Bac Lieu Vietnam in 48 Hours: A Hidden Gem in Southern Vietnam Package Tours

Travel Essentials: Getting to and Around Bac Lieu

Where is Bac Lieu located?

Let’s set the scene. Bac Lieu Vietnam, is in the lower part of the Mekong Delta, some 290 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, midway between Soc Trang and Ca Mau. So it goes with Bac Lieu, a breeze-blown coastal province that, whether on a Bac Lieu Vietnam map or told by a local, is known for its windswept shoreline, cultural grit, and low-key charm.

How to get there

 Private Car or Van – Comfort and Control (Perfect for Families & Small Groups)

This is the easiest and fastest way to get from Bac Lieu City Vietnam, if you’re booking with Impress Travel. Convenient for travellers, you’ll be picked up from your Ho Chi Minh City hotel and driven in the air-conditioned comfort of a vehicle directly to the port, with a friendly and professional driver and rest breaks included. 

• Travel time: 6–7 hours
• Route highlights: Highway 1A, ferry crossings at Dai Ngai and Cu Lao Dung, countryside views
• Pros: Ability to move freely, better for group tours, more sanitized restrooms & meal stops
• Cons: Slightly higher cost (but worth every penny for comfort and safety)

Private Car from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu (Source: vinfastsaigon)

Public Bus – Budget-Friendly and Widely Available

The Ho Chi Minh City Bac Lieu Province Vietnam operated by some of the most renowned bus companies. If you are traveling solo or need to watch your budget, this is a good option, though there are limitations.

• Travel time: 7–8 hours (depending on traffic and stops)
• Departure points: Mien Tay Bus Station (Ben xe Mien Tay)
• Ticket price: ~180,000–250,000 VND
• Pros: Cheap, dependable, great for solo travelers
• Cons: Rigid timetable, crowded at rush hour, few (if any) options at each stop.

Tip: Book with outfits such as Phuong Trang or Mai Linh for better reliability and service

Public Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu (Source: flickr)

Motorbike – For the Adventurous Spirit

Up for an authentic local experience? Take the road on a motorbike as quite a few South Vietnamese do! In this mode, you can travel at your rhythm, pay unannounced visits to towns such as Tra Vinh or Soc Trang, but also hitch a lift on boats like a local.

• Travel time: 8-9 hours including stops
• Route: National Route 1A → Dai Ngai Ferry → Cu Lao Dung Ferry
• Pros: Fully independent living, incredible rural vistas, cultural immersions
• Cons: Energy, knowledge of keeping safe on the road, and the need for a GPS or offline map apps

Motorbike from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu (Source: muoibaclieu)

Sleeper Limousine Vans – Midpoint Between Bus & Private Tour

It’s another brilliant (and super cost-effective) alternative to the basic bus if you don’t want to shell out for a private car or driver. These luxury vans have reclining leather seats and USB ports, air-conditioning, and carry fewer passengers per trip.

• Travel time: 6.5–7.5 hours
• Departure: Pick-up from the city center in District 1, or Mien Tay station
• Operators: Tri Nhan, Giap Diep, Anh Tuan Limousine
• Pros: good and comfortable place, and direct drop off at Bac Lieu City Vietnam
• Cons: Few departure slots each day, book ahead

Sleeper Limousine Vans from Ho Chi Minh to Bac Lieu (Source: xephiloan)

Discover Bac Lieu Vietnam in 48 Local Hours

Day 1 Itinerary: Sacred Temples, Coastal Breeze & Night Food Trails

05:30 – Depart from Ho Chi Minh City
You will be picked up by a private car to drive south to Bac Lieu Vietnam. Take in views of rice fields, coconut groves, and local ferry crossings. By late morning, pull into Tra Vinh for a cup of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and a countryside breakfast.

12:00 – Arrive & Have Lunch in Bac Lieu
Welcome to Bac Lieu City Vietnam, a cultural jewel of the Mekong Delta. Settle in for a local-style lunch of banh canh and banh tam bi. Then settle into a hotel in the city center for a much-needed refresh before the afternoon adventure.

13:30 – Visit Khmer Temples
Get a taste of Khmer culture with a visit to Chua Xiem Can, an ornate golden-roofed temple, and Chua Ghositaram, which is famous for its lively murals and intricate carvings. Read about Theravada Buddhism and religious customs in Bac Lieu Province of Vietnam

15:30 – Explore the Bac Lieu Wind Farm
Make for the coast to see Vietnam’s first wind-energy site. The wind farm itself consists of 62 turbines reaching into the ocean and offers a great spot for family panoramic photos and some fresh sea air. 

17:30 – Visit Quan Am Phat Dai
Pause at the beachside Quan Am Phat Dai, which hosts a towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy. It is a place locals often visit to pray and savor calm moments at sunset.

19:00 – Dine Like a Local
Try a bowl of locally popular bun nuoc leo Hong Dao, made with fermented fish broth, herbs, and rice noodles. Alternatively, check out the seafood night market nearby or relax with a cool drink at a local alfresco bar.

