Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
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Province / City

Province

Province Name

Ca Mau

Population (June 2025)

2,606,672


Overview

Cà Mau, located in the Mekong Delta, is the southernmost province of Vietnam. It has three sides bordering the sea, stretching from the East Sea to the West Sea, with a long coastline. With its extensive coastline, vast coastal wetlands, dense network of rivers and canals, tropical monsoon climate, and rich aquatic resources, Cà Mau is a land shaped by water and nature.

This land is a place where the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese communities have exchanged their cultures over centuries of coexistence. This fusion has created a distinctive cultural identity, reflected in the people’s vibrant spiritual life, love of the arts, and devotion to Southern folk traditions. Among them, Đờn ca tài tử stands out as a celebrated intangible cultural heritage of the South.

Today, Cà Mau is emerging as a captivating destination, an unmissable stop for travelers when exploring the Mekong Delta.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Must-Play Golf Courses

Ca Mau does not have any golf courses yet…stay tuned for future projects in this spectacular province!

Must-Visit Destinations

National Parks

Ca Mau Cape National Park – Ramsar Site & World Biosphere Reserve

Spanning an area of 41,862 hectares, Ca Mau Cape National Park is part of the Mui Ca Mau World Biosphere Reserve and recognized as the 2,088th Ramsar site worldwide. It plays a vital role in protecting rare plant and animal species while preserving the biodiversity of coastal forests. Visitors can discover the lush mangrove ecosystem, admire vast mudflats, and immerse themselves in nature through scenic tours across the park.

U Minh Ha National Park – World Biosphere Reserve

Established in 2006, U Minh Ha National Park spans more than 8,000 hectares. It is home to expansive melaleuca forests and a rich variety of wildlife, including deer, long-tailed monkeys, smooth-coated otters, fishing cats, red squirrels, turtles, monitor lizards, snakes, geckos, pythons, and numerous bird species such as water hens, wild ducks, and sparrows. The melaleuca trees bloom year-round, releasing a subtle fragrance and supporting beekeeping that produces Cà Mau’s famous honey. Visitors can also savor rustic countryside dishes and enjoy the humorous folk tales of Uncle Ba Phi amidst the fragrant forest.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Islands

Hon Da Bac Island Cluster

The Hon Da Bac cluster is a stunning group of three islands, both large and small, nestled close together. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities here: trekking through dense forests, climbing steep cliffs, listening to legends of the Fairy’s Hand and Foot, and exploring relics of heroic figures who once rescued people in distress at sea. Fishing excursions and tours of the Hon Da Bac National Historical and Memorial Site add even more depth to the experience.

Hon Khoai Island Cluster

Located 14.5 km west of the mainland, the Hon Khoai cluster spans over 561 hectares of total area. Beyond its picturesque natural scenery, the islands carry the legacy of Phan Ngoc Hien and his Hon Khoai uprising against French colonial rule in 1940. Visitors can wander among vibrant wildflowers, savor fresh fruits and seafood, and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of beaches, rolling hills, and lush forests.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Wind Farm

The Bac Lieu Wind Farm is the largest wind power project in Vietnam and a popular tourist attraction, especially for young visitors. This modern landmark offers a striking contrast to the lively rhythm of the city, adding a touch of elegance to its landscape. From the shore, visitors can see rows of turbine blades spinning in the wind, with sun glimmering on the horizon, creating a poetic and peaceful scene.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Hung Vuong Square

Situated in the heart of Bac Lieu ward and spanning more than 40,000 m², Hung Vuong Square is a cultural landmark filled with iconic symbols. Among its highlights are Kim lute (moon-shaped, double-stringed lute), recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records as the largest of its kind in the country, representations of the three ethnic groups, and the emblem of the Bac Lieu – Ninh Binh brother city relationship. Surrounding the square are notable architectural and artistic works such as the Cao Van Lau Theater, the Mau Than event monument (the General Offensive and Uprising of Tet Mau Than 1968), and the memorial honoring heroic martyrs. Together, these elements create a distinctive centerpiece that reflects the spirit of a young, vibrant, and developing city. At night, it transforms into a lively gathering spot for the community.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Local Pagodas

