The old fishing town of Viet Hai, located on a small piece of land surrounded by water on Cat Ba Island, is a lyrical destination that travelers should not miss.

Let’s discover more about this town from Fola Travel in the article below!

Overview of Viet Hai Village

Unlike other fishing villages outside Lan Ha Bay, such as Vung Vieng or Cai Beo, Viet Hai fishing village is located deep in the core area of Cat Ba National Park. This exceptional location gives the village a unique charm, combining the rippling blue sea, tall limestone mountains surrounding golden fields, and green forests rustling like singing music.

Viet Hai road looking out to the sea. — The sea-view road of Viet Hai Village.

History of Viet Hai Village

Viet Hai village has a rather fascinating history of origin and development.

Some caves in the village, such as Ang Giua Cave and Tien Duc Cave, still preserve traces of ancient Vietnamese people living there, such as thick layers of scallops concealed within the limestone.

The modern Viet Hai Village was established around 100 years ago. Legend has it that a group of fishermen, while avoiding a storm in the bay, discovered the Viet Hai area deep inland, extremely peaceful and full of fresh water. From there, they decided to settle down and created today’s Viet Hai Village.

With its poetic countryside scenery and unique historical and cultural values, Viet Hai Village has become a potential tourist destination in recent years.

Location & How to get to Viet Hai Village

As mentioned above, Viet Hai village is located in the core area of Cat Ba National Park, about 10 kilometers from Cat Ba town center, and is the only locality on the island without a direct road. To reach Viet Hai Village, visitors who love to exercise can choose to travel through Cat Ba National Park or rent a cruise to Lan Ha Bay to reach Viet Hai Wharf.

The harbor of Viet Hai. — Viet Hai harbor.

The Ambassador Cruise, Aqua of the Seas Cruise, Peony Cruise, Mon Chéri Cruise, and Serenity Explorer Day Cruise are among the cruises that have received positive reviews for visiting Viet Hai Village.

These cruises provide exquisite accommodations and attentive service while immersing you in the breathtaking natural splendor of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. In addition to touring the Viet Hai Village, guests may visit picturesque islands and caves beyond the bay, as well as indulge in thrilling sports like kayaking, mountain climbing, and fishing.

See more: Best Halong Bay Cruises 2025.

Best Time to Visit Viet Hai Village

The best time to visit Viet Hai village is in February or March when the village enters Spring. The weather is great right now, and the trees and flowers are flourishing, providing a vibrant natural landscape.

In addition, visiting Viet Hai village in June during the summer is equally ideal. The weather during this time is bright and dry, suitable for outdoor activities. At the same time, June is the harvest season, so you can enjoy the picturesque view of Viet Hai Village surrounded by golden rice fields.

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Sightseeing around Viet Hai Village

Visitors to Viet Hai Village can rent bicycles to explore the surrounding environment. Imagine pedaling leisurely through the green fields, beneath the mountains, in the cold air of the highlands and forests; you’ll feel wonderfully comfortable and peaceful.

Guests cycling on the road through Viet Hai Village.

In addition to cycling, energetic guests can trek around Viet Hai Village and further into Cat Ba National Park to see nature. Visitors with mobility issues, on the other hand, may explore the hamlet by renting an electric automobile.

Trekking through the forest in Viet Hai Village.

Visiting ancient houses

Viet Hai Village features various beautiful ancient houses imbued with the village’s history. Here, you can hear interesting stories from the locals, especially about the naval hills in Viet Hai Village during the war.

Furniture inside an ancient house in Viet Hai Village. — Inside an ancient house in Viet Hai Village.

Fish Massage

This is a fun and exciting activity that you definitely should try! Some places in Viet Hai Village have clear streams full of fish, where you can soak your feet and let the fish gently nibble your feet, hence the name “fish massage.”

Experience the life of fishermen

Visitors can rent a boat to visit the farming area in Viet Hai Fishing Village. Fishermen will show you how to raise and harvest fish and shrimp here!

Transform into a local farmer

You can join the local farmers on the rice fields by sowing rice seedlings and transplanting rice. These rustic activities help you clearly experience the tiredness of daily living in the region while also appreciating human labor.

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is a large biosphere reserve in Vietnam with stunning natural beauty and a rich flora and fauna system. This place is ideal for tourists who love to explore nature.

Trung Trang Cave

This is the largest limestone cave on Cat Ba Island, where traces of ancient Vietnamese people living 6000 years ago were found.

Quan Y Cave

Once used as a field hospital during the Vietnam wars, Quan Y Cave still retains its attractive and majestic natural beauty.

Ba Trai Dao Beach

This pristine beach stands out with its poetic beauty, especially with the clear blue water winding around three large limestone islands, looking from afar like three stone peaches (peaches means “trai dao” in Vietnamese) in the middle of Lan Ha Bay.

Many islands on the left with a rim of sandy shore forming a beach, with a few people kayaking to it. — Ba Trai Dao Beach.

Cai Beo Fishing Village

This is one of the largest ancient fishing villages in Vietnam, dating back to prehistoric times. Currently, it is home to more than 500 households with cage fish farms in the bay.