Halong Bay is globally renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage natural wonder, celebrated for its thousands of majestic limestone islands and magnificent caves. Beyond these breathtaking landscapes, however, Halong Bay is home to charming floating fishing villages that preserve the rich culture and deep-rooted heritage of generations living in harmony with the sea. Among the most captivating fishing villages well worth exploring during your journey to Halong Bay is the exquisite Ba Hang Fishing Village.
Read more: The Fishing Villages of Halong Bay
Location and Heritage of Ba Hang Fishing Village
Ba Hang Fishing Village is an ancient settlement nestled within Hung Thang Ward, Halong City, located just about 3 kilometers south of the Tuan Chau Island tourist complex. The village sits in close proximity to the legendary Thien Cung Cave, sheltered gracefully beside Dau Go Island – one of the largest and most magnificent islands in Halong Bay. Situated merely 10 kilometers from the mainland, it is a serene 30-minute boat ride to reach this tranquil sanctuary.
With a history spanning over a century, Ba Hang Fishing Village was once home to approximately 50 households whose lives revolved entirely around fishing and net-weaving. In the past, the villagers endured a precarious and challenging existence. Every storm season required immense resilience against the elements, occasionally risking their very lives. Entire families shared compact floating houses measuring only 5 to 10 square meters, equipped with extremely rudimentary living facilities. In 2014, as part of Halong Bay’s village relocation initiative, the residents of Ba Hang transitioned to the mainland, beginning a new chapter at the Cai Xa Cong resettlement area in Ward 8, Ha Phong Ward, Halong City (Quang Ninh Province). Today, having overcome initial hardships, the community enjoys stable livelihoods, secure social welfare, and accessible healthcare and education.
Ba Hang Fishing Village gained prominent international recognition after being featured as a filming location for the blockbuster Hollywood movie “Kong: Skull Island,” which beautifully immortalized the pristine and awe-inspiring grandeur of both the village and Halong Bay.
The name “Ba Hang” (Three Caves) originates from a fascinating natural phenomenon: when the tide recedes to its lowest point, three small, arch-shaped cave entrances emerge close to one another, connecting to two saltwater lagoons within Halong Bay. The ambiance here is exceptionally peaceful, quiet, and poetic, offering a quintessential landscape of mountains and water. A signature highlight of Ba Hang is the lush, year-round greenery clinging to towering vertical karst cliffs, alongside expansive valleys shaped and sheltered by rich, diverse vegetation.
How to Get to Ba Hang Fishing Village
Ba Hang is situated along tourist route No. 1 within the official Halong Bay sightseeing tour itineraries, requiring travelers to board a licensed tourist vessel to visit. Currently, Halong features two primary passenger harbors: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Halong International Cruise Port. Whichever port you select, ticket prices and cruise durations remain identical (standard 4-hour itineraries). Visitors will reach the Ba Hang area after cruising past the iconic Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks) and Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner).
Service tariff table at Halong International Cruise Port
- Route 1 Shared Cruise Ticket & Sightseeing Pass: 440,000 VND per guest, and 680,000 VND per guest for comprehensive package tours.
- Private Charter Boat Rate: 2,500,000 VND per boat (accommodating up to 48 guests, excluding the 290,000 VND per person sightseeing ticket fee).
Signature Experiences at Ba Hang Fishing Village
1. Kayaking & Bamboo Rowing Boats
https://youtu.be/Ypu-qRPbNhM
The primary kayaking pier of Ba Hang Fishing Village is cozily tucked away within the Cong La area, where guests can choose between self-paddling kayaks or hiring a traditional bamboo boat. Kayaks are crafted from composite plastic, molded rubber, or inflatable materials equipped with paddles, accommodating one or two paddlers per narrow craft for an active exploration of the bay. Alternatively, traditional bamboo rowing boats are compact, echoing the ancient heritage of local seafaring families with a capacity of 5 to 7 passengers. These boats gently guide travelers through the three low arches of the Ba Hang cave system. Throughout the excursion, visitors are often serenaded with traditional folk songs and melodic chants about Halong Bay performed by local rowers, offering a uniquely intimate perspective on the destination’s timeless charm.
- Bamboo Rowing Boat Rental: 50,000 VND per person (5 guests per boat).
- Kayak Rental: 50,000 VND per person (2 guests per boat).
2. Living the Life of a Local Fisherman
Visitors can purchase fresh seafood or participate in fishing activities at Ba Hang Fishing Village
Beyond marveling at the geological wonders of the Ba Hang caves, visitors are invited to partake in the authentic daily rhythm of the seafaring community. From the first rays of dawn painting the horizon to the golden hues of twilight stretching across the sea and into the serene expanse of night, guests can join offshore fishing excursions, trying their hand at casting nets and hauling in bountiful catches. This picturesque harmony of culture and nature paints a breathtakingly tranquil portrait of Ba Hang amidst boundless azure waters.
Essential Tips for Visiting Ba Hang Fishing Village
- When visiting Ba Hang Fishing Village, please maintain utmost respect for the local lifestyle and cultural heritage. Refrain from causing disruptions, intruding upon personal privacy, or littering. Polite and courteous interactions with locals are always deeply appreciated.
- When engaging in water-based activities such as kayaking or fishing, strictly adhere to safety regulations and environmental conservation guidelines. Do not discard waste indiscriminately or disturb marine life. We recommend wearing life jackets, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and carrying drinking water during your excursion.
- Plan your visit during the optimal season to ensure an exceptional experience. The ideal periods to explore Ba Hang Fishing Village are from April to June or from September to November, when pleasant weather prevails—neither excessively cold nor scorching—accompanied by vibrant scenery and minimal risk of storms.
We hope this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights for your journey to Ba Hang Fishing Village. Should you wish to charter a cruise to explore Halong Bay and experience this magnificent destination firsthand, please contact us for personalized assistance and details.
