Top 15 Best Things You Cannot Miss in Bac Lieu
If you're looking for a place with plenty of diverse locations to create memorable check-in photos, then you definitely can't miss Bac Lieu. So, what's interesting here? Let's explore the Top 15 Best Things You Cannot Miss in Bac Lieu with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
A Brief Introduction of Bac Lieu
Bac Lieu is one of the 13 provinces in the Southwest region of Vietnam, situated within the Mekong Delta area. It is located 280 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 100 km from Can Tho City, and 50 km from Soc Trang City. This place is known as a land "covered" in gold due to its vast rice fields and famous for the story of the Bac Lieu dandy. Compared to many other provinces in the Mekong Delta, Bac Lieu is considered one of the "paradises" for tourism with numerous exciting check-in spots.
When is the best time to visit Bac Lieu?
The weather in the Southwest region of Vietnam always has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Each season, Bac Lieu reveals its unique beauty and offers many attractive places to visit, suitable for each period. Therefore, tourists can explore and experience Bac Lieu at any time of the year.
However, it's recommended to visit Bac Lieu around the 8th lunar month because this is the time when the longan orchards are in the harvesting season. Coming to Bac Lieu during this time, you will have the opportunity to explore the longan orchards and directly enjoy the bunches of ripe, sweet longans right in the orchard.
Moreover, in the 10th lunar month, there is the Ok Om Bok Festival, one of the three major festivals of the Khmer people held annually. You can visit Bac Lieu during this time to experience this festival.
How do you get to Bac Lieu?
If you take a private car transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu, it is approximately 280 km away, and the travel time by car takes about 6 hours. If you don't drive yourself, you can choose reputable bus brands operating on this route, such as Phuong Trang, Hoang Yen, Kim Yen, with ticket prices ranging from 190,000 to 210,000 VND.
For travelers from the North and Central regions, you can take flights from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Nang to Can Tho operated by airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airlines, with prices ranging from 1,500,000 to 2,700,000 Vietnamese Dong. Then, take a bus to Bac Lieu via bus companies like Phuong Trang, Tuan Hung, Vu Linh, with ticket prices from 80,000 to 100,000 VND. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours.
For getting around within the city, apart from using a motorbike or private car, you can opt for buses - a fairly common mode of transport operating at high frequencies.
Top 15 Best Things You Cannot Miss in Bac Lieu
1. Nha Mat Resort in Bac Lieu
When it comes to Bac Lieu, one place that immediately comes to mind is Nha Mat Amusement Park. This is a famous destination in the province with stretches of white sand beaches and habitats for lots of fresh delicious seafood.
Located in Nha Mat ward, Bac Lieu city, the resort is an ideal place for sightseeing and relaxation. Additionally, Nha Mat Bac Lieu owns a leading ecological area and entertainment complex in the province.
With just one trip to Nha Mat, you can feel the joy here with seafood like shrimp, squid, and octopus freshly caught by yourself. After catching, you can request the eateries to cook the seafood right away.
2. Bac Lieu Wind Farm
Since its completion until now, The Wind Farm in Bac Lieu has quickly become a famous check-in attraction in the Mekong Delta. In Bac Lieu, visitors travel along Cao Van Lau Street leading to the ocean in Bien Dong A hamlet, Vinh Trang Dong ward. From there you can find a Vietnamese wind power plant.
Here there are thousands of horizontal wind turbines. The gigantic turbines are visible spinning with huge blades from kilometers away, resembling immense spinning tops in the sky.
In recent years, Bac Lieu “Wind Farm” has attracted tens of thousands of tourists coming to check-in and take photos. It is considered one of the most beautiful photo spots in Bac Lieu.
3. Xiem Can Khmer Pagoda
Xiem Can Pagoda is famous as one of the most splendid Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta region. The pagoda is located in Hiep Thanh ward, Bac Lieu city. Xiem Can is popular with visitors for its majesty and beautiful architectural design. Most tourists are captivated by the antique beauty of the pagoda.
The highlight in Xiem Can's architecture is the harmonious blend of Khmer culture and the southern region. Inside the gate is a towering yellow entrance gate. The intricately carved gate stands facing the street. The accent on the gate is three towers in the style of Angkor Wat. Craftsmen also decorated the pagoda with carvings of multi-headed snakes, bearing the cultural and artistic imprint of the Khmer people.
4. Phuoc Duc Ancient Assembly Hall
Phuoc Duc Ancient Assembly Hall is the symbolic art relic of the Chinese community in Bac Lieu, the oldest temple associated with the ups and downs of Chinese people here. The ancient hall is located on Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu. The temple harbors many stories about the unique cultural tradition of this land.
Inside the main hall is an altar used to worship Mr Bon - a god honored for his merits in developing the land and helping residents build their lives. Praise for Mr. Bon helps Bac Lieu people steadfastly believe in building the prosperous region that exists today and beyond.
