Should Ca Mau City be seen? Absolutely, and here’s why. Concealed at the bottom of remote Vietnam, Ca Mau City blends untamed natural beauty with dense heritage, peaceful rivers, and delicious seafood. While many travel past this peaceful corner of the Mekong Delta, those who do take the journey discover a vibrant center of life, where mangrove forests like U Minh, native customs, and ethnic dishes intersect. With its growing tourism facilities, improved traffic, and welcoming locals, Ca Mau Vietnam promises an off-the-beaten-path trip. From Ca Mau Province’s hidden gems to attractions like Ca Mau Market and the top-rated Ca Mau Hotel, this guide will uncover just why it’s time to go with Ca Mau City.
Ca Mau City lies on the southernmost tip of Vietnam, where the land borders the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Situated in the Mekong Delta, it has the special location of being close to rivers, forests, and the sea, making it a treasure of southern Vietnam.
Compared to major cities, Ca Mau is slow and authentic. The locals are friendly, and daily life revolves around rivers, floating markets, and traditional music. It’s the perfect place to witness authentic culture at the commune level, especially in locations like Tran Van Thoi District and U Minh.
Ca Mau has a fabulous ecosystem with vast mangrove forests, the famous U Minh Ha National Park, lagoons, and concentrated river networks. They form an ideal setting for eco-tourism activities such as bird-watching, boat cruises, and forest treks. The system is being appropriately conserved and developed to promote sustainable tourism in Ca Mau Province.
The food in Ca Mau City is a standout in itself. Don’t miss:
It is cheap to go to Ca Mau City. From homestays along the riverbank to Ca Mau Hotel and other high-end hotels, there are options for all travelers. Thanks to the latest administrative area reorganization and updating of the infrastructure, traffic, and transport connections have become better around the region, and it is easy to go to any part of the province.
At GPS location 0001, Ca Mau Cape is Vietnam’s southernmost point, a national monument. Stop to stand in front of the iconic ship-shaped monument and gigantic national flagpole. From the top of the observation tower, visitors can gaze out at the extensive sea of greens that blanket mangrove forests as well as the coastline where the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand meet.
To experience the full thing, take a boat trip along the mangroves and visit Lang Rung – a traditional forestry town that preserves Ca Mau’s heritage.
Ca Mau Cape (Source: doanhnghieptiepthi)
One of the characteristic U Minh forest complexes, this national park is a top-class ecotourist site in the nation. Enjoy motorboat trips along the flooded Cajuput forest, witness wild bees gathering honey, and indulge in forest delicacies like fried young bee pupae and clay-roasted snakehead fish.
As a central part of the Mekong Delta ecosystem, U Minh Ha is ideal for nature-based travelers, photographers, and anyone else who is interested in researching the Ca Mau Province natural system for tourism reasons.
U Minh Ha National Park (Source: thamhiemmekong)
Main markets:
The best way to experience authentic Ca Mau, Vietnam, is to explore its bustling markets. At Pham Boi Chau Market, you’ll find freshly caught seafood from Song Doc port, fermented Ba Khia, U Minh forest honey, dry shrimp from Thi Tuong Lagoon, and more — all at great prices.
Try some local delicacies like spicy silkworm rice noodles, fish noodle soup, or crispy pancakes. Food, human, and life rhythms combine here to create a cultural celebration of life in Ca Mau City.
Pham Boi Chau Market (Source: nguoiquansat)
Hon Da Bac Island is a coastal gem filled with ancient granite boulders, tranquil beaches, and antiquated fishing villages. It’s a tranquil place removed from tourists, but full of character.
Activities: hiking trails, investigating historic shrines, indulging in rock crab (a specialty dish), and even going on a squid-fishing excursion with locals at dusk — an unforgettable adventure in Ca Mau, Vietnam.
Hon Da Bac Island (Source: wikipedia)
Thi Tuong Lagoon is the largest natural freshwater lagoon in the West and has an area of over 700 hectares. Sunrise and sunset across its peaceful waters are simply breathtaking. There are still houses scattered on the surface, and fishermen still employ traditional boat-husked fish-catching nets, allowing holidaymakers a true insight into Ca Mau life.
Close by are the Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary and Dam Doi Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of migratory birds roost, particularly between August to November — a bird-lovers and nature enthusiasts’ paradise.
Thi Tuong Lagoon (Source: thamhiemmekong)
Smooth, spicy, and warm – this Ca Mau City specialty is made up of smooth Banh tam noodles topped with rich curry sauce and shredded chicken.
Banh Tam Ga Cay of Banh Tam Cay Co Kieu (Source: kienthuc)
Found all over Vietnam, Ca Mau has some of the best, freshest, and firmest crabs in the country. Steam them, grill them, stir-fry with tamarind — both methods are a success.
Ca Mau Crab of Cua Thu Thiet Restaurant (Source: cuathuthietcamau)
Picked fresh from the mangroves, this messy-looking fish is surprisingly tasty. Its meat is firm, not fishy, and perfect when served over a charcoal grill.
