Ca Mau Travel Guide

1. Where is Ca Mau?

Ca Mau is a coastal province in the Southernmost part of Vietnam, located in the Mekong Delta region. It is about 1,960 km south of Hanoi and about 290 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Geographically:

• Bordering the East Sea to the East.
• It borders the Gulf of Thailand to the West and South.
• Bordering An Giang province and Can Tho city to the North.

2. How is Ca Mau unique?

Ca Mau has a very special geographical location, it is the southernmost point of Vietnam, marking the sacred national coordinate milestone. Not only has symbolic meaning, this land is also famous for its rich ecosystem, including mangrove forests and brackish wetlands. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Under the forest canopy are green rice fields, fruit-laden orchards, natural bird sanctuaries and a poetic winding river system.

In particular, Ca Mau also bears a strong cultural and historical imprint through a system of traditional relics and festivals. And customs and practices associated with the lives of the Kinh, Hoa and Khmer ethnic communities. That cultural exchange is clearly shown through architecture, beliefs and folk arts. Especially the art of Don Ca Tai Tu, this is one of the typical intangible cultural values ​​of Southern Vietnam.

It is impossible not to mention Ca Mau cuisine – where the quintessence of “golden forests and silver seas” converge. With abundant seafood and delicious dishes with typical local flavors. All create a Ca Mau that is both full of nature and rich in identity, attracting tourists with its authentic and multi-dimensional beauty.

3. When is the best time to visit Ca Mau?

Ca Mau is located in the tropical monsoon climate zone typical of the Southwest region of Vietnam. With two distinct seasons: the dry season from December to April of the following year and the rainy season from May to November. Each season brings interesting experiences and unique beauty to you.

• The dry season is the most ideal time to visit Ca Mau. The weather is sunny and dry at this time, very convenient for traveling and visiting famous destinations. Such as: Dat Mui, U Minh Ha forest, bird sanctuaries or floating markets. Besides, many fruit gardens are also entering the harvest season. You can enjoy homegrown specialties.
• Although the rainy season has sudden rains, it is also the flood season. This is a great time to explore the mangrove ecosystem and experience the typical river life of the West. You will encounter vast lotus fields, fish jumping in the water and colorful floating markets.

In particular, if you come to Ca Mau around the 10th lunar month, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the Ok Om Bok festival. This is one of the biggest traditional festivals of the Khmer people, with many exciting cultural activities and a rich identity.

4. How to get to Ca Mau?

4.1 Personal vehicle

4.1.1. By private car:

With a distance of about 300km from the center of Saigon to Ca Mau city. Therefore, the travel time to Ca Mau by private car will take about 8 hours, depending on the route you choose.

The most popular route is to follow the Trung Luong expressway and then go straight on QL1A through the localities of Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Hau Giang. When you reach Nga Bay town of Can Tho, you can continue on QL1A. If you plan to stop in Can Tho, Ca Mau or use the Quan Lo – Phung Hiep route to go straight to Ca Mau city.

4.1.2 By motorbike

If you are an explorer, a motorbike will be the right means of transport for you. From Saigon to Ca Mau, you will have to travel a distance of more than 300km. Depending on your travel schedule, the travel time from Ho Chi Minh to Ca Mau will vary from 6 to 7 hours.

• Route from Ho Chi Minh to Ca Mau: Starting from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. You follow the following route: Binh Chanh – My Yen – Ben Luc bridge – Tan An bridge – My Tho. Then, you go to My Thuan bridge – Can Tho bridge – Nga Bay town – Quan Lo – Phung Hiep – Ca Mau.
• Note: The Quan Lo – Phung Hiep – Nam Can route to Ca Mau up to now still does not have a street light system. Therefore, based on Origin Vietnam’s experience of traveling to Ca Mau. You should arrange your schedule to go during the day for safety.

On the motorbike route to Ca Mau, you will travel through Can Tho. Therefore, you can easily combine tourism to explore Can Tho – Ca Mau.

4.2 Public transport

4.2.1 By plane:

For busy travelers who do not have free time, you can use the plane to reduce the time for your itinerary. The Saigon – Ca Mau route is operated daily with a flight time of only about 1 hour, which will help you do this. Those in the North and Central regions can also choose flights to Tan Son Nhat and then connect to Ca Mau.

4.2.2 By sleeper bus:

This is the form of transportation chosen by most tourists to get to Ca Mau. Because the convenience in booking tickets is quite simple. From Mien Tay bus station in Saigon, there are continuously high-quality sleeper buses to Ca Mau. You can choose overnight buses, sleep on the bus and arrive in Ca Mau city the next morning.

4.3 Traveling within Ca Mau

4.3.1 By motorbike:

If you come to Ca Mau by public transport, you can choose to rent a motorbike here. This is the most flexible option because you will be more proactive in traveling between locations.

4.3.2 By waterway:

With a dense network of rivers and canals, waterways are also one of the main means of transportation in Ca Mau. Currently, although the National Highway 1A is open, if you like to experience the journey on the river. You can also use waterways to Dat Mui for more interesting experiences.

