TRAVEL GUIDE TO CA MAU: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISIT

Ca Mau is one of the Vietnam’s southernmost gems, a destination that promises a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit. If you are the first time to visit Ca Mau, so do not worried. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Ca Mau, as well as the top attractions in this city.

1. Where is Ca Mau?

Ca Mau is located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its stunning wetlands, the province is bordered by the East Sea to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the west, making it a vital part of Vietnam’s coastal geography.

As the southernmost point of the country, Ca Mau is famous for Cape Ca Mau (Mui Ca Mau), where visitors can stand at the end of the S-shaped map of Vietnam.

Ca Mau

2. How to get there?

There is many travel options depending on your starting point to Ca Mau:

– By Bus: For a more economical and scenic journey, long-distance buses run daily from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. The trip takes about 7-8 hours, depending on traffic. Some high-quality bus operators like Phương Trang, Giáp Diệp, Mai Linh, and Tuấn Hưng offer tickets for the Ho Chi Minh City – Ca Mau route at around 180.000 – 200.000 VND per trip (7.2 – 8 USD).

– By Car: Renting a car or hiring a private driver allows for flexibility and the chance to explore the Mekong Delta at your own pace. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Ca Mau typically takes around 6-7 hours.

3. The ideal time to visit Ca Mau

The climate is quite pleasant year-round, but the ideal time to visit Ca Mau is during the dry season, from December to April of the following year.

The rainy season lasts from May to November. If you visit around July to August in the lunar calendar, you’ll have the chance to enjoy many local delicacies.

4. Top attractions in Ca Mau

4.1. Ca Mau Cape World Biosphere Reserve

Ca Mau Cape World Biosphere Reserve is a natural mangrove forest ecosystem recognized by UNESCO. It includes the Mui Ca Mau National Park, U Minh Ha National Park, and the protective forest area along the West Sea.

This place is one of the top attractions in Ca Mau.

Rich and diverse flora and fauna at Mui Ca Mau World Biosphere Reserve.

A must-try experience is taking a boat ride through the forest in Mui Ca Mau National Park, participating in mangrove planting, observing various species of flora and fauna, or joining locals in honey harvesting in the U Minh Ha forest while listening to tales about Bac Ba Phi.

You can rent a boat to go downstream to explore the landscape of U Minh Ha National Park.

A beautiful corner of the sky of Ca Mau Cape.

Address: Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.2. Thi Tuong Lagoon

Thi Tuong Lagoon is known as the “inland sea of the plains.” It is also the largest lagoon in the Mekong Delta region, stretching 12 km in length, with the widest part measuring 2 km and the deepest point at 1.5 meters.

Thi Tuong Lagoon consists of three main sections: Upper Lagoon, Middle Lagoon, and Lower Lagoon, with the Middle Lagoon being the largest.

Fishermen set traps on Thi Tuong lagoon.

Riding a motorboat across the lagoon, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural scenery, observe the daily lives of local fishermen, or participate in activities such as net fishing, angling, and trapping fish. Additionally, visitors can savor fresh delicacies like fish, clams, shrimp, and crabs.

Address: Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.3. Floating Market

Ca Mau Floating Market is a bustling hub where many boats sail by, accompanied by the lively sounds of buyers and sellers. The most appealing aspect of this is the boats laden with Western specialties, including fresh fruits, regional delicacies, and essential household items for daily life.

Visit Ca Mau Floating Market to experience the life of people in the countryside.

The busiest time at the market is between 4 and 6 AM when boats begin to dock. During this time, not only can you shop for fresh produce, but you also have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique rhythm of life on the river, just like the locals.

Scenery of Ca Mau Floating Market on the Ganh Hao River, bustling with boats and canoes.

Visiting Ca Mau Floating Market offers a vibrant, colorful scene of life on the water. Additionally, you can enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset over the Gành Hào River while savoring the Western delicacies sold on the boats.

Address: Ward 7, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.4. Hon Khoai Island

Hon Khoai Island consists of several smaller islands: Hòn Khoai, Hòn Tượng, Hòn Sao, Hòn Đồi Mồi, and Hòn Đá Lẻ. Among them, Hòn Khoai is the largest island, covering an area of about 4 km², and it is also the highest island, rising 318 meters above sea level.

Hon Khoai Island

The flora of Hon Khoai is diverse, with over 1,400 species, including fruit trees, timber trees, and medicinal plants. The fauna is also rich, featuring species such as monkeys, wild chickens, reticulated pythons, monitor lizards, white-bellied squirrels, and more than 20 species of rare birds.

The island has two beaches: Bãi Lớn on the southeast and Bãi Nhỏ on the north. When visiting Hòn Khoai, tourists are taken to Bãi Nhỏ by boat, and then take a smaller boat to the shore, about 50 meters away.

Hon Khoai has a long, sheltered coastline, is an anchorage and storm shelter for fishermen and is a breeding ground and shelter for many marine species.

