Top 15 Best Things For You to Do in Ca Mau
Top 15 Best Things For You to Do in Ca Mau
Why do many tourists travel to Ca Mau? What could be so appealing about this place that makes them eagerly anticipate traveling here? Surely, there's something captivating awaiting exploration. If you want to know what there is to discover here, let's explore the Top 15 Best Things For You to Do in Ca Mau with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
A Peek At Ca Mau
Ca Mau is the southernmost province of Vietnam, bordered by the sea on three sides. To the north, it borders Kien Giang; to the northeast, it borders Bac Lieu; to the east and southeast, it faces the East Sea; and to the west and southwest, it borders the Gulf of Thailand. Here, tourists can explore not only famous recreational spots but also savor many delicious dishes infused with the distinctive flavors of Ca Mau.
When Is The Ideal Time to Visit Ca Mau?
Ca Mau generally has a fairly pleasant climate, but tourists may prefer to visit during the dry season, which is considered an ideal time for traveling (from December to April of the following year). The rainy season lasts from May to November. If you plan your trip around July or August of Lunar year, you'll get to enjoy many delicious local dishes and specialties here.
How To Get To Ca Mau?
Ca Mau is over 300 km away from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and more than 1,900 km away from Hanoi. The most convenient way to travel from the northern provinces is by air. Tourists can choose flights to Can Tho from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways, with round-trip ticket prices ranging from 3 to 4 million VND. From Cantho Airport, travelers can reach Ca Mau by various means of transportation, with the most comfortable option being sleeper buses. Ticket prices range from 125,000 to 150,000 VND for the 155 km journey.
From Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can purchase bus tickets or drive themselves. Buses usually depart in the evening and arrive in the city center of Ca Mau after a 7-8 hour journey. Some reputable bus companies like Phuong Trang, Giap Diep, Mai Linh, or Tuan Hung offer one-way tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Ca Mau for around 190,000 - 200,000 VND.
If driving from Ho Chi Minh City to Ca Mau, follow the QL1A and Quan Lo - Phung Hiep route. The journey takes about 7-8 hours depending on rest stops. The road is quite good, but there are many rivers and canals. The bridges crossing these often have short lengths and steep slopes, so drivers should go slowly. Passing through towns and residential areas, speed limits are restricted to 40 to 60 km/h.
The best way to explore the city of Ca Mau is by motorbike, followed by car for longer distances. Thirdly, boats, ferries, and motorized boats are very popular due to Ca Mau's extensive river and canal system.
For a trip to Dat Mui, which is over 110 km from the city center, the most interesting experience is taking a high-speed boat to observe the local river life. The journey takes over three hours as the boat stops at small ports along the way. Travelers will reach the final destination at Dat Mui Market and continue by motorbike taxi to Dat Mui Tourist Area, about 4 km away, with a fare of around 50,000 VND per person.
Top 15 Best Things For You to Do in Ca Mau
1. Khai Long Beach - The 'Must-Visit' Check-In Spot for Youngsters
Ca Mau is known as the country's ultimate destination, often likened to the 'tail of the dragon' of Vietnam. The natural beauty here generously bestows travelers with unique and unparalleled tourist spots in Ca Mau, among which Khai Long Beach stands out as one of the most ideal.
Visiting this place, you'll immerse yourself in a serene scenery, listening to the gentle waves lapping against the shore, and feeling the bare feet blend with the stretch of white sand. The refreshing atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes will hold onto unforgettable memories with family, loved ones, and friends, like a gift accompanying the passing years.
Apart from possessing a stunning beach, this place also holds numerous hidden gems, embraced by the sea, promising as must-visit check-in spots in Ca Mau whenever you drop by.
The majestic mountains are another unforgettable highlight every traveler experiences upon setting foot in Khai Long. The raw beauty of nature somehow imprints itself in everyone's hearts, leaving behind unique imprints that never fade away.
Especially when you feel exhausted by the hustle and bustle of urban life, suffocated by the crowded city, undoubtedly, this is an ideal destination in Ca Mau reserved just for you.
2. Ca Mau Floating Market - The Distinctive Feature of the Water Region
The Ca Mau Floating Market is a characteristic cultural aspect of the Western region and a significant attraction for visitors here. Positioned in the heart of Ca Mau province, it's often referred to as the 'central hub' and likened to the 'heart' of this water-based region.
Travelers highly rate this place as the most appealing tourist spot in Ca Mau, blending the bustling atmosphere of trading activities and the tranquil, serene essence of the water-based countryside.
Upon setting foot here, you'll experience many novel things: watching the sunrise from a boat, swaying on the river, and being captivated by the melodious tunes of Ca Mau locals while relishing thousands of unique local dishes right on the boats...
What could be more interesting than spending a whole day on the river while enjoying various moments? You can start your day anew by sitting on a boat, witnessing the sunrise, and soaking up the fresh and cool air.
After that, why not order a bowl of bun rieu (crab noodle soup), hu tieu (noodle soup), or a serving of fish noodle soup to fuel up for the long day ahead? Wrapping up your morning meal with a hot, aromatic cup of coffee is sure to grant you unforgettable experiences when visiting Cà Mau.
