Leisurely kayaking through Vung Vieng fishing village in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam on rainy summer days is a magical experience for many visitors to the famed tourist site.

Surrounded by majestic limestone karsts, Vung Vieng fishing village, also known as Vong Vieng, is the final destination on the Heritage Journey tour route No. 4 in Ha Long Bay.

This floating village, once home to fishermen who raised aquatic and seafood products on floating rafts, was relocated to the shore by the Quang Ninh administration in 2014. 

Still, the village has managed to retain its distinctive cultural values, making it one of the bay’s most notable tourist attractions.

As the second-largest fishing village in Ha Long Bay after Cua Van, Vung Vieng is sheltered by a cluster of limestone karsts which form a natural basin that protects the village.

From the village pier, visitors can choose to explore the area by bamboo boat or kayak. 

As they depart the pier, the light bamboo boats glide across the green water, weaving between the rugged limestone karsts. 

As visitors row further, they are greeted by a charming view of small raft houses floating gently on the water.

Each house in Vung Vieng fishing village is painted in its own distinct color -- some are blue, others pink -- yet all are small and tucked against the cliffs.

From time to time, tourists can spot villagers' boats moored nearby.

In July and August, the bay experiences light, sporadic rains. These gentle showers are not heavy or intense, but they bring a refreshing, cool atmosphere.

A must-visit spot for photographs in Vung Vieng is Cao Cave, also known as the 'Village Gate.'

It features an arched opening near the water surface, framed by a towering limestone mountain karst.

As boats pass through Cao Cave, the water flows swiftly between the rocky mountains.

Visitors on boats must be vigilant in ensuring that the tide does not pull them into the cliffs.

Boat trips around Vung Vieng last about 40-45 minutes, offering plenty of time to relax and drift though the waters.

“Vung Vieng is a simple reflection of the daily lives of its people,” Ha Trang from Hanoi said after enjoying a memorable rainy day in Vung Vieng.  

"It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of other fishing villages. 

“Breathing the fresh air, savoring the saltiness of the ocean, and listening to the waves helped me reflect on my life and connect with nature.”

In addition to visiting Vung Vieng fishing village, the Heritage Journey tour route No. 4, a three-day, two-night adventure in Ha Long Bay, also includes the exploration of Xuong Rong Island -- the bay’s farthest point -- Co Cave or Thien Son Cave, the stone park, and a scenic view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

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