As you cruise through the jade-green waters of the magnificent Gulf of Tonkin, you will of course be in awe of the thousands of limestone karsts. But nestled peacefully in the calm coves between these giant islands lies the true, living soul of Ha Long Bay: the incredible floating villages. A visit to a floating village in Ha Long Bay is a profound and beautiful cultural experience. It offers a glimpse into a resilient and truly unique, disappearing way of life, a world where the rhythm of the daily schedule is dictated not by a clock, but by the gentle rise and fall of the tides. For our Indian travelers, these incredible floating settlements offer a fascinating cultural contrast to the busy life on the mainland – a world where schools, shops, and even family shrines all bob gently on the surface of the sea. At Vietnam Story, we curate our visits to these villages to ensure that you experience the “living heritage” of the bay with the deep respect and the authentic insight that it deserves. It is important to know that in 2026, these villages have gracefully transitioned from being full-time residential hubs into meticulously preserved, open-air cultural museums, where the original families now return daily to maintain their traditions and share their incredible stories with you.
The grand floating capital: The magnificent Cua Van village
Cua Van is the largest, oldest, and most famous of all the floating villages in the bay. It is a true cultural icon. This is the “capital city” of the floating world. Let’s explore what makes it so special.
Cua Van is located in the Hung Thang Commune of Ha Long Bay. It has been voted one of the “16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world,” a testament to its unique charm and beauty. It is a stunning sight, featuring over 300 colorful houseboats that are safely anchored in a calm and beautiful limestone valley.
The expanded Cua Van living museum
A visit here is now more enriching than ever. The newly expanded museum, which opened in March 2025, now features:
- Over 850 fascinating artifacts, including ancient fishing tools and beautiful displays of traditional net-weaving techniques.
- A stunning 180° Panoramic Theater, which shows a beautiful “Day in the Life” documentary about the Cua Van people.
- A Digital Archive, where you can listen to the oral histories of the village elders, accessible via simple QR codes on your phone.
The kayak routes
- The mangrove route (3.2km): A newly mapped and beautiful kayaking path that takes you through the nearby mangrove forests, which are home to over 45 different species of birds.
- The village perimeter (1.8km): A more leisurely circuit that focuses on admiring the unique and colorful floating architecture of the village.
The gem of Bai Tu Long: The tranquil Vung Vieng village
For those who venture into the quieter and more pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, Vung Vieng offers a more peaceful and intimate experience. This village is famous for its serene atmosphere and its unique, natural gateway.
Vung Vieng is a tranquil and beautiful community of about 50 – 60 households. It is most famous for its incredible “Natural Gate” – a towering limestone archway called Cao Cave. All visitors must pass under this magnificent arch in a small boat or kayak to enter the village, making for a truly spectacular and memorable entrance.
Vung Vieng is the center of the bay’s pearl farming industry.
- In 2026, a wonderful new addition is the underwater viewing tubes, which allow you to see the beautiful oyster cages hanging up to 15 meters below the surface, all without getting wet!
- You can also witness the incredible, surgical precision of the local experts as they perform the delicate art of oyster grafting to create a new pear
The remote and tranquil villages: Ba Hang and Cong Dam
For those seeking an even more off-the-beaten-path experience, these smaller and more remote villages offer a glimpse into an even quieter side of bay life. These are the spots for true tranquility.
- Ba Hang Village: This is a small and charming settlement of about 50 houses, located near the famous Dau Go Island. It has gained some fame as it was a filming site for the movie . It is a great and quick stop for day-trips.
- Cong Dam Village: This remote Bai Tu Long village is known as the “Outdoor Geological Museum.” It is surrounded by incredible, 3,000-year-old coral reefs and jagged rock formations that are truly unique.
- Cap La Village: This is a tiny midway village of just 80 households, and it is the perfect destination for those of you who are seeking a true “zero-tourist” atmosphere.
READ MORE: The Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay in 2026
Exploration experience: How you can interact with the villages
A visit to these villages is an active and immersive experience. You don’t just see them; you participate in their rhythm. Here are the best ways to explore the floating world in 2026.
| Activity | Best for | The unique feature |
| The bamboo rowboat ride | Families and seniors | This is a wonderfully relaxing experience. You will be rowed by one of the local women in her traditional dress. The journey is almost silent, and in 2026, many of the rowers will now treat you to a beautiful, 40-minute performance of traditional folk songs (Hò Khoan) right on the water. |
| Kayaking | Couples and active travelers | In 2026, many of the kayaking routes now include a new “Floating classroom” stop. You can paddle right past the beautifully preserved, original floating schoolhouse where the village children once studied. |
| Squid fishing | Everyone | At night, you can join a local fisherman to learn the traditional “light-luring” technique for catching squid. This has now become a fun, interactive demonstration for guests in 2026. |
| A fun craft workshop | Art lovers and children | You can join a fun, hands-on session where you can learn to make your own miniature floating houses from pieces of driftwood and recycled fishing nets. |
The Vietnamstory signature: An ethical and smart guide for you
At Vietnamstory, we are experts at ensuring that our guests from cities like Delhi and Mumbai have a comfortable, respectful, and truly meaningful visit. Here is how we tailor the experience for you.
The “No-docking” policy for respect
To preserve the structural integrity of the old floating homes and, more importantly, to protect the privacy of the families, tourists are not allowed to dock directly at the houses. All viewing is done respectfully from the water, which supports the community while honoring their personal space.
Environmental initiative
- A zero-plastic zone: All visitors must now use the reusable water bottles that are provided by the cruise.
- Reef-safe sunscreen only: To protect the delicate lagoon ecosystems, only reef-safe sunscreens are permitted in the water.
How to support the local artisans
Look for beautiful, authentic souvenirs like “Sea-Salt Pearls” or hand-woven fishing baskets that have been repurposed as beautiful home decor. Every purchase you make will directly fund the Village Preservation Fund.
Respecting spiritual etiquette
The fishermen of the bay hold deep, traditional beliefs. For example, it is considered bad luck to step onto a boat with your “wrong” foot first. Your expert Vietnamstory guide will be aware of all these customs and will discreetly help you navigate them with respect.
READ MORE: Viet Hai Village: The “Hidden Valley” of Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay
Conclusion
While the majestic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay will impress you, it is the human element of the floating villages that will truly touch your heart. It is a powerful and humbling experience to witness a community that has built its entire world upon the water, a life of incredible resilience, simplicity, and deep connection to the sea. A visit here is not just about seeing a different way of life, it is about connecting with the enduring, human spirit that lies at the very heart of this natural wonder.
At Vietnamstory, we believe that the most memorable travel is about these human connections. Let us guide you on a respectful and insightful journey into the floating world, ensuring your experience is as heartwarming as it is beautiful. Contact us today, and let’s start planning a trip that connects you with the true soul of Ha Long Bay.