When I first searched for Ben Beo, Vietnam, I was confused. Was it a village? A port? A tourist attraction? After visiting myself, I finally understood: Ben Beo is the harbor that leads to one of Vietnam’s oldest floating fishing villages — Cai Beo — located on Cát Bà Island in northern Vietnam.
If you’re planning a trip, let me walk you through everything I learned — where it is, how I got there, what it cost, the best time to visit, and what I wish I had known before going.
1. Where Exactly Is Ben Beo?
Bến Bèo Harbor is located on the southeastern side of Cát Bà Island, which belongs to Hải Phòng in northern Vietnam.
It sits right at the edge of Lan Hạ Bay, a stunning bay filled with limestone karsts and emerald waters. Lan Hạ Bay is often considered the quieter, less crowded neighbor of Hạ Long Bay.
From Ben Beo Harbor, I took a small boat just a few minutes out into the water to reach:
Cái Bèo Floating Village — one of the oldest and largest floating fishing villages in Vietnam.
So to simplify:
- Ben Beo = the harbor
- Cai Beo = the floating village you visit
- Location = Cat Ba Island, Northern Vietnam
2.How I Got There (Step-by-Step)
2.1. From Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
I started my journey in Hanoi. There are several ways to reach Cat Ba:
- Bus + ferry combo (most common)
- Private car
- Speedboat option
I chose the bus + ferry combination. It took about 4 hours total. The route included a transfer through Hai Phong and a short boat ride to the island.
2.2. From Cat Ba Town to Ben Beo Harbor
Once I arrived in Cat Ba Town, getting to Ben Beo was easy:
- 5–10 minutes by taxi or motorbike
- 15–20 minutes walking
The road down to the harbor was scenic, curving along the coastline with limestone cliffs rising dramatically in the background.
3. What Makes Cai Beo So Special?
When I stepped onto the boat from Ben Beo Harbor, I wasn’t expecting what I saw next.
Clusters of floating houses stretched across the water. Wooden platforms connected homes. Fish farms floated beneath the surface. Small boats moved gently between structures.
What amazed me most is that Cai Beo isn’t a staged tourist site. It’s a living fishing community. Around 300 families still live and work here, raising fish, harvesting seafood, and maintaining a traditional lifestyle centered around the sea.
Even more fascinating — archaeologists believe people have lived in this area for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest coastal settlements in Vietnam.
I remember thinking: This isn’t just beautiful. It’s ancient.
4. Best Time to Visit Ben Beo & Cai Beo
From my experience and from local advice, here’s what I recommend:
🌤 Best Months
- March to May – Comfortable weather, clear skies
- September to November – Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Hot and humid
- Beautiful blue skies
- Can be crowded
- Possible tropical storms
🌧 Winter (December–February)
- Cooler
- Sometimes misty or foggy
- Fewer visitors
- Moody, atmospheric scenery
If I went again, I would choose April or October.
5. How Much It Cost Me
Prices can change, but here’s a rough breakdown of what I paid:
Getting to Cat Ba
- Bus + ferry combo from Hanoi: $15–25 USD
Boat from Ben Beo Harbor
- Small group boat tour: $10–20 USD
- Private boat rental: $30–60 USD (depending on duration)
Kayaking Option
Many tours include kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, which I highly recommend. Paddling through limestone caves and calm lagoons was unforgettable.
6. What I Did There
Here’s exactly how I spent my day:
- Took a boat from Ben Beo Harbor
- Cruised slowly through Cai Beo floating village
- Observed fish farms and floating homes
- Continued into Lan Ha Bay
- Stopped for swimming
- Kayaked through hidden lagoons
- Relaxed and took photos of limestone karsts
The entire experience lasted about 4–5 hours.
7. What It Felt Like Being There
The strongest memory I have is the silence.
Even though there were boats moving around, everything felt calm. The water gently rocked the houses. Fishermen repaired nets. Children moved between floating platforms with ease.
There were no cars. No traffic sounds. Just water, wind, and distant conversation.
It felt like stepping into a different rhythm of life — slower, more patient.
8. Travel Tips I Wish I Knew Before Going
Here are practical things I learned:
✔ Go Early in the Morning
The light is softer, the water calmer, and there are fewer boats.
✔ Bring Sunscreen
There is almost no shade on the boat.
✔ Wear Light, Breathable Clothing
It gets hot quickly, especially in summer.
✔ Bring Cash
Small vendors and boat operators may not accept cards.
✔ Respect the Village
Remember: this is a real community. Avoid intrusive photography and loud behavior.
9. Is It Worth Visiting?
In my opinion — absolutely yes.
If you want:
- Cultural authenticity
- Stunning natural scenery
- Fewer crowds than Ha Long Bay
- A glimpse into traditional Vietnamese coastal life
Then Ben Beo and Cai Beo are worth your time.
If you’re expecting luxury resorts and polished attractions, this might not be your place. But if you appreciate real communities and raw beauty, you’ll love it.
10. How Long Should You Stay?
I recommend:
- Half-day trip if you’re short on time
- Full-day boat tour if you want kayaking and swimming
- 2–3 days on Cat Ba Island to explore beaches and hiking trails
Cat Ba itself has much more to offer beyond the floating village, including national park trekking and quiet beaches.
Final Thoughts
Before visiting, Ben Beo was just a name on a map to me. After experiencing it, I see it differently.
It’s not just a harbor. It’s a gateway.
A gateway to one of Vietnam’s oldest fishing communities. A gateway to peaceful waters and limestone islands. A gateway to understanding how deeply connected people can be to the sea.
When I left Ben Beo Harbor that afternoon, watching the floating village fade into the distance, I felt grateful that places like this still exist.
And if you ever find yourself on Cat Ba Island, I hope you take that short ride from Ben Beo out into the water — because some of Vietnam’s most beautiful stories float there.