4.3.3 By bus/coach:

The intra-provincial passenger bus routes in Ca Mau will depart from Ca Mau bus station. With these bus routes, you can reach the center of the communes. Some bus companies also take passengers to tourist destinations such as Dat Mui.

In addition, the bus network in Ca Mau is relatively small, currently there are only 6 bus routes operating regularly. If you do not have a vehicle, you can use these bus routes to travel to the center of the communes. From there, you continue to use the motorbike service to get to the desired locations.

4.3.4 By taxi:

When you travel in a large group, with many children or the elderly. Then with locations around the accommodation, you can choose a taxi for convenience. Going by taxi with a large group, the cost is not too high.

Some taxi companies operating in Ca Mau:

• Vinasun Ca Mau: 0290 38 27 27 27.
• Mai Linh Ca Mau: 0290 3 78 78 78.

5. Sightseeings in Ca Mau

5.1 Ca Mau Bird Sanctuary

This is a bird sanctuary located in the Uncle Ho Memorial Area, located in Hamlet 1, Ward 1, Ca Mau City. The bird sanctuary has an area of ​​4.5 hectares. Here, there are more than 10,000 birds coming to nest, give birth, lay eggs and then settle here. Among them, there are many species of storks, herons, cormorants, sesbania, etc.

In the afternoon, when the sunset falls, it is also the time when flocks of birds return to their nests. You can easily enjoy the chorus of thousands of pairs of storks chasing each other. Or the baby birds bustlingly calling for their mothers, the male birds calling for their mates… in the midst of the bustling city.

5.2 Buddha Temple

Buddha Temple is also known as Sac Tu Quan Am Co Tu. It is located at 84/4, Rach Chua Street, Ward 4, Ca Mau City. The pagoda was built in 1840. After many renovations and embellishments, it still retains its ancient architectural features. With a tiled roof in the shape of a seal, modeled after the communal house roof of the Mekong Delta.

The unique feature in the architectural lines of the Tam Bao pagoda is the use of porcelain to cover the cement motifs. It creates an altar with the lines of the images of the mascots Dragon – Unicorn – Turtle – Phoenix. They are attached to form a slatted area surrounding the main hall like an umbrella covering the Buddha statues.

5.3 Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Ba Ma Chau Pagoda, is located at 68, Le Loi, Ward 2, Ca Mau City. In addition, it has a prime location because it is convenient for both road and river. Moreover, Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is a typical architectural work of the Chinese people of Ca Mau. It is famous as a sacred place, blessing peace and luck.

5.4 Monivongsa Bopharam Pagoda

Monivongsa Bopharam Pagoda was built in 1964 and is the largest and most beautiful pagoda in the area. The entire pagoda area is about 230 m². Including: the main hall, sala, monks’ houses, stupas, shrines, lotus ponds, etc. With its unique cultural features, it can be said that Monivongsa Bopharam Pagoda is a place to preserve the unique cultural values of the Khmer people in Ca Mau.

5.5 Ca Mau Floating Market

Ca Mau Floating Market is a floating market on the Ganh Hao River, about 200 m from Ganh Hao Bridge. It is located in Ward 8 in the center of Ca Mau City. In the past, the market was located in the middle of the Ba Pagoda intersection, about ten kilometers away. In the past, this was a place where people from all over gathered to make a living and sold many different types of goods.

Now, the market only sells products from the garden. Ca Mau floating market gathers on the river from 3–4 am to late afternoon. Here, people also trade in wards and associations like other markets on land.

5.6 Ca Mau night market

Ca Mau night market runs along Phan Boi Chau street, 6A and 6B streets. The market starts selling goods from around 4 pm to 10 pm with a bustling crowd of buyers and sellers. You can also easily find food and fast food stalls serving the needs of customers for refreshments and late-night meals.

5.7 Eco-tourism area 184

Eco-tourism area 184 is located in the middle of a mangrove forest in Cha La hamlet, Tam Giang commune, Nam Can, with an area of ​​252 hectares. It includes a strict conservation area and a buffer zone. Moreover, this is a forest with the characteristics of the Ca Mau mangrove ecosystem. In addition, the 184 biodiversity conservation area has 44 species of plants. Of which, there are 32 species typical of the mangrove ecosystem, dominated by mangrove trees over 20 years old. In particular, there are some rare species such as white toads, dung, su, parrots; there are 6 species of birds, 5 species of animals, 2 species of reptiles, 2 species of amphibians. They preserved flora and fauna to serve research, study, sightseeing, and tourism.

5.8 Ca Mau Cape

Ca Mau Cape is the tip of the cape, belonging to Dat Mui hamlet, Dat Mui commune. The tip of the cape has a strange shape and is advancing into the West Sea or the Gulf of Thailand at a speed of 50m to 80m per year. This is the southernmost point on the mainland of Vietnam. Ca Mau Cape is the only place on the mainland in Vietnam where you can watch the sun rise from the East Sea in the morning and set into the West Sea in the afternoon.

