When it comes to Ca Mau province tourism, most people think about those stunning mangrove forests and the super friendly locals – and that’s true! But here’s the exciting part: there’s so much more to discover in this fantastic place! So, let’s dive right into our Ca Mau travel guide and uncover all the hidden gems awaiting your exploration!
Where is Ca Mau?
Ca Mau province is a coastal province located in the southernmost point of Vietnam, nestled within the Mekong Delta region. This place is like the tip of Vietnam, surrounded by the sea on three sides. It’s approximately 180 km away from Can Tho City, 350 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and about 1,919 km from Hanoi.
Ca Mau is bordered by the East Sea to the east, the Gulf of Thailand to the west and south. It also shares borders with Bac Lieu province and Kien Giang province to the north.
When is the best time to visit Ca Mau?
The weather in Ca Mau is pretty nice, with a clear distinction between dry and rainy seasons. If you want convenience, aim for the dry season from November to April. But hey, if you’re up for some scenic river views, the rainy season from May to November can be awesome too!
If you’re a fan of local culture and vibrant festivals, you’re in for a treat! From the 14th to the 16th of February (Lunar Calendar), there’s the Nghinh Ong Song Doc Festival – the grandest folk festival in Ca Mau and one of the top 60 festivals in Vietnam!
And that’s not all! On the 23rd of March (Lunar Calendar), you’ve got the amazing Ba Thien Hau Festival, the biggest celebration for the local Hoa community. Trust me, the Chua Ba area will be absolutely stunning with its iconic red decorations!
How to go to Ca Mau?
Traveling by plane
For those of you who are short on time, flying is a great option to save some travel time on your itinerary. The Saigon – Ca Mau flight route operates daily, and with just a 1-hour flight, you can reach your destination in no time. If you’re coming from the North or Central regions, you can also choose to fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and then catch a connecting flight to Ca Mau.
Starting from April 2023, Bamboo Airways has launched direct flights from Hanoi to Ca Mau with a frequency of 3 flights per week. The flight duration is approximately a little over 2 hours, making it a convenient option for those of you coming from Hanoi with limited time. So, hop on a plane, and you’ll be exploring the beauty of Ca Mau in a flash!
Traveling by motorcycle
If you’re an adventure enthusiast and love traveling with your friends, then motorcycles are the perfect mode of transportation for you. The journey from Saigon to Ca Mau covers a distance of over 300 km. Depending on your travel itinerary, it usually takes around 6 to 7 hours to get to your destination.
The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Ca Mau goes through Binh Chanh, My Yen, Ben Luc Bridge, Tan An Bridge, My Tho, My Thuan Bridge, Can Tho Bridge, Nga Bay Town, Quan Lo, Phung Hiep, and finally arrives in Ca Mau.
Note:
The road from Quan Lo – Phung Hiep – Nam Can to Ca Mau still lacks street lighting. Based on the experience of independent travelers in Ca Mau, it’s best to plan your travel during the daytime for safety.
On your motorbike journey to Ca Mau, you’ll pass through Can Tho. Hence, it’s easy to combine your trip with exploring Can Tho – Ca Mau independently.
Traveling by coach
From the Mien Tay Coach Station in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), there are continuous high-quality sleeper coach services from companies such as Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, Van Lang, Viet Hoang, and more, heading to Ca Mau. The ticket prices for these sleeper coaches range from 150,000 VND to 210,000 VND. The travel time is approximately 6 hours, making it a convenient and affordable option for you to reach Ca Mau. Once you arrive you can explore the southernmost region with ease and excitement!
How to move around Ca Mau?
