Viet Hai Ancient Village
Surrounded on all sides by 300-meter karst peaks and dense virgin rainforest inside Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai is a peaceful agricultural village that was virtually cut off from the outside world for generations. Today, it is one of the most rewarding cultural excursions in Lan Ha Bay.
Fact sheet
Accessed either by boat to Viet Hai pier followed by a scenic 5 km bicycle ride along a valley road, or via an 8 km arduous jungle trek across Cat Ba National Park.
The bicycle ride from Viet Hai pier
Cruising into the southern cove of Lan Ha Bay brings you to Viet Hai boat dock. From here, you pick up a bicycle and pedal along a paved scenic road through a limestone mountain tunnel.
The 20-minute ride winds past mangrove wetlands, peaceful buffalo pastures, and dramatic karst walls with zero motorized traffic except for occasional electric buggies. The valley feels tranquil, calm, and centuries removed from modern city life.
Things to do in the village
- Fish foot massage: Dip your feet into cool mountain stream ponds where small doctor fish gently nibble away dead skin.
- Traditional thatched houses: See preserved mud-and-bamboo dwellings with thatched roofs used by the founding generations.
- Taste local rice wine: Sample homemade herbal and sticky rice wine distilled by local families.
- Navy Peak (Đỉnh Hải Quân): For energetic hikers, a 1.5-hour steep trail leads from the village up to Navy Peak for staggering views over both the rainforest and the open bay.
Complete guide to Cat Ba island: National Park, beaches, town & motorbike routes. Cat Ba Island Guide →
Where it is
Questions people ask
Can you stay overnight in Viet Hai?
Yes! There are charming eco-lodges and homestays (such as Viet Hai Lan Homestay and Whisper Nature Ecolodge) offering peaceful wooden bungalows surrounded by limestone peaks.