5.9 Mui Ca Mau National Park

Located in the Mui Ca Mau Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in April 2010. Mui Ca Mau National Park has a natural area of ​​41,862 ha, including a land area of ​​15,262 ha and a coastal area of ​​26,000 ha. Most of the land area is tidal mudflats and mangrove forests, with many plant species. In addition, of the approximately 60 species of higher plants, there are 26 species of mangroves and 02 species of double mangroves and quao nuoc listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

5.10 Ong Trang Sandbank

Ong Trang Sandbank is a sandbank mixed with alluvium, rising in the middle of the Cua Lon River estuary belonging to the Mui Ca Mau National Park tourist area. Moreover, Ong Trang Sandbank stands out with sandbanks covered with immense green mangrove trees, looking from afar like ink paintings in the middle of a vast river area. In particular, this is the only place with two islands and has become an interesting destination for those who want to explore the vast alluvial land in the southernmost part of the country.

5.11 Khai Long Tourist Area

On the way to Dat Mui, you will pass by the Khai Long tourist area. This is a sightseeing, entertainment, resort combined with spirituality. The tourist area is located in Khai Long hamlet, Dat Mui commune. When you come here, you will be able to visit the wild scenery, have fun, visit the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, … From here, you can also see Hon Khoai in the sea.

5.12 Hon Khoai

Hon Khoai has a clean, wind-sheltered coastline, is an anchorage and storm shelter for many fishing vessels at sea. It is also a breeding ground and shelter for many marine species. Hon Khoai sea with wide sandy beaches. When the tide is low, the sea is calm, the waves are calm, you can walk on Bai Lon, Bai Nho to learn about the life of marine species. And breathe the fresh air of the forest, of the sea.

5.13 Thi Tuong Lagoon

Every day, at dawn and dusk. The fishing scene on the lagoon becomes bustling with many types of vehicles such as boats, fishing nets, nets, traps, traps, etc. Especially, when night falls, thousands of oil lamps and electric lights sparkle on the surface of the lagoon like a lantern festival. When you come here, you will feel the amazing beauty of nature and enjoy the specialties of fish and shrimp of the river countryside.

5.14 U Minh Ha National Park

This is an area with typical flora and fauna of wetlands on peat layers formed by long-term accumulation of plant residues.

5.15 Hon Da Bac

Hon Da Bac includes Hon Ong Ngo, Hon Da Bac, Hon Da Bac Le. The highest peak of the island is about 50 meters above sea level. In addition, there are a few small pagodas on the island such as Hang Pagoda and Tinh Do Pagoda. In particular, on the highest peak of Hon Da Bac is the Nam Hai Temple – where the 13m long whale skeleton is worshiped.

Hon Da Bac also has natural vegetation belonging to the tropical island forest ecosystem. That vegetation is like a cloak to make Da Bac greener day by day. Typical animals are: hairy-nosed otters, pangolins, deer, long-tailed monkeys, wild boars, turtles, snakes, pythons, freshwater fish, birds, insects, etc.

5.16 Uncle Ba Phi’s House

Uncle Ba Phi’s real name is Nguyen Long Phi, born in 1884, in Rach Mui. This is a famous character with humorous stories spread in the provinces of Western Vietnam. In Uncle Ba Phi’s stories, the wild natural landscape, place names, land names, village names. And the difficult conditions of the people of Ca Mau – U Minh Ha forest are always present. That is what makes Uncle Ba Phi’s stories spread very widely. Uncle Ba passed away but left behind a treasure trove of humorous stories for future generations. Although not clearly recorded, they are still passed down by word of mouth and spread from North to South.

5.17 U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest

U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest is located in Ca Mau province, about 35,000 hectares wide, adjacent to U Minh Thuong Forest in An Giang province. U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest is closely related to U Minh Ha National Park because 8,256 hectares of forest are recognized as a national park. Meanwhile, U Minh Ha National Park is one of the three core areas of the world biosphere reserve, where there is a typical wetland ecosystem, Melaleuca forest on peat soil.

5.18 Cai Tau Strawberry Garden

Cai Tau Strawberry Garden is located adjacent to U Minh Ha Melaleuca Forest and along Cai Tau River, in Nguyen Phich Commune. For a long time, Cai Tau has been known as the “kingdom of the golden mulberry” (longan mulberry) in the Mekong Delta. Nearly a century ago, mulberry trees were present in this land. The origin of this tree was brought back from the islands in the sea.

At that time, seafarers brought the seeds back to plant on the mainland and people propagated them to share. Just like that, the strangely sweet and sour taste of Cai Tau mulberry was quickly developed into a garden by the people until today.

5.19 Tu Su Stork Garden

Tu Su Stork Garden was formed in the 2000s, from the establishment of an old farmer with a special love for wild birds. That is Mr. Tu Su – the owner of this land. The garden has a total area of ​​16 hectares. Of which, the area where birds and storks gather to live and breed is 10 hectares. In addition to the natural birds that live and roost, Mr. Tu Su also arranged bait sites. As well as providing food to attract birds to live here, build nests, and lay eggs.

