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Halong Bay has been known for a long time as a wonder of the
world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This part of
the Tonkin gulf consists of about
two thousand islands and
islets emerging from the water and stretching for hundreds
of kilometers. Its landscapes are unquestionably fantastic.
But today we want to present you an authentic life of the
floating villages on the bay which is one of the original
features of this place.
The majority of the islands in Halong Bay are in fact
uninhabited, there are only 4 floating villages including:
Cua Van,
Vung Vieng, Ba Ham, Sung Sot ,… which are
populated by fishermen.
About floating houses
These villages were generally formed at the foot of the
rocky peaks of the bay in order to protect themselves from
bad weather offshore. The inhabitants live there in their
small fishing boats. These are now pretty rudimentary wooden
and bamboo houses. Blue and green are adopted for the walls
of houses while red is used for roofs. These colorful houses
float on the water thanks to the frames of fishing nets and
platforms supported by empty barrels. Fishermen in Halong
Bay tie their houses together to resist the force of
currents and storms.
Discovering floating life
Fishing is the main activity of the inhabitants of these
villages. However, some are also developing fish farming,
rearing and processing cultured pearls.. These houses are
only supplied with electricity by car batteries. Fresh water
is collected from rainwater and by a land tanker. People
seem to have a more than normal daily life. There are no
department stores. However, there are still small shop
boats, cafes, small markets, a bank. And what a surprise, a
school is built for children. It is so interesting to see,
early in the morning, the departure from school of the
bright-eyed children of the village on small bamboo boats. A
real village like on main land!
So do not miss these villages during your
cruise in Halong
Bay. Because once you witness these scenes of life, you will
never forget this unique experience. 
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