3. Thi Tuong Lagoon - A Pristine Beauty
One of the must-visit spots in Ca Mau that the younger generation can't overlook is Thi Tuong Lagoon. True to its name, this is the largest shrimp and fish-raising area in Ca Mau, spanning hundreds of hectares, even referred to by locals as the 'Sea in the Plain.'
Thi Tuong Lagoon holds a serene and rustic beauty, reminiscent of the people in the Western region. It's hard to imagine that in Ca Mau, the Land of the Cape, such breathtaking natural landscapes exist. The tranquil water, vivid sky, and refreshing atmosphere are elements you'll immediately sense upon arriving here.
If you're someone keen on capturing picturesque moments, hurry up and head here to capture some stunning photos amidst this vast water region. The most precious moments are at sunrise, when the dawn gently illuminates the horizon, and at sunset bidding farewell to the long day, providing you with those deep and emotional photographs.
4. Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area
The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area is situated in Ward 1, Ca Mau City. This place not only serves as a location where the locals from the Cape Land express their deep respect for the country's leader but also stands as an educational site, transmitting revolutionary traditions to the younger generation. It's also a significant attraction for numerous tourists visiting the southernmost region of the country.
The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area comprises various components such as a shrine, stilt houses, a cinema, exhibition halls, a stone statue display, scenic lakes, greenery, internal pathways, and more. The traditional houses exhibit numerous artifacts, images, and precious historical materials showcasing the life and revolutionary career of Uncle Ho.
5. Bat Lagoon ( Đầm Dơi ) - An Ideal Check-In Spot in Cà Mau
It would be remiss not to mention Đầm Dơi when talking about tourist spots in Ca Mau. This is a brackish mangrove forest blessed by nature with rare and pristine beauty.
Upon arrival, you'll relish the lush, cool scenery enveloped by trees in all directions. Travelers can sit on a boat and glide along the water flow amidst the verdant foliage, savoring the splendid beauty of the Mekong Delta's riverine region.
Many might wonder: What makes Đầm Dơi stand out from other lagoon areas? Of course, the distinctive feature of Đầm Dơi that captivates tourists is its brackish water area, home to crocodiles and rare aquatic species, arousing the curiosity of many. Additionally, visitors get a firsthand view of the habitats of various rare migratory bird species, beholding the complete beauty of these birds.
6. U Minh Forest - The Soul of Ca Mau Land
When talking about tourist spots in Ca Mau, we immediately think of the image of the U Minh forest, enveloped year-round by thousands of trees. Visitors are drawn in by the unique ecosystem of U Minh Cajuput Forest. This place experiences two seasons: the flooding season and the dry season, each lasting for 6 months. The scenery and wildlife change with the seasons, leaving you wanting to return again.
The Melaleuca forest is named after the tree species that dominate this area, including other extremely precious species like năn, móp, and various types of climbing plants.
Visiting U Minh Ha Forest, travelers will experience the sensation of gently floating on the river amidst the green carpet of floating water-fern and water lilies. Even a few quick snaps with your camera can turn into breathtaking natural masterpieces.
7. Cape Ca Mau ( Mũi Cà Mau )
Cape Ca Mau has long been regarded as the southernmost point of Vietnam, symbolizing immense sovereignty and sacred significance for the nation. Located approximately 100 kilometers away from Ca Mau City, in Mui ( Mũi ) hamlet, Dat Mui ( Đất Mũi ) commune, Ngoc Hien district, Cape Ca Mau is marked by a solidly built monument and coordinates. Its distinctive feature lies in its rich biodiversity, hosting a Ramsar site along with numerous rare and precious plant species.
8. Ba Thien Hau Temple - A Sacred Site
Ba Thien Hau Temple, also known as Ba Ma Chau Pagoda by the locals in Cà Mau, was established in 1882 by Chinese immigrants who came here to settle and make a living in Thới Bình. After several restoration phases, the temple has preserved its ancient and dignified appearance, carrying a strong Chinese architectural style in every design detail.
The main hall of the temple exudes an extremely solemn atmosphere, adorned with red couplets and the lingering smoke of incense. In the center of the main hall, there is a shrine dedicated to Lady Thien Hau. Below her shrine, there are altars for the worship of the Tiger God, as well as the Earth God and the Kitchen God on the left and right sides, respectively.
Every year, during the Lady Thien Hau Ceremony (on the 23rd of March in the lunar calendar), this Cà Mau tourist destination holds grand ceremonies with various religious rituals, including the bathing of the statue and changing of new robes. Additionally, there are cultural activities that attract international tourists to pray for peace, prosperity, and encounter many auspicious things in life...
9. Ca Mau Mangrove Forest
The Ca Mau Mangrove Forest is located approximately 60km from the city. After a few hours by speedboat, you'll arrive to explore the second-largest mangrove forest in the world, only after the Amazon rainforest in South America.