5.20 Rach Giong Pagoda

Built in 1788, Rach Giong Pagoda has gone through many generations of abbots. By 2012, the pagoda inaugurated the main hall built on an area of ​​over 1,000 m², 36m high. And other ancillary items such as bridges, concrete roads, dining halls, monks’ quarters, sala, towers, … With elaborately carved patterns, unique, imbued with traditional Khmer Southern Buddhist architecture. The main hall of Rach Giong Pagoda is one of the most beautiful main halls among Khmer pagodas in Ca Mau province.

5.21 Bac Lieu Prince’s House

They built this villa in 1917, and it was the largest villa in the region at that time. This villa was built in French architecture. They transported all the materials from France to build the villa. The villa is in the campus, including: flower garden, protective fence, main house, kitchen, warehouse and auxiliary works. And they choose the house direction according to feng shui facing south and the Bac Lieu canal.

Currently, the house of Cong Tu Bac Lieu is located at 13-15 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City. This villa is often associated with the name “Cong Tu Bac Lieu”. That name was born with many anecdotes that people passed down to this day. Cong Tu Bac Lieu – Tran Trinh Huy is a real person, the son of a notorious rich landlord in Bac Lieu land and with anecdotes about Cong Tu Bac Lieu.

5.22 Ca Mau Bird Garden

About 6km from Bac Lieu city towards the sea, on a clean asphalt road named after the late musician Cao Van Lau. He is the composer of the song Da Co Hoai Lang, to the right, cross the 30/4 canal on a sturdy concrete bridge to reach Bac Lieu Bird Garden. It is located in Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu city.

Ca Mau Bird Garden is a remnant of the coastal mangrove forest. Due to natural sedimentation, it has gradually moved away from the East Sea. Standing on the high observation tower, Bac Lieu Bird Garden is truly a wonderful corner of nature in the Southern land. This is the home of birds, a diverse flora with mostly tamarind trees, date palms and tall trees like lam do trees and mixed species of tropical forests.

Ca Mau Bird Garden is an important nesting place for many species of water birds, typically species of teal, storks, herons, egrets, cormorants, black ibises and many other species of birds. Early in the morning, flocks of birds go foraging in faraway places, and at night they return to their nest in the Bird Garden. This is also the time when nocturnal birds begin their journey of activity, stirring up a corner of the sky and sea.

After nearly a century of existence, this place has had countless generations of bird species breeding and thriving. Usually in the rainy season, currently, through preliminary calculations, the number of birds in the Bird Garden is about 40 thousand birds and 5 thousand bird nests of all kinds.

5.23 Ca Mau Wind Farm

Ca Mau Wind Farm is a place that produces clean electricity in Vietnam. This is also the first wind power project in Vietnam. The large white blades are nearly 80m above the ground, rotating evenly in the wind, making many tourists excited. When coming to the wind power field, you will have for yourself extremely sparkling photos. Anyone who has the opportunity to come to Ca Mau must come here once and take really “deep” photos.

On cool days is a great time for you to come here to breathe fresh air, enjoy all the inherent natural beauty. The two ideal times to visit the wind power field are in the morning to catch the sunrise and in the afternoon when the sunset falls.

5.24 Vinh Hung Ancient Tower

Vinh Hung Tower is an ancient architectural relic. It is in Trung Hung I Hamlet, Vinh Hung Commune, Ca Mau. They built this tower on an area of ​​over 1,000 m². The base of the tower is rectangular with two sides of 5.6 m and 6.9 m, the remaining height of the tower is 8.2 m (the top of the tower has collapsed), the tower door faces the West.

Vinh Hung Ancient Tower dates back to the 9th century, and is an ancient architectural relic of the Khmer people in the South. They preserve this place as a national architectural and artistic relic in the Southwest. The Ancient Tower is an architectural work of the Oc Eo culture that remains strange. On the stele next to the tower, there are Sanskrit inscriptions clearly stating the time of King Yacocar-Man.

The entire tower is built of bricks, which are glued together with a type of glue. (There is a hypothesis that this glue is made from plants). During surveys and explorations, archaeologists have found pieces of pottery belonging to the Oc Eo culture and bronze statues – especially four-faced statues.

5.25 Phuoc Duc Ancient Temple

Phuoc Duc Ancient Temple is located on Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, next to the Bac Lieu Canal. This is the oldest temple of the Chinese people living in Bac Lieu. It was built by a group of Chinese people around 1810, the main altar is to worship Ong Bon. This is a god who is considered to have contributed to reclaiming land and helping people to settle down and have a peaceful life.

When you come to Phuoc Duc ancient temple, you will see with your own eyes the special architecture following the structure of the ancient Chinese. The entire temple is a large-scale and perfect artistic architecture from the rafters, the slanted ends to the sacred animals and patterns on the altars, all of which are delicately carved. It must be said that each part of the temple is an antique with high artistic value because they have existed for over 100 years. The stone and wooden plaques engraved with Chinese characters and gilded with gold are also valuable works. They are exquisitely carved in the style of Han Shu and Kai Shu in majesty and power.

