A Day in Halong Bay

Following breakfast Phuc briefed us on the activities of the day. The morning would be spent touring the Vung Vieng fishing village. 

A little Information about the Village: 

For generations the Vung Vieng people have lived in this area. The village is a "floating village": there are no structures built on land. Approximate 50+ families inhabit the village. The villagers' income come mainly from fishing, as well as tourism.


We load the infamous ancillary boat and begin making our way to the Vung Vieng village. We are transported to a floating area where we are transferred to smaller boats oared by village women. Once Jordan, Graham and I are on board our "oarer" hands me 3 hats. Wearing the hat was not optional. even though she did not use words, her gestures were universal. We realized quickly the hats were going to be a blessing, it was HOT!

Speaking of HOT, isn't he a HOT mess?!

Our guide began rowing us around the village. At one point she appeared to become aggravated because a fellow rower's boat passed ours. The two women exchanged words,...I'm not sure, but I don't think it had anything to do with a fish soup recipe.

These guys were barkers. I asked Phuc about the animals,..where do they run and play? She explained they are guard dogs, it's all they've ever known. Their purpose is to alert the villagers of thieves, specifically people from another village coming to steal the fishermen's catch. 

Note the child's riding toy and walker...

 The children go to school in the village until age 10. Then the parents decide if their child will continue his/her education on the mainland. Most do not continue school but go to work fishing. 

I thought these women looked so sad. There was no joy in their faces. Very little conversation between the three of them.

The Oyster Farm