Discover Cai Beo Floating Village in Cat Ba: Vietnam’s Oldest Fishing Community

Located just 2 km southeast of Cat Ba Town, Cai Beo Floating Village, also known as Vung O, is a cultural and historical treasure in the Cat Ba Archipelago. Spanning 18,000 square meters, this ancient settlement is home to over 500 households who live on floating wooden houses supported by bamboo and plastic barrels. Dating back to the Neolithic era (7,000 years ago), Cai Beo is a significant archaeological site, with artifacts like granite tools, pottery shards, and fossilized bones revealing a lifestyle centered on fishing, clam farming, and oyster harvesting. Today, residents continue these traditions, raising mackerel, bass, and grouper in fish cages beneath their homes. The village’s serene setting, framed by limestone karsts and calm waters, makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Legend Travel Group’s tours ($25-$55 per person) offer immersive boat rides, cultural interactions, and stunning views, often paired with stops at Monkey Island or Viet Hai Village.

Cai Beo is more than a picturesque village; it’s a living museum of Vietnam’s maritime past. Discovered in 1938 by French archaeologist M. Colani, the village is considered a cradle of ancient Vietnamese culture, with ties to the Hoa Binh-Bac Son culture. Excavations from 1981 to 2007 uncovered 137 granite artifacts, 1,424 prehistoric pottery fragments, and 568 animal bones, confirming its role as a key settlement from the Neolithic to Bronze Age. Recognized as a national monument in 2009, Cai Beo reflects a 7,000-year evolution from hunting and gathering to fishing and aquaculture. Visitors can engage with locals to learn about their sustainable practices and cultural heritage, making it a highlight of any Cat Ba itinerary.

1. Scenic Boat Tour

Glide through Cai Beo’s tranquil waters on a traditional wooden boat, weaving past floating homes and limestone karsts. A 2-4 hour tour costs $8-$15 per person for a group boat or $35-$40 for a private motorboat (4-6 passengers). Legend Travel Group’s guided tours ($25-$55 per person) include a knowledgeable guide, cultural insights, and stops at fish farms. Sunset tours ($45-$55 per person) offer magical lighting for photography.

2. Visit Floating Fish Farms

Explore the ingenious fish cages beneath floating homes, where locals raise mackerel, red snapper, and grouper. Some families offer tours of their farms for $2-$5 per person, sharing insights into sustainable aquaculture. Legend Travel Group’s tours include fish farm visits, with opportunities to feed fish or learn about pearl farming.

3. Interact with Locals

Engage with Cai Beo’s warm residents to learn about their daily lives. Visit a floating home for $4-$6 (includes a small gift to the host family, typically 100,000 VND). Locals may share stories, offer tea, or demonstrate fishing techniques. Guided tours ensure respectful interactions and cultural understanding.

4. Taste Fresh Seafood

Savor local delicacies like crab noodles, grilled squid, or fish porridge at floating restaurants or markets. Meals cost $5-$15 per person, with fresh catches prepared on the spot. Legend Travel Group’s premium tours ($45-$55 per person) include a seafood lunch at a floating restaurant, featuring dishes like shrimp paste or jellyfish salad.

5. Photography and Sightseeing

Capture Cai Beo’s poetic scenery, with floating homes set against emerald waters and karsts. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer soft lighting and fewer crowds. Legend Travel Group’s photography-focused tours ($30-$50 per person) provide ample time for shooting and expert tips.

Cai Beo is easily accessible from Cat Ba Town, just 2 km away:

• By Taxi or Motorbike: A 10-minute ride to Ben Beo Harbor costs $2-$3 by taxi or $4-$6 for a motorbike rental (per day). From the harbor, take a 5-10 minute boat to Cai Beo ($4-$8 per person round-trip).

• By Guided Tour: Legend Travel Group’s tours ($25-$55 per person) include hotel pickup in Cat Ba Town, boat transfers from Ben Beo Harbor, and a guide. Private tours ($100-$150 per group) offer customizable itineraries.

• From Hanoi: Take a bus and ferry combo to Cat Ba (3.5-4 hours, $13-$18 one-way), then a taxi or motorbike to Ben Beo Harbor. Legend Travel Group’s packages ($80-$150 per person) cover round-trip transportation and Cai Beo visits.

• From Hai Phong: A ferry or speedboat from Binh Wharf to Cat Ba takes 45-60 minutes ($6-$10), followed by a taxi to Ben Beo Harbor.

Note: Kayaking directly from Ben Beo Harbor to Cai Beo is no longer permitted due to safety regulations. Opt for guided boat tours instead.

Ben Beo Harbor, 1 km from Cat Ba Town, is the main departure point for Cai Beo and other Lan Ha Bay attractions like Monkey Island. This bustling port is a vibrant hub where fishing boats, tourist vessels, and floating restaurants converge. While it can feel crowded, it’s an essential transit point for boat tours. Expect to pay $4-$8 per person for a round-trip boat ticket to Cai Beo or $35-$40 for a private motorboat. Legend Travel Group’s tours streamline the process, handling harbor logistics for a hassle-free experience.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April offers pleasant weather (15-25°C) and calm waters, ideal for boat tours. Avoid July to August due to storms and heavy rain, which can disrupt travel. February to April and September to November are less crowded.

• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and a waterproof camera bag. Carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) for small purchases, as cards are rarely accepted. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings.

• Cultural Respect: Ask permission before photographing residents or entering floating homes. Avoid littering to preserve the village’s pristine environment.

• Safety: Wear life vests on boats and follow guide instructions. Be cautious when walking on floating bridges or nets between houses.

• Combine with Other Attractions: Pair Cai Beo with Legend Travel Group’s tours to Monkey Island, Lan Ha Bay cruises, or Cat Ba National Park ($25-$60 per person) for a comprehensive Cat Ba experience.

Legend Travel Group, a trusted local tour operator, specializes in immersive Cat Ba experiences. Our Cai Beo Floating Village tours offer:

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable locals provide insights into Cai Beo’s history and culture.

• Seamless Logistics: Hotel pickup, boat transfers, and all permits included.

• Small Groups: 4-10 participants for personalized attention.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Commitment to sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.

• Flexible Packages: Day tours ($25-$55 per person), multi-day adventures ($80-$150 per person), or private tours ($100-$200 per group).

Contact us at +84 825862222 or info@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Cai Beo adventure today!

Cai Beo Floating Village, Cat Ba’s ancient maritime gem in Quang Ninh’s Cat Hai Ward, offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s 7,000-year-old fishing heritage, enchanting visitors with its stilt houses, bustling waterways, and serene bay views. From boat tours through the village to exploring archaeological sites, this eco-tourism haven blends history with sustainable practices like community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this cultural treasure, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with immersive, responsible adventures. Whether cruising the bay or savoring fresh seafood, Cai Beo promises an unforgettable Cat Ba journey. Don’t miss out—browse our exclusive tour packages and book your Cai Beo adventure with Legend Travel Group today!
Ready to explore the ancient charm of Cai Beo Floating Village? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Vietnam’s maritime heritage!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group