5.26 Ca Mau ancient longan garden

Bac Lieu ancient longan garden is 6 km southeast of Bac Lieu city. It is located on the alluvial land from ancient times, stretching from Nha Mat ward to An Trach Dong commune, 7 km long.

The longan garden was formed about two hundred years ago, when the first settlers came here to reclaim the land. They planted the longan seeds they brought with them on the coastal sand dunes and harvested longan fruits with a very distinctive delicious taste.

Currently, the ancient longan garden stretches for dozens of kilometers and covers an area of ​​hundreds of hectares. Every year, it supplies the market with hundreds of tons of fruit. The longan garden has longan trees that are hundreds of years old, and the sweet, fragrant fruit is popular with tourists from all over.

5.27 Ho Nam Tourist Area

This is an ideal eco-resort to both explore the charming natural scenery of the river and enjoy attractive culinary specialties. The tourist area has a style close to nature but is no less luxurious. When staying here, you can experience all the services in the amusement park and extremely interesting folk games.

5.28 Nha Mat Amusement Park

Nha Mat Tourist Area has become a familiar destination for tourists in recent years. It is located right on the coast of Ca Mau, with many bathing areas for adults and children. With the artificial wave system, it gives visitors the feeling of being submerged in the real blue sea. In addition, there are many other works here, such as: green campus, multi-purpose stage, high-class resort, culinary area, many attractive games, …

5.29 Nam Hai Mother Statue – Dong Thien Pagoda

Nam Hai Mother Statue is the most prominent architectural, cultural and spiritual work in Ca Mau. This is a temple located close to the sea, built on an area of ​​25,000m2. Nam Hai Mother Statue is 11m high and is built facing the sea. Nam Hai Mother Statue also has the meaning of protecting those who go out to sea to fish and return safely. Every year, this place attracts thousands of visitors to visit and pray.

5.30 Cao Van Lau Musician Memorial Area

Cao Van Lau Musician Memorial Area is the final resting place of the famous author of Da Co Hoai Lang in Southern Vietnam. In 1997, the memorial site was recognized as a provincial historical relic. Here, visitors can hear about his life, career, and the development of art from Da Co. You also have the opportunity to visit for free the photo galleries of costumes, musical instruments, wax models of traditional music, etc.

5.31 Ghositaram Pagoda of the Khmer people

Ghositaram Pagoda in Ca Mau is a religious spiritual structure built in 1860. With a design imbued with the architectural style of the Khmer people. This is considered one of the most beautiful Southern Buddhist temples of the Khmer people. The pagoda consists of many typical areas, such as: main hall, monks’ house, lecture hall, stupa, an ana, etc. Next to the pagoda, there is a prominent main hall that appears brilliantly with a characteristic red-yellow color scheme.

5.32 Ca Mau Salt Fields

Salt fields have become a characteristic of Ca Mau. The Ca Mau salt fields are divided into squares and rows by the people, running straight. This place is one of the famous scenes in the photography world. And has also received many awards for photo exhibitions at home and abroad. When you come here, you will easily get great photos.

5.33 Tac Say Church

Tac Say Church has become a destination that attracts many religious followers. This place is associated with the story of Father Truong Buu Diep. The priest is considered a saint because of his sacredness, sacrificing himself for his religion to save his parishioners. Tac Say Church is a church with a very strange and unique 3-storey structure.

5.34 Xiem Can Pagoda

A typical Khmer temple in Ca Mau. Xiem Can Pagoda was built in the 19th century on a campus of 50,000 m². The pagoda has a majestic appearance with sophisticated architectural details. You will be amazed by the unique motifs, patterns, and sculptures. The pagoda follows Theravada Buddhism, worshiping Buddha Shakyamuni. This is an important place in the spiritual and cultural activities of the Khmer people when traveling to Ca Mau.

5.35 Cao Van Lau Theater

This place is known as the cradle of Southern amateur music. Famous for the Da Co Hoai Lang song by the late musician Cao Van Lau – who was honored and commemorated through the Cao Van Lau Theater. Ca Mau designed the Cao Van Lau Theater with a unique model of 3 conical hats gathered together. Surely everyone knows that conical hats are the symbol of Southern culture. This is also the way people show gratitude and respect for the late musician Cao Van Lau.

5.36 Dia Mau Cung – Three Temples

For fishermen in each sea area in Vietnam, they all have their own unique cultural and spiritual beliefs. Bac Lieu is also home to many spiritual sites in the Southwest. When traveling to Bac Lieu, you should look for temples to understand more about the culture here. Dia Mau Cung is a place to worship Ba with many mysterious spiritual stories. The architecture of the temple is extremely unique with extremely sophisticated sculptures.

5.37 Ganh Hao coastal town

When you come here, you will be able to admire the majestic and poetic nature of Ganh Hao. In addition, you can also immerse yourself in visiting the traditional craft villages of the local people and experience the life of the people in this Ganh Hao area.