The vegetation in this forest is incredibly diverse, comprising various species such as Avicennia, Rhizophora, Aegiceras, and vines. Once in the mangrove forest, you'll navigate through the river and venture into the midst of the refreshing green canopy of trees.
This Ca Mau tourist spot has now been equipped with bridge and road systems, pathways within the forest, allowing visitors easy access. You can journey through the forest by foot or use small boats, canoes to admire the unique beauty of the mangrove forest, explore the sandbars, go crab fishing, camp outdoors, and savor local specialties.
10. Nam Can ( Năm Căn ) Melaleuca Forest
The Năm Căn Melaleuca Forest - the 184 Biological Diversity Zone, lies amidst the melaleuca forest in Cha La hamlet, Tam Giang commune, just about an hour by speedboat from the Ca Mau floating market.
Here, visitors can explore the diverse nature and marvel at the untamed beauty of the vast mangrove forest. There are towering melaleuca trees standing in close formation, reaching straight up into the sky, making anyone who gazes upwards feel as if their necks could strain looking for the top.
11. Cà Mau International Eco-tourism Area
This Ca Mau tourist spot caters to everyone's needs, making it perfect for family outings. The International Eco-tourism Area covers a total area of 20 hectares and includes various sections like the central square, recreational fishing area, Culinary Village, Ba Phi Village, craft village, along with convenient facilities for relaxation and accommodation.
Take a leisurely stroll under the canopy of trees, rent a fishing rod to catch ingredients for your meal, or row a three-leaf boat while listening to Ba Phi's stories and folk songs. After a day of activities, you can sway on a hammock for a long nap or experience the eco-friendly bungalow services. What's special here is the opportunity to indulge in a myriad of Southern dishes while immersing yourself in the unique rural atmosphere.
12. Song Trem ( Sông Trẹm ) Eco-tourism Area
Situated in U Minh district, the Sông Trẹm Eco-tourism Area boasts serene surroundings with the lush greenery of the melaleuca forest. Visitors come here to relax and rejuvenate. Covering a total area of 110 hectares (including the melaleuca forest), this pristine forest, aged several decades, is wild and meticulously preserved, providing habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The meandering Sông Trẹm resembles a silk ribbon amidst the U Minh forest, with an average depth ranging from 3 to 4 meters and a width varying from 80 to 100 meters, exhibiting water colors that change with the seasons. Particularly during the rainy season, the river water turns a dark brown hue. As spring arrives, the fragrant scent of melaleuca flowers entices tourists, marking the season when bees return to build hives, creating the renowned specialty, honey.
13. Cai Tau Strawberry Garden
During a visit to the tip of Ca Mau, tourists can't afford to miss this fantastic destination. Along the flow of the Cai Tau River in Nguyen Phich commune, U Minh district, Ca Mau province, one encounters a picturesque scene of lush green gardens extending along both sides of the river. Around April and May, this green hue gives way to shimmering yellow, signalling the arrival of the Cai Tau strawberry season. Every year, as the strawberries ripen, it draws hundreds of tourists daily.
At Cai Tau, you'll easily spot strawberry plants that are several decades old, laden with berries. Towards the end of winter, these plants bloom, and by late spring, they bear ripe fruit. While still green, the strawberries have a hard, greenish shell that turns thin, smooth, and shiny yellow when ripe. Each fruit is juicy, with numerous small segments, offering a refreshing, mildly sweet and tangy taste that perfectly complements the hot and sunny weather of the Southern region.
14. Khoai Island ( Đảo Hòn Khoai )
Khoai Island comprises several small islands: Hòn Khoai, Hòn Tượng, Hòn Sao, Hòn Đồi Mồi, Hòn Đá Lẻ. Among these, Hòn Khoai is the largest island, covering an area of about 4km2 and is also the highest above sea level. The name "Khoai Island" originates from its shape, resembling a potato, and that's how it has been known up to now.
Hòn Khoai is a rocky island with pristine forests that remain almost untouched, featuring various precious woods and a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, captivating countless travelers. Visitors will be enchanted by the stunning natural landscapes here; Khoai Island boasts long coastlines, sheltered from the wind, serving as a mooring and shelter for fishermen and as a breeding ground and sanctuary for many marine creatures. Travelers can explore the 100-year-old lighthouse situated atop the highest point of Khoai Island.
15. Silver Stone Island ( Hòn Đá Bạc )
People from Ca Mau call Hon Da Bac Island the "Jade Eye" of the Western region. Besides celebrating the island's beauty, it's also likened to a vigilant eye guarding the Southwest sea area of Vietnam.
The name "Hon Da Bac" comes from the numerous stacked granite stones surrounding it, forming unique shapes. From afar, the island appears silver-coated, shimmering under the sunlight. Apart from its raw beauty of rocks and the azure sea, Silver Stone Island boasts artistic wonders brimming with beauty.
Vietnam Budget Carrental has shared with you incredibly convincing reasons why you should seize the opportunity to travel to Ca Mau with the Top 15 Best Things For You to Do in Ca Mau. Hopefully, after reading, you'll discover your own favorite spot to turn it into your unique check-in destination.
