Cai Beo Fishing Village: The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Ancient Gem (2026)

Step back in time at Cai Beo Fishing Village, widely recognized by archaeologists as the most Ancient fishing village Vietnam. Nestled amidst the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay, the Cai Beo floating village offers a unique glimpse into a water-based lifestyle that has existed for millennia. It is not just a tourist attraction; it is a living museum of the sea.

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Introduction

While many tourists flock to Halong Bay, few realize that right next door lies a hidden gem with a history dating back 7,000 years. Archaeological excavations have shown that Cai Beo is the cradle of island culture in the Northeast of Vietnam. Located at the gateway to Lan Ha Bay, this village consists of hundreds of floating houses where families live, work, and raise fish in harmony with the tides. It is a place of peace, contrasting sharply with the hustle and bustle of the mainland towns.

Where is Cai Beo Fishing Village?

Cai Beo Fishing Village is located in the southern part of Cat Ba Island, conveniently close to the town center.

• Distance: It is only about 2km from Cat Ba Town center.
• How to get there from town:
  • Taxi: The fastest way. It costs about 50,000 VND per way.
  • Electric Cart: A popular and eco-friendly choice. The ticket is only 10,000 VND per person.
  • Walking: If you love trekking, a 20-30 minute walk offers scenic views of the island’s coastline.

Best Things To Do In Ancient fishing village Vietnam 

Visiting this floating village is not just about sightseeing; it is about immersing yourself in local life. Here are the top activities:1. Take a boat tour through the floating housesYou can hire a small local wooden boat (tender) to navigate through the village. Watching the fishermen weave their nets, feed the fish, and children playing on the floating decks is a photographer’s dream.2. KayakingThis is arguably the best experience. Paddling your own kayak allows you to weave silently through the narrow waterways between the raft houses. You can get up close to the floating structures without disturbing the peace of the residents.3. Visit a local fish farmUnderneath every floating house is a fish farm. You can ask to visit and see how locals raise giant Grouper (Cá Song) and Cobia (Cá Giò). You can even buy fresh seafood right at the farm for a delicious lunch.

How To Distinguish “Cai Beo” And “Ben Beo”?

First-time visitors often get confused between these two names. Here is the simple difference:

• Ben Beo (Beo Harbor): This is the concrete pier/harbor on land where you buy tickets and board the boats.
• Cai Beo (The Village): This is the floating village located on the water, immediately visible once your boat leaves Ben Beo Harbor.

How to get to Cai Beo Fishing Village?

Once you arrive at Ben Beo Harbor, you cannot walk to the village because it is floating on the sea. You have two main options:

Option 1: Rent a small tender

You can hire a small local boat just to go around the village for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This is suitable if you only have a short time.

Option 2: Join a Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Boat Tour (Best Value)

Since Cai Beo is the gateway to the archipelago, the smartest way to explore it is to combine the village visit with a deeper expedition.We highly recommend our signature Lan Ha Bay 1-Day Boat Tour. Unlike standard transfers, this tour starts with a slow, scenic cruise through the Cai Beo Floating Village, giving you the perfect vantage point from the sundeck to capture the ancient floating life. Afterwards, the boat takes you further to the pristine “No-Cave” route for kayaking and swimming in hidden lagoons.

Conclusion

Cai Beo Fishing Village is a testament to the resilience and beauty of Vietnamese maritime culture. Whether you choose to kayak through its silent waters or admire it from the deck of a cruise ship, it remains an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Cat Ba Island.