Halong Bay's inhabitants are distributed as follows:

+ In the World Heritage Area: is inhabited by the fishing communities, including the 4 communes of Cua Van, Cong Tau, Vong Vieng and Ba Hang with a total of over 1, 600 people. This population belongs to Hung Thang Precinct of Halong City. They live on floating houses and boats and make their livelihood by fishing and aquaculture.

+ In the environs of the World Heritage Area: the residents of Halong City, Cam Pha Town, Van Don Island District and Cat Ba Island of Haiphong City.