Ancient Viet Hai village - A rare hidden beauty amidst the sea

Viet Hai fishing village, nestled deep within Cat Ba National Park on Cat Hai island district, is an over 100-year-old ancient village with rare beauty.

Though it covers a smaller area compared to many other fishing villages, it boasts a rich ecosystem that includes mountains, forests and seas, earning it the nickname "an island within an island" from tourists.

The Viet Hai community was formed by fishermen who, while fishing in Lan Ha Bay, sought shelter here during violent storms. After multiple such instances, they discovered a freshwater source and decided to stay, settling down and establishing the village, which has existed to this day.

Currently, many houses in the village still have thatched roofs, mud or wooden walls, with kitchens using firewood, surrounded by vast grass fields. This simple, familiar setting creates a charming, rustic natural landscape.

To reach the fishing village, visitors can travel by boat or ferry to Viet Hai, or trek through Cat Ba National Park when the seas are rough, as there is no direct road access for vehicles. These modes of travel take visitors through scenic spots, offering a unique and rare experiential journey.

The village’s mysterious beauty, encompassing all four types of tourism, attracts international visitors just days after a storm as if nothing had happened. Even when the trees were still scattered around, foreign tourists were eager to clear the way themselves. Since September 12th, Viet Hai island commune has welcomed around 400-500 tourists daily, leaving both locals and authorities pleasantly surprised.

According to locals, Viet Hai has become an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists, bringing many positive changes to the area. Tourism now accounts for about 70-80% of the commune’s total income, and as tourism develops, the income of the residents has increased significantly.

Currently, the island commune has fewer than 90 households with a population of less than 300 people. Despite this, in 2023, the commune welcomed over 64.000 visitors, and in 2024, within just the first nine months, over 83.000 domestic and international tourists have already visited for sightseeing and relaxation. It is projected that by the end of 2024, Viet Hai will have welcomed 100.000 visitors, with the average per capita income exceeding 3.673 USD/year.

In recent years, Viet Hai commune has transformed its appearance thanks to tourism development. However, tourism revenue still falls short of its full potential. Tourists typically engage in activities such as cycling, exploring the ecological forest, participating in farming, rice milling and fishing experiences, but most only stay for half a day or a single day before leaving.

Mr. Tran Van Vinh, the manager of the Viet Hai Ecological Village tourism facility, mentioned that despite the high number of visitors, with thousands coming each day, the average tourist spends only about 2.45 USD. Of that, 1.2 USD is for the electric car fare, and1.2 USD goes towards beverage services.

The reason for the low spending in Cat Ba is the lack of entertainment, recreation spots, souvenirs and tourist services. Additionally, as Viet Hai is located in the core area of a heritage site, investment and construction, especially for accommodation facilities, cannot be done as quickly or easily as desired.

Mr. Hoang Van Khai, Vice Chairman of Viet Hai Commune People's Committee, shared that the commune lacks consistent revenue and needs to create unique attractions to draw more tourists. However, for the past 20 years, frequent flooding has hindered tourism development.

Additionally, tourism in the area is still fragmented and lacks a defining highlight. Despite the potential to welcome over 100.000 visitors annually, tourist spending remains low. Therefore, increased investment is needed, particularly in accommodation services, along with more entertainment and recreational spots to encourage tourists to stay longer.

The local development strategy is aimed at promoting eco-tourism while simultaneously building a new rural model. In the upcoming period, many households in the area will diversify their offerings to include various experiential tourism activities. This will involve engaging tourists in activities such as rice planting, vegetable cultivation, fishing, harvesting and tasting local agricultural products alongside the residents. Furthermore, there are plans to create designated flower-growing areas where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and take memorable photos.

“The existing workforce is currently inadequate to meet the demands of tourism development. There is an urgent need to focus on human resource development specifically tailored for the sustainable tourism sector, along with a clear direction for training local tourism personnel. To truly enhance and elevate tourism development in the region, it is crucial for authorities at all levels to take an active interest in creating supportive mechanisms and policies. These measures should aim to attract more tourists, ensuring that the local tourism industry can grow and thrive in a sustainable manner”, Mr. Khai emphasized.