20:30 – Enjoy Local Nightlife at Hung Vuong Square
Wrap up your evening on Hung Vuong Square, the bright spot in Bac Lieu City Vietnam, at night. Stand back while locals dance, watch light shows, snack on banh trang nuong, and soak up the warm, communal vibe.

Chua Xiem Can (Source: thamhiemmekong)

Day 2 Itinerary: Mansions, Melodies & Market Memories

07:30 – Breakfast with Bun Bo Cay
Start the day like the locals do with a bowl of bun bo cay, a spicy, fresh-tasting beef noodle soup served in a down-to-earth street-side hut.

08:30 – Visit the House of the Bac Lieu Prince
Discover the grand home of Tran Trinh Huy – the notorious Bac Lieu Prince. With French architecture, Italian tile, and American decor, it’s a storybook trip in colonial Vietnam in the middle of Bac Lieu Vietnam.

10:00 – Tour the Cao Van Lau Memorial Site
Explore the life and music of Cao Van Lau, the lieutenant who composed “Da Co Hoai Lang” and father of the similar tradition, now a UNESCO-listed treasure like Don Ca Tai Tu. If you can, watch a local band live.

11:00 – Visit the Cultural Exhibition Center & Old Theater
Roam this miniature museum, which contains old photographs, art deco architecture, and crafts from the Khmer and Kinh people. Craft: Hand-made textiles and souvenirs from coconut are the representative of the image of Bac Lieu province Vietnam.

12:30 – Farewell Lunch & Coffee with Locals
Have grilled ca loc (snakehead fish), pickled crab, and a cool Vietnamese iced coffee at a sidewalk café. What a great sendoff to Bac Lieu Vietnam.

13:30 – Depart for Ho Chi Minh City
We return to Saign now, with our heads full of heritage, hearts full of hospitality, and memories full of moments. Arrival expected by 18:30.

House of the Bac Lieu Prince (Source: mientaycogi)

Local Tips & Cultural Etiquette

Dress Modestly at Temples

Temples in Bac Lieu Province Vietnam, particularly Khmer ones, like Chua Xiem Can or Ghositaram, are holy. When you step inside, don’t wear long pants or a skirt, and cover your shoulders. This goes for both men and women. It is regarded as a sign of respect toward the dominant local faith, a mixture of Theravada Buddhism and Vietnamese customs.

If you’re going to be visiting several sacred sites (and you should – just look at the Bac Lieu Vietnam map!), carry a light scarf or long-sleeve shirt in your daypack.

Greet with “Da” and a Smile

In southern Vietnam, heat is not a tactic – it’s how life is lived. Respectable young kids greet each other with an amicable “Da” (yes or OK) and a friendly smile. You will hear it in shops, temples, markets – everywhere.

Test it out when greeting your homestay host or thanking a street vendor. It’s an easy way to show that you care about the pulse of local life in Bac Lieu City Vietnam.

Don’t Bargain Too Hard

We realize haggling is half the fun but here in Bac Lieu Vietnam the folks are soft spoken and humble. In smaller markets, sellers often quote reasonable prices to begin with. There’s room for a little negotiating, but it should always be good-natured and never pushy.

You will find that the majority of sellers do speak softly, in a gentle voice.” You’re demonstrating that you respect the human beings behind the price tag, not just the product you’re purchasing.

Respect Cultural Diversity

What is lovely about Bac Lieu Province Vietnam? One of the things that fascinates us about Bac Lieu Province is its rich culture. Here, Vietnamese (Kinh), Khmer, and Hoa (ethnic Chinese) communities coexist, bringing language, food, architecture, and culture to the local identity.

Religious flags fly stiffly in the wind, ancestors are worshipped in Hoa-owned shops, and the cadence of a folksong fills a museum as you move between temples, markets, and eateries: it’s all in the details. It’s some of Bac Lieu’s fine cultural equilibrium to be found along the way.

Must-Try Local Dishes in Bac Lieu

Bun nuoc leo – Fermented Fish Broth Noodle Soup

• Price: 30,000–40,000 VND
•  Where to eat: Bun nuoc leo Hong Dao, behind the Department of Natural Resources & Environment, near Le Duan Roundabout, Bac Lieu City Vietnam

This is the dish that makes Bac Lieu Vietnam’s foodies’ pulse jazz! A pungent, umami-laden broth simmered from fermented fish (called mam bo hoc), lemongrass, and pork bones, along with skinny noodles, shrimp, pork, and a veritable sea of fresh herbs. Earthy, aromatic, unforgettable!

Bun Nuoc Leo Hong Dao (Source: anchoivungtau)

Bun bo cay – Spicy Beef Stew with Southern Herbs

• Price: 30,000–35,000 VND
•  Where to eat: Bun bo cay Anh Nguyen – 64 Dien Bien Phu Street, Bac Lieu City Vietnam

A morning favorite among locals! Its rich, red-orange broth, colored by chili oil and simmered beef bones, is infused with local herbs. This spicy morning jump is great with iced tea and a side of warm banh mi.