5.38 Hung Vuong Square

The square was built in 2014 with a unique design and spacious, airy space. Right in the middle of the square is a zither placed on a 5-petal lotus and is recognized as the largest zither in Vietnam. This is a place chosen by locals and many tourists as a place to play, exercise or enjoy the cool breeze.

5.39 Truc Lam Bac Lieu Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is located in Nha Mat ward, about 8km from the center of Bac Lieu city, facing the sea. This is considered a large project related to Buddhism in Ca Mau. The entire Zen monastery is made of ironwood and Thanh Hoa stone. This is not only a place for Buddhist monks and nuns to practice, but also a place where local people come to practice their beliefs, visit and worship.

The beauty of the Zen monastery is a highlight of traditional spiritual cultural tourism that attracts visitors from all over to explore and experience.

5.40 Ong Pagoda – Quan De Temple

Ong Pagoda, also known as Quan De Temple, bears the strong cultural identity of the Chinese people in the South. And this is also a tourist destination with famous traditional Chinese architecture. Quan De was a general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in China. This place stands out with large, meticulously carved horizontal lacquered boards, with eye-catching colors that are boldly Chinese in style.

The tiled roof with many colors, carved with flying dragons and dancing phoenixes are extremely interesting. The temple also owns valuable artifacts such as ancient bells with great historical and artistic value cast from the Qing Dynasty.

5.41 341-year-old mango tree

The largest mango tree in Ca Mau, over 300 years old, is famous in the region and any tourist would want to visit it at least once. The 100-year-old mango tree is 20m tall with a canopy of over 300m2. The mango tree would take “6 people to hug” around. No one knows who planted the mango tree and when.

6. Some traditional festivals in Ca Mau

• Quan Am Phat Dai Festival: This festival takes place from the 21st to the 23rd of the third lunar month every year. It attracts thousands of visitors from far away to offer incense and pay their respects.
• Nghinh Ong Festival: held on the 9th and 10th of the third lunar month at the Whale Temple in Ganh Hao town. The festival commemorates the merits of the whale, which was named the Great General of the South Sea by coastal fishermen. Because it helped fishermen at sea overcome strong winds and waves.
• Da Co Hoai Lang Festival: takes place from August 13 to August 15 of the lunar calendar at the memorial site of musician Cao Van Lau. The festival aims to commemorate and pay tribute to his contributions to the birth and development of Vong Co songs.
• Noc Nang Festival: takes place from February 15 to February 17 of the lunar calendar in Gia Rai to commemorate and pay tribute to our ancestors. With the indomitable fighting spirit in 1928 on Noc Nang field. In addition, there are also activities such as: culinary exchange, chess competition, tug of war, kite flying, water carrying, blindfolded pot smashing, etc.

7. Specialties when traveling to Ca Mau

7.1 Nam Can Crab

Sea crab is a seafood with high economic value and is familiar to the people of Ca Mau. In addition, sea crab meat is very nutritious and can be processed into many delicious and attractive dishes. Among them, tamarind stir-fried sea crab is a favorite dish of many people. You can easily enjoy this dish in any restaurant in the Ca Mau area.

7.2 Grilled snakehead fish

Grilled dishes in Ca Mau are very famous, because they are delicious from the ingredients and grilled in many unique ways. It retains the essence and originality of the food. Grilled snakehead fish must be grilled with straw so that the fish meat is fragrant and delicious. After the straw is burnt, we take the fish out and scrape off the burnt scales on the outside to get a bright golden grilled snakehead fish.

While the fish is still hot, put it on a banana leaf and use chopsticks to make a cut on the back from head to tail. When the fish is cut open, smoke and the aroma inside will rise. It creates a characteristic aroma that is hard to resist.

7.3 Mudskippers

In the Ca Mau Cape region, there are mudskippers with big eyes, living in caves, knowing how to climb trees, and moving very quickly. On the menu, mudskippers are a favorite dish of many tourists, and can be processed into many delicious dishes. Mudskippers can be processed into many different dishes, the fish meat is fragrant, delicious, and sweet.

7.4 Catfish

Catfish are one of the famous specialties and have high economic value in the Ca Mau Cape region. If other saltwater fish such as sea bass, grouper, brown fish, goby, cobia, etc., people can buy young fish to raise in cages or shrimp ponds. However, catfish only live in the natural environment and have not been raised by Ca Mau people.

7.5 Khai Long Clams

Khai Long beach is shallow, the bottom is sandy, the terrain is relatively flat, so it is very suitable for sea clams to live and reside. Khai Long clams contain little sand, are large, plump, have a lot of meat, the meat is sweet and delicious, and can be processed into many delicious and nutritious dishes.

7.6 Spicy chicken rice noodles

There are 2 types of rice noodles: rice noodles with pork skin and rice noodles with meatballs. To have spicy chicken rice noodles, Ca Mau people combine rice noodles with spicy chicken curry. The chewy texture of the chicken meat combined with rice noodles and the spiciness of the curry water, bean sprouts, and herbs. It has created a spicy chicken curry dish typical of Ca Mau.