Motorcycle
Whether you want to visit pristine nature, charming villages, or lush countryside, a motorcycle will be your perfect companion. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced rider – renting a motorcycle in Ca Mau is simple and hassle-free. There are plenty of rental shops with reliable bikes, so you’ll feel confident hitting the road.
| Unit Name | Phone | Address | Manual Bike Rental Price | Scooter Rental Price |
| Trien Le | 0849 526 952 | 8 Bui Thi Xuan, Ward 4 | 90,000đ – 120,000đ/ngày | 140,000đ – 150,000đ/ngày |
| Anh Cuong | 093 955 5999 | 398 Ly Thuong Kiet, Khom 2 | 80,000đ – 120,000đ/ngày | 120,000đ – 160,000đ/ngày |
| Quy Cop | 091 911 5055 | Tran Quang Dieu, Ward 9 | 80,000đ – 100,000đ/ngày | 130,000đ – 140,000đ/ngày |
| Anh Nguyet Hotel | 0290 3567 666 | 207 Phan Ngoc Hien, Ward 6 | 80,000đ – 100,000đ/ngày | 130,000đ – 140,000đ/ngày |
| Motorcycle Rental Shop | 0774 162 162 | 35 Nguyen Huu Le, Ward 2 | 100,000đ/ngày | 150,000đ/ngày |
| Trong Nguyen | 0939 555 999 | 389 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 6 | 80,000đ – 100,000đ/ngày | 130,000đ – 140,000đ/ngày |
| Hong Tham | 091 570 2277 | Nam Can Town, Nam Can | 80,000đ – 100,000đ/ngày | 130,000đ – 140,000đ/ngày |
Bus
For inter-provincial travel, the Ca Mau Bus Station is your starting point! From there, you can hop on one of the inter-provincial buses that will take you to the central areas of different districts. And guess what? Some of these buses even offer trips to cool tourist spots like Dat Mui!
Now, let’s talk about the local bus network. It’s not that extensive, but there are still 6 regular routes that you can use to move around the province. So, if you don’t have your own ride, no worries! Just hop on one of these local buses to get to the heart of various districts. From there, you can easily grab a motorcycle taxi to reach your ultimate destination.
Taxi
When you’re traveling with a large group that includes kids or elderly individuals, opting for taxis can be a convenient choice for getting around places near your accommodation. Taking a taxi with a bigger group also helps to split the cost, so it won’t be too expensive for everyone.
Here are some taxi companies currently operating in Ca Mau:
| Taxi Company | Contact Number |
| Vinasun Taxi | 0290.38.27.27.27 |
| Mai Linh Taxi | 0290.3.78.78.78 |
| Taxi Ca Mau | 0290.3.837.837 |
| Taxi Ca Mau Airport | 0290.3.979.979 |
| Taxi 1/5 | 0290.3.998.998 |
What to do for the first time in Ca Mau?
Ca Mau Cape
Located in Dat Mui Hamlet, Dat Mui Commune, Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Cape is the southernmost tip of Vietnam. It’s quite a sight with its unique shape, steadily extending towards the Gulf of Thailand at a speed of 50 to 80 meters per year.
You know what’s even cooler? this place holds the title of being the southernmost point on the mainland of Vietnam! How awesome is that?
But wait, there’s more! This is the only spot on the mainland where you can witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Eastern sea and the mesmerizing sunset over the Western sea. It’s like having the best of both worlds in one place!
Ca Mau Floating Market
Ca Mau Floating Market sits right on the Ganh Hao River, just about 200 meters away from the Ganh Hao Bridge. It’s located in Ward 8, which is in the heart of Ca Mau city.
Back in the day, this market was a bustling place where people from different areas came together to make a living by selling all sorts of goods. Nowadays, the market mainly focuses on selling fresh produce from local gardens.
You’ll find the Ca Mau Floating Market gathering on the river from around 3 to 4 in the morning until the evening. People trade goods just like in any other market you’d see on land.
It’s a unique experience checking out this floating market, so if you get the chance, definitely swing by and soak in the lively atmosphere here
Mui Ca Mau National Park
The Mui Ca Mau National Park is a natural wonder spanning 41,862 hectares. It is part of the UNESCO-recognized Mui Cà Mau Biosphere Reserve. It includes 15,262 hectares of mainland and 26,000 hectares of coastal land. Most of the area consists of tidal mudflats and mangrove forests. It is also home to a diverse range of plant species.
Within the park, you’ll find an impressive collection of around 60 high-level plant species, with a whopping 26 species of mangroves and 2 species of mudskippers and water hollies listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.