When visiting Phuoc Duc Ancient Assembly Hall, tourists can witness firsthand the traditional Chinese architectural style, with every detail reflecting a unique cultural identity of this century-old community in Bac Lieu.
5. Bac Lieu Bird Garden
The Bac Lieu Bird Garden is also situated in Nha Mat Ward, Bac Lieu City. This place is widely known among tourists as one of the most diverse ecological areas in the Mekong Delta. The garden is currently home to over 100 species of birds and storks. The total number of individuals residing in the garden can reach over 60,000. The garden also houses many rare bird species listed in both Vietnam and global red books.
The Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary has rapidly become an unmissable destination for tourists due to its extremely rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. As soon as visitors set foot in the garden, they are immediately captivated by the chirping and bustling of thousands of birds. Everything seems to paint a vibrant and captivating picture of nature right before our eyes.
6. Mother Nam Hai Temple in Bac Lieu
The Quan Am Phat Dai area, also known as the Mother Nam Hai (South Sea) Buddha, is highly renowned among pilgrims and travelers who visit Bac Lieu City. The Mother Nam Hai Buddha has a significant reputation, not only among the locals in Bac Lieu and the South but also throughout the entire country.
The Mother Nam Hai Temple is located in Nha Mat Ward. This place is often likened to a masterpiece of architecture, culture, and spirituality. This architectural work has played a significant role in shaping the distinctive features of Bac Lieu up to the present day.
Every year, the Quan Am Phat Dai welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from all over who come to pay respects and seek blessings. The most remarkable attraction for tourists is the 11-meter-tall statue of Mother Nam Hai, facing east. This statue holds immense significance in protecting and bestowing blessings upon the vast sea and its fishermen.
7. Vinh Hung Ancient Tower in Bac Lieu
The Vinh Hung Ancient Tower is a masterpiece of ancient Khmer architecture in the region of the Southwestern part of Vietnam. It stands as a remnant of a once highly developed community dating back centuries in the land of Bac Lieu.
Located in Vinh Hung A Commune, Vinh Loi District, this structure has been honored as a national-level architectural and artistic relic. Most significantly, it remains the sole intact cultural and artistic heritage site in the Western region. A French archaeologist has evaluated this tower as an invaluable heritage that Bac Lieu possesses.
The Vinh Hung Tower retains its simple and rustic beauty from ancient times. It is surrounded by a thick wall enclosing its exterior. At the top, there's an old-style sloping roof. The tower has an entrance facing the West. Its current estimated height is around 8.2 meters due to some damage at the top. However, the base of the tower remains relatively intact, measuring 5.6 meters by 6.9 meters.
8. The Bac Lieu Mansion
Situated at 13 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 3, Bac Lieu City, The Cong Tu Bac Lieu House showcases grandeur and sophistication in its French-style architecture. Built entirely from materials imported from France, this house has become an icon of elegance in the Southern provinces for centuries.
What captivates visitors coming from all corners is not only the architectural design or historical artifacts but also the stories of the tumultuous life of the Bac Lieu Tycoon. This figure was renowned as one of the most prominent personalities in the Southern region back in the day.
Furthermore, the mansion retains numerous valuable artifacts from the era of the Bac Lieu Tycoon's family. Items like tables, chairs, beds, and precious porcelain are all carefully preserved. Visitors here are submerged into a slow-motion film, a vivid depiction of the luxurious lifestyle of the Tran family from ancient times.
Although time and historical upheavals have caused some artifacts to lose their original beauty, what remains significant is that everything, including this mansion, stands as a testament to the prosperity of the Tran lineage, enduring through time.
9. Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu
Tac Say Church in Bac Lieu possesses an architecturally stunning design that deeply resonates. The church holds a sacred significance for the Christian community. Legend has it that when Father Truong Buu Diep was alive, he often provided great care and assistance to the people in the vicinity.
Upon his tragic demise, the Christian community and locals were immensely sorrowful. Hence, after Father's burial, they constructed Tac Say Church right beside his grave to express reverence and seek blessings for this land.
The architectural beauty of Tac Say Church rivals any heritage site in the Mekong Delta region. The church evokes touching stories about Father Diep's life. It's considered a gem amidst the land of Bac Lieu. Annually, Tac Say Church warmly welcomes numerous pilgrims and visitors who come here for pilgrimage and prayer.
10. Hung Thien Pagoda
Hung Thien Pagoda in Bac Lieu, situated approximately 8 kilometers from the city center, stands serenely on the tranquil land of Hung Hoi commune, Vinh Loi district. Hung Thien Pagoda holds great spiritual significance in the religious life of the local people here.
Its most renowned feature is the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara ( Phật Bà Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát ), affectionately called Mother Dong Hai. This statue stands at an impressive height of over 43 meters, regarded as the tallest Buddha statue in the Western region to date.
