Discover the 7000-year-old Cai Beo fishing village - A journey back to the roots

1. Introduction to Cai Beo fishing village

Introduction to Cai Beo fishing village (Photo: collected)

1.1. Geographical location and the poetic story of its name

Cai Beo fishing village is nestled in Lan Ha Bay, southeast of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong city. Majestic limestone mountain ranges embrace the small village, creating a picturesque scene that amazes anyone upon first arrival.

The name "Cai Beo" carries a poetic story. Locals say that on rainy days, lush green duckweed mats often drift into this bay, creating a vast green carpet on the water's surface.

From that beautiful image, the name Cai Beo was born and has been associated with the lives of the fishing community through generations.

1.2. A 7000-year journey through the lens of archaeology

Cai Beo fishing village is not only beautiful in appearance but also holds great historical value. In 1938, French archaeologist Madeleine Colani made the first discoveries of pottery shards, stone tools, and animal bones here.

By 1986, Vietnamese archaeologists continued excavations and confirmed this is one of the oldest fishing villages in Southeast Asia, dating back 7000 years.

What's special is that the people here still maintain their traditional way of life for thousands of years. The profession of fishing and seafood catching is not just a means of livelihood but also a resilient maritime cultural identity passed down from generation to generation.

2. What makes Cai Beo fishing village unique

2.1. Floating house architecture

Traditional floating house architecture of fishermen (Photo: collected)

The first thing that amazes visitors when they arrive at Cai Beo fishing village is the more than 500 floating houses skillfully built on the water. Each house has an area of 15-30m², crafted from wood and bamboo with roofs covered by corrugated iron or fiber cement.

These houses are designed in the "stilt house on the water" style with a floating system made from plastic barrels or special waterproof wood. Interestingly, the houses are connected by small bridges, forming a cohesive community on the sea.

Many families even have small, charming "floating vegetable gardens" to grow herbs and leafy vegetables, making you marvel at human creativity.

2.2. Colorful livelihood

Every morning in Cai Beo fishing village is a vivid picture. The sounds of people preparing fishing gear, the water lapping the shore, and the sight of small boats drifting on the waves create a unique rhythm of life found nowhere else.

The locals here use many traditional fishing methods such as seine nets, handlines, bottom nets, and fish traps. Additionally, they have strongly developed aquaculture in floating rafts with high-value seafood such as groupers, cobia, and lobsters.

Notably, pearl oysters - a famous specialty of the Cat Ba sea area - are cultivated using scientific methods, forming an interesting miniature ecosystem.

The processing and preservation of seafood by the locals also have their own unique characteristics with traditional techniques of drying, salting, and smoking.

3. Memorable tourist experiences at Cai Beo fishing village

3.1. Exploring the fishing village by Kayak

The best way to fully appreciate the beauty of Cai Beo fishing village is by boat or kayak. You can rent a small boat for 150,000 - 200,000 VND/hour or kayak for 100,000 - 200,000 VND/hour to explore freely.

Explore the fishing village by boat and kayak (Photo: collected)

On this journey, you will witness authentic everyday moments: children playing on small wooden bridges, women drying fish, men repairing nets and fishing gear. A rare sense of peace will fill your soul as you navigate through rows of floating houses.

A must-see highlight is the "Cong Lang" (Village Gate) area - where the most floating houses are concentrated with unique architecture, and the "Vuon Be" (Raft Garden) - where locals farm seafood on a large scale.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture beautiful moments from a unique perspective on the water.

Immerse yourself in the fishermen's life

The "Mot Ngay Lam Ngu Dan" (One Day as a Fisherman) experience, priced at 350,000 - 500,000 VND/person, will bring you unforgettable emotions. You will go out to sea on a small fishing boat, learn how to cast nets, pull nets, and feel the joy of harvesting seafood with your own hands.

The night squid fishing activity from April to September is a special experience not to be missed. With flickering lights on the boat, you will be guided in traditional squid fishing techniques and feel the joy of catching fresh squid with your own hands.

Discover, participate in activities with local fishermen (Photo: collection)

Some fishermen also offer classes on weaving nets and making traditional fishing gear, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the fishing trade. This is not only an interesting experience but also a great way to interact and learn about the unique island and sea culture.

3.3. Culinary Journey on the Open Sea

Enjoying fresh seafood right at the floating restaurants in the middle of the sea is the highlight of the journey to explore Cai Beo fishing village. Signature dishes such as steamed grouper, grilled lobster, clams steamed with lemongrass, and crab stir-fried with tamarind are all prepared from seafood caught daily.

Hung Vuong floating restaurant and Minh Hai floating raft are two highly rated establishments for quality and price. A full seafood meal for 2-4 people costs VND 500,000 - 1,000,000.