Xiêm Cán Pagoda

Built in 1887, Xiêm Cán Pagoda is one of the largest Khmer temples in southern Vietnam. Its Angkorian-inspired architecture features intricate motifs, with the temple gate, dome, and surrounding columns enclosed by a beautifully decorated fence. Within the grounds, tall, shady trees line the pathways, creating a serene atmosphere. As a cultural center, the pagoda hosts many important local festivals, and its majestic design leaves a lasting impression on visitors. It is regarded as one of Ca Mau’s most distinctive tourist destinations.

Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda

Located at 68 Le Loi Street in An Xuyen Ward, Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda represents both spiritual sanctuary and typical Chinese architectural work of the local Chinese community. Constructed in 1882, the pagoda hosts the annual Via Ba festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, featuring vibrant folk activities that highlight the Vietnamese-Chinese heritage of Ca Mau.

Buddha Pagoda (Quan Âm Cổ Tự)

Dating back to 1840, Buddha Pagoda – also known as Quan Am Co Tu – is one of Ca Mau’s oldest and most revered pagodas. It serves as a place of worship where Buddhists and locals pray for peace and prosperity. On November 24, 2000, it was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument. Despite undergoing several renovations, the temple has preserved its ancient charm and continues to embody sacred traditions.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Cong tu Bac Lieu’s House (Son of the wealthy family’s mansion in Bac Lieu)

Located at 13 Dien Bien Phu Street in Bac Lieu Ward, this remarkable family mansion is an architectural and artistic relic closely tied to the life of the famed Cong tu Bac Lieu named Tran Trinh Huy.

Constructed in the early 20th century in Western style, the house in its day was the most magnificent house in the Delta, consisting of two floors, four halls, and five bedrooms. It was built and designed by a French architect and all materials were imported from France.

Today, it serves as a fascinating tourist destination, showcasing rare artifacts for research and public viewing. Recognized as a local tourist attraction in 2016 and later honored as a typical tourist site of the Mekong Delta in 2017, Cong Tu Bac Lieu’s House continues to captivate visitors to the region.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Memorial Area of Đờn Ca Tài Tử (a genre of chamber music in the traditional music of Southern Vietnam) and late musician Cao Văn Lầu

Spanning more than 12,500 square meters along Cao Văn Lầu and Ninh Bình Streets in Bac Lieu ward, this memorial complex is a grand architectural tribute to the spiritual and material values of Đờn Ca Tài Tử. It also honors the life and genius of the late musician Cao Văn Lầu (December 22, 1892 – August 13, 1976), whose creation of the Vọng Cổ song in the 1920s gave birth to a new genre of cải lương music and forever transformed Southern Vietnam’s cultural landscape.

Visitors to Ca Mau can immerse themselves in the art of Đờn Ca Tài Tử from the resonant notes of the kìm lute to the soulful melodies of Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang. What makes this tradition extraordinary is that it is not limited to professional performers; nearly everyone in Ca Mau can sing these emotionally charged songs. This widespread passion has elevated Southern Vietnamese artistry onto the world stage, earning recognition by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its place as a global cultural treasure.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Typical Traditional Festivals

Nghinh Ông Sông Đốc Festival

The Nghinh Ông Festival is the largest folk celebration among fishermen in Ca Mau Province, held annually from the 14th to the 16th day of the second lunar month. The rituals begin with the main celebrant carrying the most elaborately decorated incense burner onto a boat, followed by offerings and ceremonies at the shrine that last late into the night. At its heart, the festival is a prayer for fishing acitivities: praying for calm seas, gentle winds, prosperity, and a life filled with warmth and abundance – reflecting the deep spiritual connection between fishermen and the ocean.

Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang Festival

Taking place from the 13th to the 15th day of the eighth lunar month at the Đờn ca tài tử and Cao Văn Lầu Memorial Area, this festival celebrates the legacy of the traditional music of Southern Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy art performances, music exchanges, trade and tourism fairs, and the flavors of Southern cuisine. The event draws large crowds, especially artists and writers, who come together to honor the timeless cultural heritage of the region.

Ok Om Bok Festival

Known as the Moon Worship Festival of the Khmer people, Ok Om Bok is held on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month. The Khmer community reveres the moon as a deity of harvest, offering flattened rice cakes as a symbol of gratitude for the fruits of their labor. A highlight of the festival is the lively and exhilarating Ngo boat race, which fills the waterways with excitement and showcases the vibrant traditions of the Khmer people.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Typical Traditional Craft Villages

Salt Making

Salt making in Ca Mau has a long history, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the region’s ancestors as they expanded southward, conquered nature, and built livelihoods across generations. More than just a commercial product, salt embodies the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the land. In 2020, Ca Mau’s salt-making craft was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, the salt fields are not only vital to local life but also serve as fascinating destinations for visitors seeking to experience the heritage of the Mekong Delta.

Bee-Keeping in U Minh

Bee-keeping is a traditional craft passed down through generations in U Minh, where vast melaleuca forests provide ideal conditions for honey production. Local artisans skillfully fashion bee frames from melaleuca trunks, showcasing both ingenuity and tradition. Visitors who join locals during the honey harvest season in U Minh Ha can witness firsthand the excitement of gathering honey in the forest – a unique experience that reveals why this profession remains so captivating.

Dried Shrimp Processing

Ca Mau’s dried shrimp has long been a renowned specialty, with names like Rạch Gốc, Đất Mũi, Viên An, and Tam Giang Tây celebrated both locally and beyond. Shrimp processing villages have thrived for more than 30 years, establishing the famous Ca Mau dried shrimp brand.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Must-Try Specialties

Dishes Made from Ca Mau Crabs

Renowned across Vietnam, Ca Mau crab has long been celebrated for its superior quality, rich flavor, and firm, meaty texture. Its delicate sweetness and savory taste of the sea, enhanced by the richness of its roe, make it a prized ingredient in local cuisine. Visitors to Ca Mau can savor a variety of crab dishes: boiled, stir-fried with tamarind, seasoned with salt or pepper sauce, or simmered into aromatic crab curry. Beyond its taste, Ca Mau crab is also valued for its high calcium content and nutritional benefits.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Grilled Mudskipper with Salt and Chili

Mudskippers are a distinctive type of fish, easily recognized by their protruding eyes and remarkable ability to climb trees and move across muddy terrain using their fins. Their meat is tender, flavorful, and naturally sweet. Locals prepare mudskippers in a variety of ways: braised with pepper, grilled with salt and chili, simmered into sour soup, deep-fried, or dried and served with tamarind fish sauce. Among these, grilled mudskipper with salt and chili is especially popular, offering a rustic and unforgettable flavor.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Radish Cakes

Radish cakes are a beloved specialty made from shredded white radishes mixed with rice flour, dried shrimp, minced pork, peanuts, onions, and seasonings. The mixture is steamed to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both fragrant and flavorful. Served with soy sauce or sweet-and-sour fish sauce, radish cakes balance the crisp sweetness of radish with the delicate richness of shrimp, offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the creativity of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Pickled Bồn Bồn (A Local Vegetable)

Bồn Bồn is a versatile ingredient often enjoyed in soups, stir-fries, and salads. With its light sourness, crisp yet tender texture, and refreshing flavor, it pairs perfectly with fermented fish sauce, braised pork, or braised fish. Beyond being a beloved local side dish, pickled Bồn Bồn has also become an ideal gift for visitors to bring home – sharing with family and friends a taste of Ca Mau’s culinary tradition.

Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism

GNGCD Awards