Viet Hai Village best reviews – Explore to the fullest 2025

When visiting Lan Ha Bay, travelers often choose Viet Hai Village as a place to relax and immerse themselves in nature. So, what makes Viet Hai Village Cat Ba special? Let’s explore it with Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours in the article below.

1. Where is Viet Hai Village located?

Location: Part of Lan Ha Bay, nestled deep within Cat Ba National Park, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City.
Number of Households: About 70 – 80 households.
Area: About 15,000m².

Located approximately 18 km from Cat Ba island, Viet Hai ancient village is located deep in Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by majestic mountains and forests and the vast ocean, with a rare wild and peaceful beauty. Separated from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this place retains a fresh atmosphere, no dust, no noisy car horns – an ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

Viet Hai Village is surrounded by lush green rice fields and abundant fruit orchards. Walking along the village paths, you’ll encounter humble houses, characteristic of the ancient Northern Delta region, often with thatched roofs, earthen, or wooden walls.

Location of Viet Hai Village

2. The culture & local life of Viet Hai Village

Just a few years ago, Viet Hai Village was nearly isolated from the outside world due to the remote location. There are more than 80 houses that are simply made of wood, leaves, bamboo, and soil. Just like their ancestors, the villagers make a living by fishing, farming, and breeding.

Despite being one of the poorest communes in Cat Ba, Viet Hai Village is still a land of joy and happiness. People here seem satisfied with their lives which are poor in material wealth but rich in gratitude.

The villagers are friendly, hospitable, and sincere. This ancient village has almost no social crimes, so it might be surprising to tourists that all houses in the village leave the doors open through the night and day, even when owners are away for days.

The culture & local life of Viet Hai Village

3. Things to do in Viet Hai Village Vietnam

Below are some notable activities in Viet Hai Village that will help you create even more memorable experiences.

3.1. Cycling in Viet Hai Village

Let yourself drift on a bicycle, gliding along tree-lined village roads, weaving through the rustic scenery. On both sides, lush green rice paddies intermingle with ancient houses hidden behind bamboo groves. The air here is fresh, carrying the faint scent of young rice, making your soul feel cleansed, shedding all worries.

You’ll pass by small gardens, admiring simple yet cozy homes. Each turn of the wheel offers an opportunity to relax your mind, enjoying the simple yet profound beauty of the countryside, a beauty that is unpretentious yet utterly captivating.

Viet Hai Village cycling

3.2. Relaxing in Ba Trai Dao Beach

Ba Trai Dao Beach appears with its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters. You can immerse yourself in the cool water, feeling the freshness spread throughout your body. Or simply relax, lying on the white sand, basking in the golden sunlight, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and enjoying a peaceful moment amidst majestic nature.

This is also an ideal spot for kayaking, allowing you to explore the pristine, hidden corners of the bay. You’ll feel the coolness of the water and the grandeur of the limestone mountains from many different perspectives.

Relaxing in Ba Trai Dao Beach

3.3. Fishing in Viet Hai Village

Fishing activities take place in the calm, clear waters near the village, surrounded by lush green trees and majestic limestone mountains, creating an incredibly peaceful and serene setting. Here, you’ll find many small fish of various colors.

Casting your line and patiently waiting for a bite brings a sense of relaxation and calm, a rare moment of tranquility amidst wild nature. This activity connects you with the rustic life of the local people, helping you understand more about the culture and daily routines here.

3.4. Enjoy Gulf cuisine

Upon arriving at Viet Hai Village, you’ll get to savor dishes rich with the flavors of the sea, skillfully prepared by the local residents. Dishes like fresh seafood, sour fish soup, or jellyfish salad are all made from the freshest ingredients.

As you enjoy these meals, you’ll clearly taste the natural sweetness of the sea, the delicate aroma of wild vegetables, and the genuine hospitality of the villagers. The food is not only delicious but also carries stories about the simple, rustic life of the fishing community.

Enjoy cuisine at Viet Hai Village

3.5. Join a cooking class

You can join a cooking class guided by the women of Viet Hai Village themselves. They not only cook deliciously but also impart their passion and love for local cuisine. You’ll get to personally prepare fresh ingredients, learning how to prepare seafood or the region’s distinctive vegetables and fruits.

After the class, you’ll not only master how to prepare local specialties but also gain a deep understanding of their culinary culture. This is a meaningful gift you can bring back to share with family and friends. The act of personally creating delicious dishes, then enjoying the results together, brings a sense of delight and pride.

3.6. Kayaking to Ao Ech & “Dark and Light” Cave

Ao Ech is a serene reservoir with crystal-clear water, perfectly reflecting the towering limestone cliffs and the azure sky. Ao Ech is located approximately 5 – 6 km by sea from Viet Hai Village, an ideal distance for kayaking and feeling the calm water, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the echoing birdsong.

Gliding along the water, your kayak will take you to Dark and Bright Cave, a landmark just about 1 – 2 km from Ao Ech. This area boasts colossal limestone formations and deep blue waters, creating an incredibly magnificent natural masterpiece. You’ll distinctly feel the profound tranquility and wild beauty here.

Kayaking to “Dark and Light” Cave

4. Best time to visit Viet Hai Village Cat Ba

What is the best time to visit the Viet Hai fishing village? Let’s find out.

Ideal Time to Visit:

March – April (Spring): The climate during this period is incredibly cool, fresh, and experiences little rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The scenery is also vibrant, with plants sprouting new life, creating a space full of vitality.
September – October (Autumn): The weather at this time is slightly cool with gentle golden sunlight, making it extremely pleasant for cycling, hiking and other exploring activities. The number of visitors is also not excessively crowded, allowing you to fully enjoy the peace and pristine beauty of the village.

Less Ideal Time to Visit:

May – August (Summer): This is the peak season for domestic tourism, so Viet Hai Village and Cat Ba become very crowded. The weather is also hot and humid, with possible sudden downpours, which can hinder outdoor activities and diminish your relaxing experience.
November – February (Winter): The climate during this period is quite cold, often experiencing dense fog, limiting outdoor visibility. The sea can also be rough, affecting travel by cruise and kayaking activities.

Best time to visit Viet Hai Village Cat Ba

>> Read more: Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Best Reviews in Details

5. How to go to Viet Hai Village?

There are several ways to visit Viet Hai Village. If you are an independent traveler or you book a Halong Bay cruise tour, you will all have ways to get there.

5.1. For independent travelers

You’ll need to go to Ben Beo Pier on Cat Ba Island, which is part of Cat Hai District, Hai Phong. From there, you can hire a small boat or a motorboat to get to Viet Hai Village.

Boat rental price: About $32 – $48 USD
Travel time: About 45 minutes – 1 hour
Entrance fee: About $1.2 USD/person

For adventurous travelers, you can hike from Cat Ba Town through the national park to reach Viet Hai. This is a longer, more challenging trek (around 8 km or 3 – 4 hours) but offers stunning jungle scenery.

How to go to Viet Hai Village?

5.2. For travelers booking a cruise

Currently, most Lan Ha Bay cruises offer itineraries that include a visit to Viet Hai Village. With this option, you won’t need to worry about transportation or planning your sightseeing schedule. The cruise will take you to Viet Hai Village and many other famous spots like Dark and Bright Cave, Ao Ech, and the stunning beaches throughout the bay.

During this journey, you’ll savor a variety of delicious dishes and enjoy diverse entertainment activities right on board. Cooking classes, kayaking, or swimming sessions will help you relax and truly immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery.

Here are some cruises with itineraries to Viet Hai Village offering the most economical prices: