Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island

Located approximately 18 km from Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai is a small hundred-year-old village hidden among the jungles and high mountains.
June 01, 2024 | 07:15
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The village is situated in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, which belongs to the Cat Hai Island District of Hai Phong City. Visiting Viet Hai Village, tourists will embark on an 8km trek passing the Ao Ech Lake. On this route, tourists will walk through the primary forest in Cat Ba National Park and then follow adventurous trails.

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
The village is situated in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, which belongs to the Cat Hai Island District of Hai Phong City. Photo: DL Black

Tourists who are not fit enough for those sheer cliffs, deep gorges, and muddy ponds, can choose a 45-minute boat from Beo Pier in Cat Ba Town to visit Viet Hai Village.

Every year, Viet Hai Village welcomes 700 - 800 foreign tourists, and it can reach over 2000 tourists a day in the summer season. This also helps food, accommodation, etc. services in this locality operate more actively, creating jobs and increasing income for local people.

According to the correspondent of Vietnamnet, Vu Phi Hung - Secretary of the Party Committee and chairman of Viet Hai Commune People's Committee said that in the last 5 years, Viet Hai Village has become more known and experienced by tourists thanks to its development and new local tourism products.

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

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
Foreign tourists cycle around the village. Photo: Vietnamnet

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

The villagers are hospitable, sincere, and friendly. This ancient village has almost no social crimes. It might be surprising to tourists that all of the houses in the village are open through the night and day, even when owners are away for days, as theft is virtually non-existent.

The best time to visit Viet Hai Fishing Village is in March and April. These months fall within the dry season in northern Vietnam, including Cat Ba Island.

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
The best time to visit Viet Hai Fishing Village is in March and April. Photo: Bao An Ninh Hai Phong

The weather is generally mild from March to April, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity levels. Additionally, this period offers clear skies and less chance of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration of the village and its surroundings.

Moreover, visiting during these months allows tourists to avoid the peak tourist season, which occurs during the summer months, resulting in fewer crowds and a more tranquil experience in Viet Hai Village. They can also enjoy the majestic nature of Lan Ha Bay more clearly.

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
An old house in Viet Hai Village. Photo: Catbafreedom

Reachable by sea or through an adventurous trek through Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai is accessible yet retains its secluded appeal. Various transport options ensure a journey as engaging as the destination itself. Bicycles and electric bikes offer eco-friendly ways to explore the village’s breathtaking surroundings, catering to all preferences.

The village does not just enchant with its views but also tantalizes the taste buds with local seafood delights. Accommodations ranging from homestays to bungalows promise a comfortable and authentic stay.

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
Reachable by sea or through an adventurous trek through Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai is accessible yet retains its secluded appeal. Photo: Luhanhvietnam

Specialties to try in Cat Ba Island

With natural origin, horseshoe crab in Cat Ba is always guaranteed to be fresh and become a delicacy not to be missed when traveling to Cat Ba. Traveling to Cat Ba Island, tourists definitely cannot miss horseshoe crab because of its rich and special flavor than many other places.

The horseshoe crab is processed into many delicious dishes, popular as soups, salads, stir-fried horseshoe crab with lemongrass and chili, sweet and sour horseshoe crab, horseshoe crab vermicelli and porridge … but the most attractive and popular is grilled horseshoe crab. In particular, the female horseshoe crab in the breeding season often brings large eggs, rich in protein, so this becomes an unforgettable delicacy when baked up.

Discover Viet Hai – The Hundred-Year-Old Village In Cat Ba Island
Delicious seafood dishes in Cat Ba. Photo: Bach hoa XANH

Otter clam, or elephant snail, is famous for being a rare seafood with high nutrition and special flavor. Cat Ba is a place where the sea is suitable for the growth and development of this mollusk, so otter clams at Cat Ba Island have extremely delicious quality.

The otter clam can be cooked in many ways such as grilling, steaming with fat and onion, steaming with chili, or otter clam porridge.

One of the specialties that must be enjoyed when coming to Cat Ba is lobster. Lobsters are caught right in the day with big size. Lobsters are many types: big lobster, green lobster, and tropical rock lobster, each has different processing ways. People on Cat Ba Island have the habit of using alcohol on the spot, then steaming with beer or grilling.

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