Passing through the triple gate, one's gaze is captivated by 32 statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, each posing uniquely, creating an immensely mystical and sacred scene. The pagoda spans a spacious area of around 2 hectares and maintains a serene and solemn atmosphere. Visitors are advised to be mindful of their actions to preserve the tranquility and avoid making noise that could disturb others when visiting.
>>Read more: Top 10 Most Famous Pagodas To See in Vietnam
11. Cao Van Lau Memorial Area
Alongside the Mansion of Bac Lieu's Affluent, the Cao Van Lau Memorial Area is a must-visit destination when setting foot in this city. The memorial area sprawls over a piece of land adorned with numerous green trees, covering a total area of up to 12,000 square meters. This structure is divided into several sections such as the tomb area of the late musician, an exhibition area displaying photographs, an outdoor stage, and more.
Right after passing through the main gate, you'll immediately notice a large water pond and an immensely grand statue depicting a monochord - a distinctive musical instrument of the traditional "don ca tai tu" art form. Just behind this statue stands another sculpture of the late musician Cao Van Lau, with the lyrics of "Dạ cổ hoài lang" (a famous Vietnamese song) engraved on the green stone wall behind it.
This site can be considered both a resting place dedicated to the late musician Cao Van Lau and a repository of valuable materials concerning his life as well as the development of the "don ca tai tu" musical genre. If you admire him or wish to explore more about the history of this region, this destination is definitely not to be missed on your tour of Bac Lieu.
12. Ghositaram Pagoda
Located in Vinh Loi district, Ghositaram Pagoda in Bac Lieu is a prominent tourist spot in Bac Lieu, showcasing the local people's Buddhism beliefs vividly. With its splendid architecture resembling a miniature museum, this pagoda stands as one of the most beautiful Khmer structures in the Mekong Delta region.
Built in 1860, this pagoda sits on a land area of over 4 hectares, enveloped by characteristic rows of palm trees. Adhering to the traditional architectural style of Theravada Buddhism, Ghositaram Pagoda radiates grandeur with its captivating colors of red, yellow, and vibrant green.
Upon stepping into the pagoda, you'll be awestruck by the grandiosity and magnificence of the main hall area, adorned with meticulous and elaborate patterns and murals on the walls, pillars, and tiered roofs. Notably, artisans spent over 4 years perfecting these decorative details.
13. Salt Fields
As the capital of a 100-year-old salt-making craft, Bac Lieu boasts vast salt fields waiting for exploration when you visit. Among them, Dong Hai and Hoa Binh are the two most renowned districts with extensive salt fields.
The best time to visit Salt Farm in Bac Lieu is from December to April next year. This period marks both the dry season in Bac Lieu and the local people's salt harvesting season. Hence, you'll have ample opportunities to capture stunning and picturesque "Insta-worthy" photos.
The most fascinating part about checking in amidst these salt fields is witnessing the piles of salt sparkle like precious gems under the sunlight. Thus, it's advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon (during sunset) to catch the most stunning natural light.
14. Ancient Lychee Garden in Bac Lieu
When you're in the Mekong Delta region, exploring fruit gardens is a must. In Bac Lieu, there's a distinctive ancient lychee garden where the lychee trees are over a hundred years old. Due to their long lifespan, these trees have fascinatingly contorted shapes. Of course, the lychees in this garden maintain their famous flavor.
To reach this captivating spot in Bac Lieu, you can travel along Cao Van Lau Road toward the sea for about 6 kilometers. As you proceed, you'll gradually witness the vast lychee garden extending from Hiep Thanh to Vinh Trach Dong.
Visiting this garden, you'll have the chance to handpick ripe lychees and taste them right there amidst the garden while enjoying the traditional music of "Don Ca Tai Tu" under the refreshing shade of the trees. The best times to visit this ancient lychee garden are in May (when the lychee trees are in bloom) or in September (when the lychees are ripest).
15. Bac Lieu Beach
Not extravagant or luxurious like the stunning white sand beaches in Vung Tau or Nha Trang, Bac Lieu's coastline retains a raw, rustic charm. Yet, it offers expansive sandbanks that yield the freshest seafood specialties from the coastal area.
Bac Lieu Beach stretches over 156 kilometers with important estuaries like Ganh Hao, Nha Mat, Cai Cung... Surrounding the beach are rows of mangroves, fishing boats swaying in the wind, and sparkling coconut palms dancing in the breeze.
Here, you can immerse yourself in beachfront houses, savor seafood, and inhale the refreshing sea breeze deeply. The eateries along the coast aren't loud or flashy; the lights aren’t bright and flashy, they softly illuminate, offering a serene ambience. You can also stroll on the concrete bridge north of the Nha Mat area offshore, feeling the swaying sensation as if riding the ocean waves.
Make sure to pack your bags and photography gear because the Top 15 Best Things You Cannot Miss in Bac Lieu will certainly not disappoint you. We hope that you will have memorable moments when traveling to Bac Lieu.