7.7 U Minh fish sauce hotpot

Ca Mau people in general, and U Minh people in particular, often eat rice with side dishes. Among them, fish sauce hotpot is one of the indispensable rustic dishes of the people of U Minh Ha. According to local people, to have a delicious fish sauce hotpot, it must be cooked with fish sauce.

In addition, the fish sauce has a distinctive aroma compared to other types of fish. The delicious fish sauce hotpot cannot lack lemongrass, mugwort, coriander, seasoned with a little sugar, or seasoning powder depending on taste. The vegetation of U Minh forest is extremely rich and especially has many specialties of freshwater fish, wild vegetables eaten with fish sauce hotpot.

7.8 Tac Van noodle soup

Noodle soup is a rustic and unforgettable dish of the people of the West, so is Tac Van noodle soup. In particular, the bowl of noodles has a faint aroma of fish sauce mixed with the sweet aroma of shrimp and pork skin, making the bowl of noodle soup an unforgettable dish and captivating many tourists. This noodle shop has been around for over 30 years, located right on Highway 1A on the central road of Ca Mau city, about 10km away.

7.9 Coconut crab noodle soup

For Ca Mau people, crabs are not only a source of income for family economic development but also for making many unique and nutritious dishes. Coconut crab noodle soup is a familiar dish of people in the Ca Mau river region. Moreover, this dish has the fatty taste of the broth, the sweetness of crab meat. And the soft and chewy noodles that will be very appealing when people taste them.

7.10 Goby fish cooked with vinegar

With abundant resources, Ca Mau cuisine is extremely rich, especially dishes made from fish. In addition to being braised with pepper, pickled cabbage, etc., Goby fish can also be made into goby fish cooked with vinegar. The dish stands out with its sour but light broth and sweet and fragrant meat that is truly impeccable.

7.11 Spicy beef noodle soup

This dish is extremely attractive on cold or rainy days. The broth is spicy, numbing the tongue, leaving a sweet aftertaste and when swallowed, one can feel the fatty and rich taste. Only when fully enjoying the “flavor and color” can one understand the scope of this dish. A dish that sounds simple but truly captivates many tourists when visiting Ca Mau.

7.11 Ngan Dua Rice Cake

They made the Ngan Dua Rice Cake from seasonal rice flour, so it is very fragrant, chewy and flexible. In addition, Ngan Dua Rice Cake is even more delicious when combined with pork skin. Drizzle a little coconut milk and garlic chili fish sauce on the cake plate to enjoy, it is truly unforgettable.

7.12 Ca Mau radish cake

Although the radish cake looks simple, it tastes very strange. The cake not only has the rich flavor of shrimp, the fatty taste of meat but also has a unique pungent taste in the nose. They prepared a soft, chewy cake with minced meat, carrots, peanuts, … That delicious flavor really makes tourists feel moved.

8. Accommodation when traveling to Ca Mau

When traveling to Ca Mau, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:

• Tran Vinh Hotel. Address: Hai Ba Trung, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau.
• Sai Gon Bac Lieu Hotel. Address: Hoang Van Thu, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau.
• Bac Lieu Hotel. Address: 4-6 Hoang Van Thu, Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau.
• Cong Tu Bac Lieu Hotel. Address: No. D13, Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau.
• A Dong Hotel. Address: 2/8 National Highway 1A, Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau.
• Thu Duy Resort. Address: 323 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hamlet 9, Ca Mau City, Ca Mau.
• Anh Nguyet Hotel. Address: 207 Phan Ngoc Hien Street, Ward 6, Ca Mau City, Ca Mau.
• Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau. Address: C3A Political and Administrative Center, Ward 9, Ca Mau City, Ca Mau.
• International Hotel. Address: 179 Phan Ngoc Hien, Ca Mau City, Ca Mau.
• Thanh Nhan 1 Hotel. Address: 12B Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 6, Hamlet 7, Ca Mau City, Ca Mau.

9. Specialties to buy as gifts when traveling to Ca Mau

9.1 Cowhide longan

Many people loved the Cowhide longan in Ca Mau. Because the fruit is large, juicy and has a sweet aroma that captivates people. Walking under the lush foliage on the days when the fruit is ripe, you will see the longan laden with branches, and at the same time watch the bustling life of the people here.

9.2 Ca Mau longan wine

People brewed the Longan wine from specialty cowhide longan and premium sticky rice wine. And some traditional Chinese herbs such as wolfberry and black beans. The wine has a rich, passionate and seductive taste. Moreover, longan wine is also very good for health, so it is always the best choice when buying gifts for relatives.

9.3 Con xai – xa bau

Wash fresh radish, cut into pieces and dry in the sun until completely wilted. Then mix and marinate with coarse salt, add a little seasoning to soak into the radish and you can use it immediately. Con xai is similar, but when marinating, add a little wine. Leave it in the con xai for about 2 weeks and it can be used.

