Viet Hai Village: The “Hidden Valley” of Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay

Tucked deep within the primary forests of Cat Ba National Park lies a secluded enclave that we often call “The Village That Time Forgot.” Welcome to the incredible Viet Hai Village. This beautiful, 141-hectare village, known locally as Lang Viet Hai, offers a rare and precious glimpse into a pre-modern Vietnam, a place where doors are still left unlocked and a deep sense of community is everything. At Vietnamstory, we highly recommend a visit to Viet Hai as the true “soul” of any Lan Ha Bay cruise. For our Indian guests, it represents a serene and beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a perfect blend of light adventure, stunning nature, and a deep and authentic cultural connection.

Viet Hai Village is a secluded, ancient fishing village nestled deep within Cat Ba National Park

Location and remote geography of Viet Hai Village

Viet Hai Village is defined by its beautiful and dramatic isolation, nestled in a valley that has protected it from the outside world for centuries. Its remote setting is the very reason it has retained its unique and peaceful character. Let’s explore its geography. The village is situated on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, roughly 18 km from the main Cat Ba Town. Viet Hai is a protected valley, completely surrounded by towering, majestic limestone peaks and dense, lush tropical greenery. It functions as a true “mountain oasis” in the middle of a beautiful maritime bay. The village is a core and vital part of the Cát Bà Biosphere Reserve, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its incredible and unique biodiversity.

How to access this hidden oasis?

There are two very distinct and different ways to reach this secluded village, depending on your preferred energy level and your love for adventure. Getting to Viet Hai is an adventure in itself, whether you choose the scenic route by water or the challenging trek through the jungle.

Viet Hai Village is Inside Cat Ba National Park, accessible by boat/cruise, surrounded by stunning karst landscapes.

The scenic water route

Step 1: Your journey will begin with a beautiful 45-minute boat or canoe ride from the Cai Beo Pier in Cat Ba Town (or from your cruise ship) to the quiet Viet Hai Pier.
Step 2: From the pier, you will embark on a stunning 4km scenic journey to the village itself. You can choose to ride a bicycle or take a comfortable electric buggy along a beautiful, tree-lined path that winds through the forest.

The Jungle Trek

The trail: For those who love a good challenge, you can take a demanding 8km–12km trekking route that goes right through the heart of the Cát Bà National Park, passing by the beautiful Ao Ech (Frog Pond).
Duration: This is a serious hike, taking between 3.5 to 5 hours.
Difficulty: The trek is rated as “Hard.” The path can be slippery over the limestone rocks, and there are some very steep ascents. For your safety, a local guide is highly recommended for this route.

The Viet Hai village’s culture and significance

The village’s long history of isolation has allowed it to preserve a culture of trust and simplicity that is truly rare in the modern world. These rare insights into the village’s past and present are what make a visit here so special.

A 100-year Heritage: The village was originally established as a safe refuge for local fishermen who needed shelter during powerful storms. Its incredible isolation preserved its unique culture and traditions for over a century.
The “no-lock” culture: This is one of the most fascinating and heartwarming aspects of Viet Hai. Because of its small and tight-knit population (only about 70 – 80 households) and its complete isolation, the village has a zero-theft reputation. Even today in 2025, as you walk through the village, you will still see many houses with no locks on their doors – a powerful and beautiful symbol of absolute communal trust.
French Colonial history: During our nation’s anti-French resistance, this remote village area served as a strategic logistics base. You can still see the historic ruins of the Navy Peak Radar Station, a remnant of this era.
The community Heritage house: A visit to the local heritage house is a must. Here, you can see a wonderful collection of ancient farming tools, traditional household artifacts, and beautiful old photographs that document the village’s incredible 100-year evolution.

Top experiences in the village & The new 2026 enhancements

A visit to Viet Hai is an active and immersive experience, with many wonderful things to do. From a scenic bike ride to a stunning panoramic viewpoint, here are the top experiences you can have.

