Halong Bay, a UNESCO-recognized Natural World Heritage Site, has gained a name for picturesque scenery of coast and islands, but have you ever heard of Cua Van floating village as a precious gem to be found alongside the shoreline? If the answer is “No”, don’t hesitate to come by Cua Van for a visit at no time.
Cua Van floating village has been ranked among the most beautiful ancient villages on the planet. Within minutes, its distinctive cultural pattern and tradition are guaranteed to make a lasting impression on tourists from all over the globe.
Contents
I. Overview of Cua Van Floating Village
Cua Van floating village belongs to one of Halong Bay’s tourism development programs, including other famous tourist attractions like Ba Ham Lake, Tieng Ong Cave… To be more specific, the village is situated 20km away from the Tuan Chau Island nearby, which is equivalent to an approximately 2-hour trip by boat.
Source: paradisecruise.com
For your information, Cua Van of former times used to be among the biggest floating villages of Halong Bay residential area. Despite being in the middle of the sea, Cua Van village is not disturbed by the strong wind blowing in different directions. The main reason behind that is the surrounding cluster of islands which prevents the rush of air from completely getting through, acting as an important contributing place for boats to anchor themselves when a storm hits the zone.
In 2014, the authority started resettling families and residents to the mainland in order that they could reap more benefits from the flourishing economy and tourism development. However, a minority of Cua Van local people chose to remain offshore in the daytime, earn a living by traditional fishing or running services for tourists.
II. Best Time to Visit Cua Van Floating Village
When is the best time to visit Cua Van fishing village in a year? The answer is from October to September next year. Especially, you are highly advised to avoid July and August due to the fact that in two months, there are usually a lot of tropical cyclones and depressions or rain and rough sea in Vietnam.
The period from October to September next year is also divided into two peak seasons, one for domestic tourists and the other for foreign tourists. The peak season of foreign tourists in Vinh Ha Long, in common, and Cua Van, in particular, is from October to April next year. Maybe this period in foreign countries is in the winter vacation and new year holiday and tropical countries with higher average temperatures and cheap costs are ideal choices.
II. Highlights of Cua Van Floating Village
Why has Cua Van become so well-liked with not only domestic tourists but also foreign visitors? What are the unique features of the fishing village attracting a lot of tourists?
To be honest, everyone who pays Cua Van a visit would be struck by its beauty that is almost nowhere else to be found, not to mention the grandiose scenery of Halong Bay.
Leave the bustle and hustle of big cities behind and find yourself here immersed in the tranquility. There are over 300 households in the area, living in houseboats tightly attached to each other so that they stand fewer chances of being blown by strong winds.
One of the most original characteristics of Cua Van floating village is a whole host of small boats and rafts anchored in front of every house, embodying the spirit of fishermen who hope to bring a brighter future to their kids and family. The native residents of Cua Van are warm, hospitable and friendly, always trying to make people feel welcome. If you happen to meet some kids, don’t forget to wave, they’ll be all smiles and happy to show you all the village’s hidden attractions.
Your trip to Cua Van would not be fulfilled unless you experience all the following stuffs:
Tell me if I’m wrong, but you should never find a better experience than enjoying the appetizing aroma of “marine barbeque” right on the high seas.
III. What to See and Do at Cua Van Floating Village?
Source: @travelwithanza
Normally, it is advised to spend about 1 day and 1 night to discover Cua Van fishing village since there are many interesting things for you to experience to get unforgettable memories as priceless gifts.
Cua Van fishing village is nearly the farthest point in Halong Bay and it is the endpoint of almost Halong Bay discovering tours. After spending the first day to get a view of Halong Bay by boat or cruise, you will stop at Cua Van at the end of the itinerary, where you will have wonderful experiences at night and next day.
1. Cua Van Floating Culture Center
Cua Van floating culture center is a construction specialized for displaying and preserving traditional values of culture which originates from the long-standing fishing village.
This site introduces a whole host of educational, cultural exchange activities, not to mention hundreds of archeological antique collections including ancient fishing tools that trace back to centuries ago.
In addition, extraordinary sequences of documentaries and archival research pictures are consistently exhibited so that everyone can admire and get the gist of the village’s ancient image.
Source: @levertphoto
2. Daily Life of Local Fishermen
As aforementioned, despite the fact that the majority of residents have moved to the mainland, a number of local families chose to maintain their living here during daytime. To most of the fishermen, the sea is regarded as their hometown, and the boat as their shelter, as if it was all a matter of common sense for the fact that they shared weal and woe and blended in harmony with the sea.
Their kids are used to swimming and sailing, even dealing with risks and danger from a very early age. Besides, strange as it may sound, people of Cua Van often believe in spiritual practice or avoiding forbidden customs, such as preventing women from getting on the boat before heading for the open sea.
Source: @andreasalluciano
3. Kayak/Boat-sailing
Apart from fishing, the local people also earn their living from providing kayak services or tour guides who know the village like the back of his hand and help you steer the boat properly. Surprisingly, kayak sailing is among the most requested services by foreign tourists, because it is so amazing a scene that can help them to take incredible and one-of-a-kind pictures.
Service fees:
IV. How to Get to Cua Van Floating Village?
Cua Van floating village is dozens of kilometers away from the coastline, which probably takes much of a boat trip to arrive here. There is a wide range of cruising boats for you to choose from, maybe included in some full-package tours offered by large tourism corporations. However, the 2 following ways are the most favorable to foreign guests:
V. Extra Tips
Đăng bởi: Đức Tồ Tô
