Nestled on the eastern coast of Cát Bà Island, Bến Bèo (Ben Beo) is a peaceful fishing village and harbor that offers travelers a raw, authentic taste of life in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay region—without the crowds.
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| Ben Beo Vietnam |
What Makes Bến Bèo Special?
Bến Bèo isn’t your typical tourist hotspot. It’s the gateway to Lan Hạ Bay, a quieter and arguably more beautiful alternative to the famous Hạ Long Bay. The harbor itself is a modest cluster of wooden docks, boats, and floating homes. Here, the rhythm of life is slow, and the scenery is breathtaking.
From the harbor, you can embark on a boat trip through limestone karsts, discover hidden lagoons, kayak through sea caves, or visit floating fishing villages like Cái Bèo—one of the oldest in Vietnam, with a history dating back over 7,000 years.
Things to Do in and Around Bến Bèo
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Boat Tours to Lan Hạ Bay: Hop on a traditional wooden boat or a kayak to explore the bay’s dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Many tours also include stops for swimming and snorkeling.
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Floating Villages: Witness how local fishermen live in floating houses, farm fish, and navigate the sea as part of their daily routine.
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Sunrise and Sunset Views: For photographers and romantics alike, Bến Bèo is an incredible place to catch both sunrise and sunset over the bay.
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Cát Bà National Park: Just a short motorbike ride away, this lush jungle reserve is home to rare animals like the Cat Ba langur and offers hiking trails with panoramic views.
How to Get There
To reach Bến Bèo, most travelers take a ferry or speedboat from Hải Phòng to Cát Bà Island, then it’s just a quick drive or walk to the harbor. Many accommodations in Cát Bà town can help organize transportation or day trips from Bến Bèo.
Travel Tips
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Best time to visit: March to May and September to November, when the weather is warm but not too hot, and there’s less rain.
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Cash is king: Many small operators in Bến Bèo don’t accept cards.
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Stay overnight: While day trips are common, staying on Cát Bà Island gives you time to soak in the relaxed atmosphere and explore more deeply.
Final Thoughts
Bến Bèo offers a serene escape into nature and local culture. If you’re craving something off the beaten path in Vietnam, away from the bustle of big cities and commercialized tours, then don’t miss this enchanting corner of Cát Bà Island. Sometimes, the quietest places leave the loudest impressions.