For those visiting for the first time, the stunning beauty of the island is sure to impress. The most unique feature of this island is its beaches, which are covered with smooth, round pebbles that resemble goose eggs. The island is also blessed with the shade of wind-swept phong ba and phỉ lao trees. In spring, the island is covered in vibrant yellow mai flowers.

Note: Hon Khoai is an outpost island near international waters, you must ask permission from the border guard station to come here. Filming and photography are also closely monitored to avoid revealing military secrets. There are many monkeys on the island, so you need to be careful.

Address: Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.

4.5. U Minh Ha National Park

U Minh Hạ National Park is located in Cà Mau Province, separated from U Minh Thượng by the Trẹm River. It was originally the Vồ Dơi Forest Village and was upgraded to a national park in 2006.

It features an ecosystem typical of wetlands built on peat layers. The vegetation here is mainly composed of cajeput trees, reeds, and scrubland. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including pangolins, monkeys, otters, freshwater birds, pythons, and turtles.

Located about 40 km from the center of Cà Mau City, U Minh Hạ National Park is one of the three core areas of the Cà Mau Biosphere Reserve, which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

U Minh Ha National Park has an extremely large, green area.

An interesting experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting U Minh Hạ National Park is a boat ride. This activity is only available during the rainy season, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. The deeper you go into the forest, the more you’ll encounter pristine beauty. Along the rivers and waterways, you’ll see farmers fishing under the shade of cajeput trees, watching freshly caught seafood.

Floating on a boat to explore U Minh Ha National Park promises to bring you many interesting experiences.

A simple way to immerse yourself in local life is by participating in fishing or harvesting U Minh Forest honey. For about 150.000 VND (6 USD), you can catch 2-3 kg of snakehead fish or catfish.

Address: Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.6. Forestry and Fisheries 184

Forestry and Fisheries 184 (Lam Ngu Truong 184) in Ngoc Hien is home to 44 plant species, 32 of which are characteristic of the mangrove forest ecosystem. This area boasts many rare species such as mangroves, Avicennia.

Many people often come here to check-in with the beautiful scenery of Lam Ngu Truong 184.

A visit to Lam Ngu Truong 184 offers the opportunity to glide along its waterways on a motorboat, passing through lush green forests while enjoying the fresh air and listening to the boatman’s stories about the cultural traditions and daily lives of the local people. Visitors can also participate in activities such as fishing, net casting, and line fishing.

The charming river scenery at this tourist attraction is also very popular with tourists.

Address: Nam Can District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.7. Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary

Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 130 hectares in Ngoc Hien district. This sanctuary is home to rare bird species and a rich array of plant life. Amidst the vast green stretches of mangrove and cajuput forests are winding red silt-laden rivers.

Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary

The skies above the bird sanctuary in Ca Mau city are filled with birds returning to their nests. Visitors can stop by early in the morning to witness thousands of birds setting out to forage or watch them soaring across the sky as they find their way back to their nests at sunset.

Ngoc Hien bird sanctuary owns a typical mangrove ecosystem in Ca Mau.

Address: Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

4.8. Silver Stone

Silver Stone is a renowned and pristine island known for its multicolored rocks, estimated to have formed around 180 million years ago. Hon Da Bac is a stunning cluster of islands comprising three close-knit islets: Hon Ong Ngo, Hon Da Le, and Hon Da Bac, with the highest peak reaching 50 meters above sea level.

Silver Stone attracts many tourists every year.

The best time to fully experience a trip to Hon Da Bac is during the dry season, particularly from December to April each year.

Address: Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.9. Khai Long Beach

Khai Long Beach is the most beautiful and impressive spot within the tourist area. The beach stretches about 4 km, with clear blue water and gentle waves, making it ideal for an eco-tourism getaway or a relaxing weekend retreat. It is also a perfect location for team-building activities, camping, and lavish seafood feasts.

Khai Long Beach

From Khai Long Beach, you can see Hon Khoai Island standing tall amidst the vast sea and sky. The island is a historical site marking the achievements of the hero Phan Ngọc Hiển during the resistance against the French. Not only is it an ideal place to watch the sunrise, but visiting Khai Long Beach also offers the chance to engage in activities like shrimp catching, crabbing in shallow tidal pools, and exploring rocky areas exposed during low tide.

Address: Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.10. Cai Tau Strawberry Garden

Cai Tau Strawberry Garden is located about 30 km west of Ca Mau city center. This is home to thousands of berry trees. Visitors can take a small sampan, navigating through narrow canals to fully enjoy the peaceful scenery and savor the sweet and fragrant berries within arm’s reach.

Cai Tau Strawberry Garden

Cai Tau strawberries are large, with thin skin, juicy flesh, and a mildly sweet and sour taste. When ripe, the berries turn a golden yellow. As the first heavy rains of the season begin, the berries ripen in abundance, and local residents open their gardens to welcome visitors.

Address: U Minh District, Ca Mau.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily (from April to June).

Entrance Fee: 20.000 VND/person (0.8 USD).