Cua Van Floating Village: a peaceful spot to unwind and relax in Ha Long

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Nestled in Ha Long Bay, Cua Van floating village is a charming oasis of maritime culture (Source: Collected)

Cua Van floating village is a small oasis nestled within the grandeur of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh, North Vietnam. Here, discover the distinct marine culture, together with the sweet sounds of springtime, the sight of local fishermen gathering seafood, and the elegant, ancient charm of the floating village amidst the scenic landscape. You will undoubtedly have a unique Vietnam travel experience when you come to Cua Van floating village.

1. An overview of Cua Van Floating Village Vietnam

Cua Van floating village, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, has gained international acclaim. Recognized as one of the 16 most beautiful coastal towns by Travel+Leisure, this unique village is a collection of floating homes where about 700 residents, mainly traditional fishermen, live on anchored houseboats.

Cua Van floating village Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination (Source: Collected)

The village’s exceptional charm lies in its small houses, approximately 30 square meters each, where fishermen reside. Vibrant colors and a distinct architectural style make this place particularly attractive to visitors. With its distance from the town center, this Vietnamese floating village retains a pristine and tranquil atmosphere, offering refreshing, clean air.

Cua Van floating village comes alive in the evening as residents return home after a day of dedicated work. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional songs and cheers echoing through the peaceful space, admiring the sunset and breathing in the fresh air. This serene destination promises a relaxing and soul-soothing experience for travelers.

>>> Discover more: Vietnamese villages: 15 must-visit villages in the North, Central and South

2. How to get to Cua Van Floating Village?

Cua Van floating village is approximately a 2-hour drive from Hanoi. Travelers can opt for personal transportation or take a coach, with an average cost of around 520,000 VND per person for a round trip.

From the center of Ha Long City to Tuan Chau, the distance is approximately 13-16 kilometers (depending on the route). To reach Cua Van floating village from Tuan Chau, take bus number 2, a taxi for around 100,000 VND, or a motorbike taxi for about 50,000 VND. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike for easier exploration.

Cua Van floating village offers a unique glimpse into Vietnamese coastal life (Source: Collected)

To fully explore Cua Van floating village, consider the following means of transportation:

• Boat: Travelers in larger groups may choose to take a boat, accommodating 30 to 50 people.
• Canoe: Canoes offer a quicker mode of transportation, saving travel time by about half compared to boats.
• Cruise: Cruises offer a luxurious experience with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star cruises, including dining and accommodation with scenic views.

>>> Check out: North Vietnam itinerary: TOP places & tips for a memorable journey

3. Things to do on your trip to Cua Van Floating Village

3.1. Learn about the local life

Cua Van floating village well preserves the traditional cultural values of the people in the coastal areas of Ha Long. When visiting Cua Van, travelers not only immerse themselves in a serene, charming, and mysterious atmosphere amidst the picturesque natural landscapes but also witness graceful traditional songs and engage in the daily activities of the local residents.

Visitors can witness local fishermen at work in Cua Van floating village (Source: Collected)

Additionally, the village hosts the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, a hub for cultural activities that facilitates interactions between tourists and fishermen. Here, you can learn about and admire historical artifacts from the region and watch documentaries that authentically portray the challenging lives of the local people throughout history.

3.2. Experience fantastic activities

Although Cua Van is a small fishing village, there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, including sightseeing, swimming, and kayaking. Other exciting activities include experiencing the life of a fisherman, night squid fishing, visiting the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, listening to traditional fishermen’s songs, and enjoying rowing songs. All of these activities come at reasonably affordable prices.

The simplicity and grace of Cua Van floating village make it a must-visit destination in North Vietnam (Source: Collected)

In the evening, Cua Van comes alive, and this is the most vibrant time. It’s when locals return to their homes after a hard day’s work. During this time, you can paddle a boat and wander through the fishing village, witnessing the daily life of the residents.

3.3. Enjoy local delicacies from seafood

Among other Vietnamese floating villages, Cua Van floating village is renowned for its delicious and fresh seafood, prepared simply but bursting with flavors. Prominent seafood dishes here include shrimp, squid, and crab. These dishes can be prepared in various enticing ways or enjoyed raw, depending on the preferences of the tourists, and the prices are quite reasonable.

Cua Van floating village has different mouthwatering seafood dishes (Source: Collected)

3.4. Visit nearby famous attractions

• Vung Vieng Fishing Village: This village has been around since the early 19th century, relying on fishing as its main livelihood. Visitors to Vung Vieng can experience traditional cultural activities, admire beautiful scenery, and immerse themselves in the lives of the fishermen. 

Vung Vieng fishing village is another charming village in Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

• Thien Cung Cave: This beautiful cave covers an area of over 10,000 square meters. Inside the cave, there is a phosphorescent layer that emits a magical light with impressive colors. The cave also has an entrance connected to the sky. When the sun is high, the radiant light streaming inside makes the scene incredibly dazzling.

Thien Cung Cave has a magical beauty (Source: Collected)

• Kim Quy Cave: Stepping into the entrance of Kim Quy Cave, you can marvel at the beauty of the shimmering stalactites that have been formed over hundreds of years. Natural light from outside, combined with artificial lights of various colors, creates an enchanting and sparkling scene inside the cave.

Centuries-old formations create a surreal landscape in Kim Quy Cave (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore different things to do in Ha Long Bay through this detailed list

4. When is the best time to visit Cua Van Floating Village?

The best time to visit Cua Van floating village is from April to June when the weather is pleasant, with sunny skies that are not too hot, making it ideal for immersing yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the sea.

Pre-summer is the ideal time to visit Cua Van floating village (Source: Collected)

>>> Find out more: Vietnam weather by month: A must-have on your pre-travel checklist

5. Extra tips for your trip to Cua Van Floating Village

When visiting Cua Van floating village Vietnam, it’s essential to note the following:

• Prepare personal items and essentials for your trip, such as hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, etc.
• If you are prone to seasickness, be sure to bring motion sickness medication.
• During peak seasons like summer, it’s advisable to plan and book accommodations in advance to avoid room shortages.

During your visit to Ha Long, it is recommended to stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Nestled in the heart of this enchanting bay, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long promises an extraordinary experience with its world-class amenities and services.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Ha Long Bay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long for a comfortable stay in this UNESCO Heritage Site

Apart from the wonders of Ha Long Bay, consider extending your journey to other captivating destinations in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. These are all the top cities in Vietnam, with unique cultures, beautiful landscapes, and delectable cuisine.

To enhance your travel experience, indulge in the fun and thrills at VinWonders, Vietnam’s top system of entertainment complexes. Each VinWonders location boasts a unique blend of exhilarating rides, awe-inspiring aquariums, vibrant cultural performances, and so much more. Located across Vietnam, visitors can choose to visit VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, or VinWonders Phu Quoc.

VinWonders offers a world of entertainment for all ages

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for an extraordinary experience in Vietnam

Cua Van floating village invites you to experience the essence of Vietnamese coastal life amidst the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay. From cultural immersion to delectable seafood and exciting activities, this floating village promises an unforgettable journey. Plan your trip and unlock the magic of Cua Van!