If you’re a nature lover, this national park is an absolute must-visit! The lush greenery and unique plant life will definitely leave you in awe.
Thi Tuong Lagoon
Thi Tuong Lagoon covers an area of approximately 700 hectares, stretching over 10 kilometers in length and around 2 kilometers in width. The narrowest point is about 800 meters wide.
Even though it’s not super deep, the water level at Đầm Thị Tường always stays above 1 meter. You know what that means? It’s a sign of receding seas and the ongoing process of silt deposition, which is helping the Ca Mau Peninsula grow!
But here’s the magical part – every single day, at sunrise and sunset, the lagoon comes alive with all sorts of fishing activities. Boats, fishing nets, and traps everywhere! And when night falls, it’s like a fairytale – thousands of oil lamps and electric lights light up the lagoon, creating an enchanting floating lantern festival.
U Minh Ha National Melaleuca Forest
The U Minh Ha Forest is an absolutely stunning natural wonder, as it covers a massive area of about 35,000 hectares. Pretty impressive, right?
A visit to this extraordinary forest is like stepping into a lush green paradise. It’s the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts like us. You’ll get to explore the unique wetland ecosystem with its waterlogged soils and Melaleuca forests growing on peat soil. It’s like walking into a dream!
Hon Khoai Island
Hon Khoai is a beautiful island with an area of about 4 km2, around 14.6 km away from the nearest mainland
Hon Khoai is renowned for its pristine primary forest, part of the tropical island ecosystem. The rich vegetation here boasts more than 1,400 plant species, including several economically valuable plants.
And wait, there’s more! The coastline here is super clean and sheltered, making it a safe haven for lots of marine species. You won’t believe how abundant the seafood is around these waters, making it a dream spot for fishing boats, especially during storms.
Oh, and picture this: during low tide, the sea is so peaceful and the waves are super calm. That’s the perfect time to stroll along the wide, sandy beaches.
And that’s just a sneak peek of the mind-blowing places in this charming province! If you’re craving all the juicy details and some insider tips, you’ve gotta check out our awesome blog – it’s all about the top Ca Mau tourist attractions.
What to eat in Ca Mau?
Nam Can Crab
Nam Can Crab is not just delicious but also holds high economic value for the locals. The meat of Nam Can crab is super nutritious and can be used to make so many mouthwatering dishes!
But here’s the real star – tamarind roasted Nam Can Ca Mau crab. It’s a crowd favorite. So you can easily find this yummy dish in almost any restaurant or eatery around the beautiful region of Ca Mau.
Rach Goc sesarmid crab
Sesarmid crab is a unique delicacy found only in the Western region, and the best-tasting one is in Ca Mau. The brackish marshes here provide the perfect environment for its growth. Thanks to its unforgettable flavor, sesarmid crab in Ca Mau has become a specialty that you can find in almost every restaurant, with various mouthwatering dishes to choose from.
Originally living in coastal areas and along mangrove forests, sesarmid crab already has the right saltiness. You can ask people to cook it into tasty dishes like sesarmid crab salad, salted sesarmid crab, steamed sesarmid crab with lemongrass, or sesarmid crab stir-fried with tamarind – they are all absolutely delicious!
Mui Noi’s squid’s egg patties
Mui Noi’s squid’s egg patties are a rare delicacy found only in a few places like Phan Thiet and Ca Mau. Unlike any other patty, it’s made from the eggs of squids, and it’s a true culinary masterpiece. To produce 1kg of squid’s eggs, you need to process around 10-12 kg of fresh squid, making it incredibly precious and scarce.
Only a few renowned restaurants offer this exquisite dish, which comes with a slightly higher price tag. However, the experience of savoring squid’s egg patties is worth every penny. The best time to enjoy this delicacy is around the 5th lunar month, when squids lay the most eggs. So, if you get a chance, don’t miss out on these rare and delightful patties!
Grilled snakehead fish
Grilled snakehead fish is a delicious dish you must try, especially since it’s a specialty of the Western region. What makes it unique in Ca Mau is that the fish is prepared right after being caught, giving it a natural sweetness and aroma. Such a wonderful dish would be a real pity to miss out on, don’t you think? So, make sure to savor this mouthwatering treat when you visit Ca Mau!