The signature cycling tour

This is the most popular activity. You can pedal your bicycle along a beautiful path that takes you through a natural mountain tunnel covered in ancient, hanging roots. As you emerge on the other side, you are greeted by a breathtaking valley of golden rice fields.

The Navy Peak trek

For the best view in the entire region, you can take a 45-minute uphill climb (approximately 2.3km) to a former Vietnamese Navy radar station. From the top, you are rewarded with the most stunning 360-degree panoramic view of both Lan Hạ Bay and the distant Ha Long Bay from above. It is absolutely breathtaking.

New 2026 “farm-to-table” workshops

In 2026, you can now participate in wonderful hands-on workshops, such as learning the art of traditional rice wine brewing or even trying to plow the rice fields with a friendly local water buffalo.

The famous “Fish massage”

This is a huge highlight, especially for children! You can dip your feet into the cool mountain streams where thousands of tiny “doctor fish” will gently nibble away at the dead skin on your feet. It is a ticklish and wonderfully fun experience that costs only about 20,000 VND.

Traditional herbal baths

Many of the local homestays now offer incredible wellness packages, where you can relax in a traditional medicinal leaf bath in a beautiful bamboo pavilion that overlooks the serene rice paddies.

Why Indian travelers love Viet Hai Village?

Viet Hai Village offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Vietnamese village life, combining cultural heritage with breathtaking natural scenery, making it a peaceful retreat and an adventurous destination.

At Vietnamstory, we understand the specific needs and preferences of our Indian guests, and we know that Viet Hai offers a perfect and comfortable experience for you. Here is how we tailor the experience to make it perfect for you.

Comfortable, family-friendly buggies: We know that not everyone wants to cycle. For our multi-generational families and for seniors, we always arrange for comfortable Electric Trams (buggies) to take you from the pier to the village. This ensures that the beautiful 4km journey through the forest can be enjoyed by everyone without any physical strain.
Delicious vegetarian cultural meals: We coordinate directly with our local hosts in the village to provide you with an authentic and delicious vegetarian farm-style lunch. You will get to enjoy dishes made from locally grown pumpkins, fresh morning glory, and delicious tofu, all prepared in a way that aligns perfectly with Indian dietary preferences.
Our storytelling guides: Our expert guides will share the beautiful stories and the “Aashirwad” (blessing) legends of the village, focusing on the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the community and the nature that surrounds them.

Practical visitor information for Indian travelers

A little bit of planning will ensure your visit to this hidden valley is perfect. Here are the essential details for your trip.

Category	Details
Entrance fee	You will need to pay an entrance fee of 80,000 VND for the National Park, or you can often buy a 150,000 VND combo ticket that includes other nearby sites.
Bicycle rental	If it is not included in your tour, a bicycle rental will cost between 30,000 – 100,000 VND.
Best season to visit	February – March is beautiful, with misty, green landscapes. June is the time of the golden rice harvest.
Homestay rate	If you wish to stay overnight, a room at a local homestay will cost between 450,000 – 1,500,000 VND per night, usually including your meals.

Essential packing list: You must bring insect repellent! Also, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes for cycling or hiking, and pack a light jacket for the potentially cool and breezy boat ride.

Conclusion

The story of your journey through the magnificent Lan Ha Bay deserves a chapter of profound peace and quiet beauty, and Viet Hai Village is the perfect setting for that chapter. It is a story that unfolds as you pedal your bicycle down a shaded forest path, a tale that reveals itself in the breathtaking panorama from a mountaintop, and a narrative that is whispered in the serene, unlocked doorways of the village homes. It is a story of tranquility, of trust, and of a deep, peaceful connection between people and their land. Your travel story deserves to be a beautiful and peaceful one. Allow Vietnamstory to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India that blend spectacular natural wonders with these kinds of unique and soulful cultural encounters. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your serene and unforgettable Viet Hai story together.