The Ultimate Family Catch: Our Hilarious 16-Day Fishing Trip in Vietnam – From Hanoi’s Buzz to Southern Giants!
Hey there, fellow travelers and rod-wielding enthusiasts! Have you ever tried cramming 16 days of epic sightseeing, thrilling Adventure Tours From Ha Noi, and chasing legendary fish into one unforgettable family vacation? Well, we did!
Forget the stuffy, bullet-point itineraries. This is the down-and-dirty, wonderfully chaotic, and absolutely incredible tale of our family’s “Vietnam Grand Slam”—a 16-day, 15-night odyssey that whisked us from the historic charm of Northern Vietnam down to the vibrant fishing grounds of South Vietnam.
If you’re looking for the best Fishing Tour in Vietnam, grab a coffee, because this is it!
Part 1: The Northern Charm and the Mahseer Quest (North – Central Vietnam Fishing Tour)
Day 1 & 2: Hanoi Hilarity and the Ba Vi Buzz
Our adventure began in Ha Noi, a city that’s like a non-stop, two-wheeled ballet! After navigating the maze of the Old Quarter (seriously, trying to cross the street felt like a family sport!), we settled in. But the real fun started on Day 2: Fishing in Ha Noi‘s backyard at Ba Vi National Park.
Imagine this: The air is fresh, the landscape is stunning, and Dad is absolutely convinced he’s about to break a world record. We spent the day lure and lancer fishing in those pristine Ba Vi lakes, hoping for big carp and pacu. Did we catch a record breaker? No. Did my youngest mistake a water snake for a prized catch and scream the national park down? Absolutely. It was the perfect, slightly ridiculous start to our Northern Vietnam Fishing Tour!
Day 3 & 4: Halong Bay’s Limestone Dreams
Next up: Halong Bay. This UNESCO site isn’t just beautiful; it’s magical. We spent a night aboard a 5-star cruise (Rosy Cruise—total luxury!), kayaking through hidden lagoons, and even got a family cooking lesson where we learned that Vietnamese spring rolls require far more talent than we possess. Floating past Dinh Huong Rock and exploring the caves made us feel like intrepid explorers.
The next day, after a final morning kayak and a peek at the picturesque Vung Vieng fishing village, it was off to Ninh Binh, where we conquered Mua Cave for the most breathtaking views of the “Halong Bay on Land.”
Day 5 & 6: The Fabled Mahseer Hunt – Our Central Vietnam Adventure
This was the part of the trip where our family’s Adventure Tour title truly earned its stripes. We pushed deep into the forests near the Vietnam-Laos border in Ha Tinh Province, on a quest for the legendary Mahseer—a fish so rare and elusive, it felt like chasing a unicorn.
After a bumpy, but exhilarating, 20km offroad drive, we reached our “secret” stream paradise. We were lure Fishing in North – Central Vietnam, hopping between a floating pontoon boat and trekking along the stream. That evening, sitting around a crackling campfire, enjoying delicious mountain food and night fishing, felt like the most remote and special family memory. Catching a Mahseer is incredibly hard, but the pure thrill of the hunt in the heart of the jungle was the real prize of our Central region of Vietnam experience.
Day 7 to 10: History, Caves, and Coastal Wonders (Fishing in Central Vietnam)
The pace didn’t slow! We visited the majestic Phong Nha Cave in Quang Binh, floated down the Son River, and dove into the rich history of Hue Ancient Capital on Day 8. Central Vietnam is steeped in culture.
Then came the coastal beauty: Ba Na Hills with its famous Golden Bridge (cue 100 family photos!) and the vibrant city of Da Nang on Day 9. We finished this section of the trip in Hoi An Ancient Town—a place so enchanting, it should be illegal. Wandering through the lantern-lit streets on Day 10 made us forget all about our fishing rods… almost!
Part 2: Southern Giants and Epic Fights (South Vietnam Fishing Tour)
Day 11 & 12: Van Phong Bay – Coral and Cobia
Our journey south took us to Van Phong Bay, a true hidden gem. We stayed at The Light Coral resort, which is gloriously isolated on the water. Days 11 and 12 were all about that salty air! We tried lure fishing and jigging for Barramundi, Queen Fish, and Cobia. If you need a break from the rod, the snorkeling and kayaking were fantastic. The resort is surrounded by coral reefs, making it an idyllic spot for a family who loves the ocean.
Day 13 & 14: The Colosseum of Fish – Bull Arena Fishing Park
Folks, if you call yourself an angler, you have to put the Bull Arena Fishing Park on your bucket list. After checking out of Van Phong Bay, we arrived at this absolute behemoth of a fishing spot.
Imagine a 17,000 $m^2$ fishing area that’s home to the planet’s largest freshwater species! Day 13 was dedicated to night fishing, a surreal experience battling Giant Mekong Catfish (15–60kg!) and Siamese Carp. On Day 14, the real monsters came out: we were luring the mighty Chao Phraya Catfish, 40-60kg Arapaima (yes, the dinosaur fish!), and the toothy Alligator Gar. My arms were sore for two days, but the grin on my face was permanent. It was the absolute highlight of our South Vietnam Fishing Tour!
Later that day, we said goodbye to the giants and headed to Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the historic landmarks and soaking up the lively “Saigon” nightlife.
Day 15 & 16: Jungle Fishing and Final Souvenirs
Our final big fishing day was a deep dive into traditional Vietnamese angling at Tan Lap floating village. This massive, flooded melaleuca forest is breathtaking. We tried traditional fishing techniques, specifically hunting for the prized wild Snakehead fish, Chitala fish, and Mekong Catfish. It was a rustic, beautiful, and authentic experience—a perfect contrast to the urban buzz of Ho Chi Minh.
On our last day (Day 16), it was back to reality (and shopping!) at the famous Ben Thanh market to grab those last-minute souvenirs before our departure.
The Verdict: Your Next Fishing Trip in Vietnam Awaits!
This 16-day Fishing Tour in Vietnam was more than just a vacation; it was a family adventure, a history lesson, and a masterclass in angling—from the delicate lure fishing in Northern vietnam streams to the epic battles at Bull Arena Fishing Park.
If you’re planning Adventure Tours From Ho Chi Minh or looking for a comprehensive trip that combines culture and incredible fishing, this is the itinerary to beat. Whether you’re chasing Mahseer in the Central region of Vietnam or battling an Arapaima, Vietnam is a world-class destination. Book the trip, pack your rods, and prepare for the ultimate family catch!
Ready to cast your line in the heart of Asia? We highly recommend adding some extra days to explore Fishing in Ha Noi‘s surrounding areas for a truly local experience!
Contact us at sales@vietnamfishingtours.vn or (+84) 0903.378.789 to book your trip.
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