And that’s just a taste of the mouthwatering local foods you can savor in Ca Mau! If you’re hungry for more delicious insights and some secret foodie spots, you’ve gotta head over to our fantastic blog – it’s a treasure trove of all the top Ca Mau delicacies.
Hotels in Ca Mau
When it comes to where to stay in Ca Mau, you’ll be spoiled for choice with various options, from luxurious to budget-friendly ones. Here are some awesome hotels you might want to consider:
| HOTELS | ADDRESS | STAR RATE |
| Muong Thanh Luxury | 3A Central Administrative and Political Center, Ward 9, Ca Mau City. | 4 Star |
| Phu Cuong Hotel | 81 Phan Ngoc Hien, Ward 4, Ca Mau City. | 4 Star |
| Ruby Hotel | 19-20A Hung Vuong, Ward 7, Ca Mau City. | 3 Star |
| Anh Nguyet Hotel | 207 Phan Ngoc Hien, Ward 6, Ca Mau City. | 3 Star |
| Hai Châu Hotel | 19 Hung Vuong, Ward 7, Ca Mau City. | 2 Star |
| Thanh Truc Hotel | 113 Ngo Quyen, Ward 1, Ca Mau City. | 2 Star |
| Dong Anh Hotel | 25 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 5, Ca Mau City. | 2 Star |
| Song Hung Hotel | 28 Phan Ngoc Hien, Ward 4, Ca Mau City. | 2 Star |
How long should you stay in Ca Mau?
If you’re looking for a quick getaway and want to catch the highlights, a weekend trip of 2 to 3 days should do the trick. You can explore the must-see spots, savor some mouthwatering seafood, and still have time to relax.
But if you want to really soak in the beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture, I’d suggest staying for at least 4 to 5 days. This way, you can venture deeper into the region, discover hidden gems, and experience the true essence of Ca Mau.
ATM and Money Exchange in Ca Mau
When it comes to accessing your cash, you’ll be glad to know that the city has plenty of ATM options scattered throughout. Most major banks have their ATMs conveniently placed in various locations, such as near shopping centers, tourist attractions, and even at the airport.
Now, if you’re looking to exchange currency, Ca Mau has major banks like Sacombank and Vietcombank to be your reliable partners. These well-established banks have branches throughout the city, making it easy for you to access their services.
That being said, it’s always essential to carry some cash with you, especially when exploring remote areas or local markets where credit cards might not be widely accepted.
Local Emergency Contact for Tourists in Ca Mau
- Emergency Rescue: Dial 112
- Police: 113
- Fire Department: 114
- Ambulance and Medical support: 115
- Remember to save your hotel/homestays phone number in case of emergency
Other notes to ensure a wonderful trip beside of this Ca Mau travel guide
- Before you head out, check the weather forecast so you’re ready for any surprises Mother Nature might have in store
- Ca Mau is all about exciting experiences like rowing boat tours and engaging in floating markets. Just a heads up, you might get wet during these adventures. So, be smart and pack at least two sets of clothes to change into.
- Since you’ll be having a blast with all the outdoor activities, make sure to bring along some high-calorie snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- When it comes to clothing, keep it lightweight and simple. Since Ca Mau is known for its ecotourism, go for comfortable outfits that won’t weigh you down. And remember, leave those high heels at home. Opt for waterproof shoes, flip-flops, or sandals with straps for easy boat navigation.
- Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun, and bring insect repellent to keep those mosquitoes away during outdoor activities or near water areas!
- Ca Mau can get pretty hot and humid, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Safety first, my friend! Keep your belongings secure in a fanny pack or a reliable bag. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow any safety guidelines provided.
- Let’s be eco-friendly travelers! Respect the environment and local ecosystems by properly disposing of trash. Let’s help preserve the natural beauty of Ca Mau for future explorers to enjoy!
- Stay connected during your adventure! Grab a local SIM card for easy communication and internet access.