9.4 Dried snakehead fish

Snakehead fish in Ca Mau are quite large, the meat is firm. So when dried, it is even more delicious. Many tourists buy Bac Lieu dried snakehead fish as gifts not only because it is convenient but also because it is delicious. When fried dry, it becomes crispy, and can also be roasted with garlic or grilled as a snack, which is also extremely delicious.

9.5 Boneless sour fish sauce

People made Ca Mau sour fish sauce from fresh perch and snakehead fish. Through the elaborate processing and marinating process, this boneless sour fish sauce has become a famous Ca Mau specialty as a gift.

9.6 Bon Bon

This is a wild plant, often abundant from June to November. They pickled these crispy and spicy bon bons to please diners.

9.7 Ba Khia fish sauce

They mixed the best Ba Khia fish sauce with sugar, garlic, chili and a little lemon juice. People often eat Ba Khia fish sauce with white rice or vermicelli. In addition, Ba Khia fish sauce mixed with papaya salad also has a delicious flavor. This will be a gift that will please relatives and friends after a trip to Ca Mau.

9.8 U Minh forest honey

The forest honey is not only pure and fresh, but the flavor is also extremely unique, rich in the cajuput forest of Ca Mau. Moreover, a valuable feature that must be mentioned is that the process of making U Minh forest honey is completely natural and wild. The bees here go out to collect nectar, live and create honey without any intervention from human hands.

9.10 Rach Goc dried shrimp

No one knows when the dried shrimp making profession in Ngoc Hien was formed. They only heard many elderly people say that it has been around for hundreds of years. At that time, in the coastal area here, people mainly worked as bottom fishermen, setting nets with abundant shrimp output, not all of which were consumed. They boiled the shrimp in light salt water, dried them, and stored them for later use.

After that, Chinese traders came to buy, and the people in the profession began to research to make more beautiful and quality products. In particular, Rach Goc’s dried shrimp was delicious and famous not only because of the delicious quality of the shrimp. But it also contained the essence of traditional processing techniques.

9.11 Thoi Binh snakehead fish sauce

Although Ca Mau is not the capital of fish sauce like Chau Doc (An Giang). But Ca Mau has many famous delicious fish sauces, including Thoi Binh snakehead fish sauce. The place where fish sauce has long been famous in the Southern region of Vietnam. The original Thoi Binh snakehead fish sauce has a fragrant smell, salty but rich taste, bright red fish meat, and can be stored for a long time without changing its flavor.

9.12 Fish sauce

There are many types of fish sauce in Ca Mau, but the most popular is still fish sauce. Fish sauce has only appeared in recent years. Because this type of trash fish has long been used as fish to make fish sauce or discarded.

Determined not to waste the abundant source of trash fish from nature. People in the localities: Nam Can, Ngoc Hien, Phu Tan, Tran Van Thoi… have processed it into a rustic sour fish sauce. But it is no less attractive to those who enjoy it.

9.13 Cai Tau Strawberry

The characteristic of Cai Tau strawberry is that it is large, thin-skinned, juicy, sweet, and slightly sour. When ripe, it has a beautiful yellow color. Cai Tau strawberry blooms at the end of winter and ripens at the end of spring. When the first rains of the season begin to fall heavily, usually right on the occasion of the April 30 – May 1 holidays every year.

9.14 Giac fruit wine

Giac fruit is one of the climbing plants, growing wild in forests, mixed gardens, fences and thriving in the fields of Ca Mau. Giac fruit has green fingertip-sized fruits that turn purple when ripe.

Previously, people in rural areas of Ca Mau only knew how to use Giac fruit as a spice. They used it to prepare rustic, country dishes such as sour soup, braised fish. However, in recent years, this fruit has been processed into Giac fruit wine and has been favored by consumers.

10. Some important notes when traveling to Ca Mau

To make your trip to Ca Mau safe and enjoyable. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:

• Prepare comfortable, cool and easy-to-move outfits. Wear sneakers or flat shoes for your walking exploration journey.
• Bring a jacket, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent for forest tours.
• Prepare some common medicines in case of emergency.
• Prepare comfortable, cool outfits.
• You should ask for prices before shopping or using services anywhere.
• Proactively choose modest and polite outfits. If you plan to visit sacred areas. Such as: pagodas, communal houses, temples, shrines, etc.
• You should bring a phone or a fully charged camera. Because there will be many beautiful places to check-in.
• Keep the landscape and environment clean, do not litter.
• You take care of your personal belongings. Especially expensive jewelry in crowded places.
• You can bring bottled water and snacks to replenish energy when needed.

With the travel experiences in Ca Mau shared above, we hope you will have a satisfactory trip to this famous garden land. A land with sea, forest, long rivers of fresh water, delicious food and hospitable people. Come to Ca Mau to forever remember the love of the land, the love of people, the steadfast love of the eternal love song “Da Co Hoai Lang”.

Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. With special appreciation for Ca Mau, we have dedicated to tourists who love this land the Mekong Delta tour with all the most special experiences for your upcoming vacation to Vietnam.