000VNĐ per hour
Bamboo boat rental: 50,000VNĐ per hour
Traditional dragon boat rental: 100,000VNĐ per hour
Accommodation options include staying on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay or choosing to spend the night in the village with locals. While staying with the locals is free, it's customary to show appreciation by offering a tip to your host.
As said by Sir Anthony Bourdain: “Vietnam: It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.”. If an authentic and rustic trip to Vung Vieng Fishing Village Vietnam is what you are after, feel free to
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