Bun Bo Cay Anh Nguyen (Source: ticotravel)

Goi ca loc & Duong cha la – Wild Dishes for the Brave

• Goi ca loc Price: 60,000–80,000 VND/portion
•  Duong cha la Price: 100,000–150,000 VND/plate
•  Where to eat:
• Huong Bien Restaurant – Nha Mat Ward, near Wind Power Field, Bac Lieu Province Vietnam
• Quan Phuong Hoang Lua – 222 Tran Phu Street, Bac Lieu City Vietnam

Goi ca loc is a pungent, herb-drenched salad of raw snakehead fish, fresh lime, and chili. For the adventurous epicurean, the restaurant also offers the fried palm worms duong cha la, accompanied by fish sauce and a shot of local rice wine. Rare, bold, and unforgettable!

Goi Ca Loc at Quan Phuong Hoang Lua (Source: tieudung)

Che thung & Banh tet la cam – Sweet Khmer-Inspired Treats

• Che thung Price: 10,000–15,000 VND/cup
•  Banh tet la cam Price: 30,000–50,000 VND/roll
•  Where to eat:
  • Cho Bac Lieu (Bac Lieu Central Market) – Phan Ngoc Hien Street
  • Quay hang Khmer tai Chua Xiem Can – on temple grounds, especially during festivals

Sweet lovers, rejoice! Che thung, a robust coconut milk dessert punctuated by lotus seeds, taro, beans, and bite-size, chewy rice pearls. Banh tet la cam deep, vibrant purple, achieved with water colored by infusing the flower of the butterfly pea plant, covers a sticky cake filled with mung bean paste, or sometimes pork – a treat during Tet or other Khmer holidays.

Banh Tet La Cam (Source: nucuoimekong)

Book Your 2-Day Local Journey in Bac Lieu Vietnam

From the comfort of our modern and comfortable van, you’ll step off the tourist trail and navigate into the real soul of southern Vietnam on our distinctive 2-day private tour – Discover Bac Lieu Vietnam Like a Local. Crafted by Impress Travel, this immersive experience takes you on a deep dive into the rich heart and soul of Bac Lieu Vietnam – where Khmer temples glisten in the sun, music wafts through colonial mansions, and street food offers flavors that you’ll never forget. On rickshaw rides and public ferry crossings, to delicious bowls of bun nuoc leo and as you enjoy a creamy glass of sua dau nanh, you will taste, see, and feel the very real Bac Lieu City Vietnam on our ultimate personalised Bac Lieu City Vietnam Vespa tours.

Great for those interested in culture and looking for a real connection with a real local experience, this exclusive experience examines the charm, culture, tradition, and warm-hearted people of Bac Lieu Provincel Vietnam. Looking to spend your trip not just in Bac Lieu Vietnam map? Paired with the best places southern Vietnam (best places southern Vietnam) for a full cultural escape. Leave all the details to Impress Travel – your Mekong adventure begins here.

• Address: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Hotline: (+84) 912 379 189
•  Email: info@impresstravel.com
• Website: https://www.impresstravel.com

Conclusion

Ready to embrace the everyday beauty of life in the Mekong Delta? Let’s go beyond the normal tours to visit Bac Lieu Vietnam for 2 days. From the rooftops of temples to food stalls, music halls to the winds of the coast, here’s how to do it like a local. Book now and start the story in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam, the best places southern Vietnam.

FAQ

Is Bac Lieu worth visiting?

Absolutely! Bac Lieu Vietnam, truly is a delightful treat for any traveller who appreciates culture, history, and the authentic local life. From the striking mansions of the Bac Lieu Prince and the wind farms to the Khmer temples of Chua Xiem Quan and the traditional Don Ca Tai Tu music, this destination is a cultural gem of the Mekong Delta. It’s an escape for people who want something real, slow, and soulful.

Is the south of Vietnam worth visiting?

Definitely yes! Southern Vietnam is where you’ll find the most intense and diverse aspects of the country, from floating markets in the Mekong Delta to tropical islands and culture-rich towns. Bac Lieu Vietnam, Can Tho, Ben Tre, and Phu Quoc constitute the best places southern Vietnam has to offer. There is a warm welcome, special regional dishes, and rustic and charming aspects in Vietnamese Southern culture.

What to do in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a kaleidoscopic nation of opposites. You can cruise through Halong Bay, trek rice terraces in Sapa, visit historical cities like Hue and Hoi An, or dive into the pulsating hum of Ho Chi Minh City. For avid travelers who are passionate about immersive experiences, discovering Bac Lieu Vietnam offers a new experience with cultural landmarks, Khmer cultural values and traditions, and sacred temples, along with mouth-watering dishes that are nowhere else to be found in a place that’s escaped the trappings of mass tourism.

How far is Bac Lieu from Saigon?

Bac Lieu Vietnam is almost 290 kilometers South of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). By road or van, it takes about 6 to 7 hours, not including scenic stops and the ferry crossing through Tra Vinh and Soc Trang. A bit of a trek, but the prize is a calm, authentic slice of the Mekong that feels a world away from the city.