My 4-day trip to the Mekong Delta took place in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu in early January this year. Unlike other tourist destinations I had visited, this time I chose 2 small and exotic cities in southern Vietnam.
Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, is famous for its natural landscapes and biodiversity. Bac Lieu, meanwhile, is renowned for its unique culture and its musical traditions Don ca tai tu - one of the intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO.
In this review, I will show you a detailed itinerary to explore these 2 treasures of the Mekong Delta, to discover their culture and nature. Next, I’m going to share with you my 4-day itinerary in Ca Mau Bac Lieu.
My 4-day trip to the Mekong Delta began in Ho Chi Minh City. As per my research, there are many ways to get to Ca Mau, from bus to plane, depending on your budget and mobility. To save time, I chose to fly directly to Ca Mau, which only took about 1 hour.
As soon as I arrived, the agency took me to the hotel to drop off my luggage, rest, and eat. In the afternoon, I went to visit U Minh Ha mangrove forest. This is a forest very suitable for nature lovers, who want to admire various rare species of flora and fauna such as wild boars, monkeys, deer, and a variety of fish that live there. After that, I participated with residents in draining ponds or catching fish with nets, picking water lilies and wild vegetables.
I finished my first day by visiting the Ca Mau Cape – the southernmost point of Vietnam. Famous for its location in Ca Mau Cape Cultural Tourist Park, this place contains all the symbols of Ca Mau Cape. The Ca Mau Cape Monument, the Crab Symbol, the Hanoi Flag Tower and the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail are sites that have had a profound impact on me and are must-see places in this country.
As a land with diverse ecosystems, I see that this place has developed many unique dishes. Once there, you should try some seafood dishes such as Nam Can Crab, Grilled Snakehead Fish, and Stir-fried Coconut Snails. I particularly love the pineapple fish braised in a clay pot with its rich flavor, and moderate sweet-salty spiciness creating a dish that pairs well with rice, eat it once and you will be addicted to it forever. Additionally, you can try U Minh fish sauce hotpot.
During my visit to the Ca Mau floating market, located at the end of the Ganh Hao River, I had an unforgettable experience. From 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., the entertainment was incredible, with canoes loaded with fresh produce and crafts. I discovered a variety of tropical fruits, like mangoes, rambutans, and durians, while swapping stories with the vendors. This market was not only a place of commercial exchange, but also a true reflection of the local culture, where I was able to appreciate the hospitality of the inhabitants and the richness of the artisanal traditions.
I was surprised to see that Ca Mau has many places for nightlife, including the night market. When the city lights up, the Ca Mau night market begins its bustling life, which lasts until midnight. In addition, several tourists like me come to experience this land. The entertainment activities are also very exciting, as the bars here serve delicious cocktails, and also hold events regularly. Music performances as well as guest DJs to perform energetic music.
I left Ca Mau early in the morning to go to Bac Lieu. The ride took about an hour, through picturesque landscapes of the Mekong Delta. I enjoyed the view of the green rice fields and small villages, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
Upon arrival, I visited the famous Ghositaram Pagoda, an architectural masterpiece in Khmer style. Built in the 19th century, it is notable for its colorful tiled roofs and detailed carvings. As I walked around the grounds, I learned that this pagoda is an important place of worship for the locals, symbolizing their faith and culture. I was touched by the peaceful atmosphere there, as well as the devotion of the visitors.
Then, I moved to the Bac Lieu bird garden, a true haven of peace. I was amazed by the diversity of species, from herons to ibises, roaming freely in their natural habitat. This park offers many activities, such as photography and leisurely walks, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of nature. I am deep in discoveries and emotions while visiting this tourist site.
After 3 days of exploring the Mekong Delta, I decided to spend my last day relaxing and relaxing at Bac Lieu Beach. During the day, Bac Lieu Beach is quite calm and wild.
There are no sports services such as boating, surfing, or team building. The main activities are swimming, sunbathing, and barbecuing on the beach... That's why I looked to rent a tent in Bac Lieu town to camp here.
My Ca Mau - Bac Lieu 4 days itinerary was an unforgettable experience. Among the highlights, I particularly enjoyed the lively floating markets, the boat rides through the mangroves, and the discovery of the local gastronomy. I highly recommend visiting these cities, as they offer a unique immersion into Vietnamese culture. Additionally, the Mekong Delta is full of natural and historical treasures worth exploring. Many thanks to Autour Asia, my Vietnam travel agency for accompanying me throughout the trip.
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