The special thing is that you can personally select live seafood from the cages and request it to be prepared according to your own taste. The feeling of sitting on a raft, looking out at the turquoise bay, and enjoying fresh, delicious seafood is the most unforgettable culinary experience in Cat Ba.

4. Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Trip

When is the ideal time to visit Cai Beo fishing village (Photo: collected)

4.1. The most ideal time from April to October

The most ideal time to explore Cai Beo fishing village is from April to October. This is a period with stable weather, many sunny days, temperatures ranging from 25-32°C, very convenient for outdoor activities.

From May to August, you will witness many vibrant traditional activities such as the fish-worshipping festival, boat races, and special cultural performances by the local people.

September and October are considered the "golden time" with ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking around the fishing village.

4.2. Notes for a complete trip

Cai Beo fishing village has a unique beauty in each season. The chilly days at the beginning of the year or a passing summer shower only add to the poetic scenery. Preparing a light jacket and a small umbrella will make your journey more complete.

When visiting, please respect the privacy of the local people. Do not take photos of their living spaces without permission and avoid making noise, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Be a responsible tourist by not littering and limiting the use of single-use plastics to help preserve the pristine beauty of Cai Beo fishing village.

5. Detailed instructions on how to get to Cai Beo fishing village

Moving to Cai Beo fishing village (Photo: Collected)

5.1. From Hanoi or Hai Phong to Cat Ba

To get to Cat Ba Island, you have many transportation options suitable for your needs and budget:

Sleeper bus or all-inclusive limousine:

• Reputable bus companies: Good Morning Cat Ba, Cat Ba Express, Interbus Lines

• Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours from Hanoi

• Ticket price: 300,000 – 500,000 VND/way

• Advantages: Convenient, all-inclusive package includes pick-up, ferry ticket, and shuttle bus

Self-driving car or motorbike:

• Route: Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway → Got ferry terminal → Cai Vieng terminal

• Duration: 4 – 5 hours (depending on ferry waiting time)

• Advantages: Flexible timing, easy to explore

Cat Hai – Phu Long Cable Car:

• Travel time: 10 minutes crossing the sea

• Advantages: Fast, no need to wait for the ferry, enjoy panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay from above

Train and ferry:

• Hanoi – Hai Phong train: 2.5 hours

• Superdong high-speed ferry (Ben Binh - Cat Ba): 45 minutes

• Large ferry (Ben Got - Cai Vieng): 30 minutes + 20km by road

5.2. From Cat Ba Town to Cai Beo Fishing Village

Land transportation options:

• Motorbike: 100,000-150,000 VND/day, travel 3km to the south

• Electric car: 40,000-50,000 VND/person/trip

• Taxi: 70,000-100,000 VND/trip, 10 minutes duration

Water transportation from Cai Beo port:

• Traditional wooden boat: 150,000-200,000 VND/hour or 400,000-500,000 VND/3-hour tour

• Kayak: 100,000 VND/hour/kayak or 250,000 VND/half-day

• Speed boat: 700,000-900,000 VND/hour for groups of 4-6 people

Important note: Clearly agree on the price and duration before renting a boat, always wear a life jacket for safety.

6. Suggested Cai Beo Fishing Village tour options for every need

Depending on your time and budget, you can choose a suitable tour:

Half-day tour (3-4 hours):

• Price: 250,000-350,000 VND/person

• Includes: Boat, guide, drinking water

• Suitable for: Basic exploration of the fishing village and surrounding bay

Full-day package tour (7-8 hours):

• Price: 400,000-600,000 VND/person

• Includes: Boat, guide, seafood lunch, entrance tickets

• Destinations: Cai Beo Fishing Village , Quan Y Cave, Dao Khi (Monkey Island), beautiful beach

Special experience tour:

• Price: 800,000-1,500,000 VND/person

• Activities: Fishing with local fishermen, learning cooking, overnight stay in a floating house

• Suitable for: Tourists who want a deep experience of fishing village culture

Private tour:

• Price: 1,000,000-3,000,000 VND/group (2-6 people)

• Advantages: Flexible itinerary, personalized service

Special experience: If visiting Cat Ba in the summer, don't miss the jetski show " Ban Giao Huong Dao Xanh" at Green Island Central Bay City - a water sports performance combining sound, light, and modern technology.

Cai Beo Fishing Village is not just a tourist destination but also a journey back to the roots, where you can feel the pulse of 7000 years of history and unique maritime culture.

Save these tips and plan your trip to explore Cai Beo Fishing Village - a place where time seems to stand still amidst the sea, offering you unforgettable experiences and a rare sense of peace in modern life.