Grilled Thoi Loi Fish – Tran Van Thoi Stalls (Source: dienmayxanh)
A forest classic from the U Minh area, grilled on straw right away. Serve with herbs, rice noodles, and tamarind sauce.
Ca Loc Nuong Trui of Quan Ca Loc Dong Que (Source: mia)
A rare shellfish that lives in Ca Mau’s mangrove forests. Sprinkled with pepper, salt, and lime, fresh herbs, and coastal umami in perfection.
Grilled Vop Clams near Hon Da Bac (Source: sethohler)
Pickled sea crab in salt, mixed with chili, garlic, and sugar. It’s salty, spicy, assertive — and completely local.
Fermented Ba Khia Crab (Source: dienmayxanh)
Roasted bee larvae of the U Minh forest, combined with banana blossom, herbs, and a pinch of chili. Nutty, protein-rich, and pleasantly surprising!
Ong Non Served in Full Forest Meals (Source: taucaotoc)
Lau Mam U Minh (Source: vov)
Indeed, you can bring the pride of Ca Mau, Vietnam, back home — fresh, live crab! Renowned for firm, sweet flesh and luxurious roe, Ca Mau crabs are shipped in foam boxes with ice or oxygen bags to reach you safely.
Live Ca Mau Crab at Ca Mau Market (Source: ekago)
Looking for something intensely flavorful? Locals in Ca Mau love their fermented foods. Ba Khia (fermented three-striped crab) is spicy, salty, and fantastic with rice. Add a jar of anchovy fish sauce or shrimp paste — you’ll instantly taste the bold culture of the commune-level cuisine here.
Shrimp Paste at Ca Mau Market (Source: thamhiemmekong)
Some of Vietnam’s finest dried seafood arrives from the salty waters near Rach Goc. Sweet, firm, orange-red dried shrimp are perfect for soup or snacks. Dried mudskipper, a specialty of the mangrove swamps, shouldn’t be missed, with its firm, lean flesh and strong taste.
Rach Goc Dried Shrimp (Source: dacsancamau)
Raw honey from the U Minh forest is golden, scented, and packed with natural nutrients. Locals consume it to boost their immunity or serve it with rice crackers. Don’t overlook Ruou trai giac — a unique fruit wine with a deep purple hue and tart-sweet taste. If you want a plant-based option, pickled bon bon stem (wild water veggie) is crunchy, sour, and great served as a side dish.
U Minh Forest Honey (Source: dacsanmuicamau)
While the majority of tourists rush, the most advisable thing you can do is give Ca Mau City its due time. Two to three days is plenty to make the most out of U Minh forest boat tours, take a chill on the beach in Tran Van Thoi District, and of course, indulge in the locals’ cuisine at Ca Mau Market.
Ca Mau features a year-round humid, sunny climate, so pack:
No matter if you’re dining at a street stall or shopping at Ca Mau Market, always ask the price first before making a purchase. Although most Ca Mau street vendors are nice and honest, asking the prices first avoids confusion, especially with smaller stalls or in country markets.
In contrast with busy tourist spots, Ca Mau City is unexpectedly quiet. No honking horns, no noise — just the serene rhythm of local life. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, cultural tourists, and eco-savvy travelers.
Savor a leisurely stay in a cozy Ca Mau Hotel by the riverbank, listen to folk songs drifting through the marketplace, or have honey tea after a morning visit to the U Minh Ha National Park — every moment is slow and contemplative.
Tucked away at the far end of Vietnam, Ca Mau City is a peaceful gem that’s perfect for those seeking authenticity and richness. From savoring fresh crab at Ca Mau market to exploring the wild beauty of U Minh forest or unwinding in comfort at a cozy Ca Mau hotel, every experience here is rich.
If you are planning unique Mekong Tours, skip this hidden gem by no means. Its rich culture, virgin scenery, and peaceful pace make Ca Mau, Vietnam, worthwhile — something that you’ll always remember.
Absolutely, yes!
Ca Mau City is a place for those in quest of a truer, more off-the-beaten-path experience in southern Vietnam. It’s where you can see untouched mangrove forests, serene rivers, dense local culture, and some of the Mekong Delta’s finest seafood. If you’re already arranging Mekong Tours, Ca Mau is an addition to your plans that you won’t regret. Highlights are U Minh Ha National Park, Ca Mau Cape, and the action-packed Ca Mau market, not to mention the memorable local cuisine and peaceful stays at a quaint Ca Mau hotel.
Yes.
Like most provinces in the Mekong Delta, Ca Mau was involved in large-scale acts of resistance during the Vietnam War (also locally called the American War). The dense forests and unpenetrable waterways, especially around U Minh, were used as guerrilla hideouts and supply routes for revolutionary troops. While Ca Mau City is peaceful today, you can still catch a glimpse of its rich history through local museums and conversations with long-time residents.
Ca Mau, Vietnam, is most famous for:
Ca Mau is in the far south of Vietnam.
Ca Mau City is the southernmost urban center of Vietnam, lying where land gives way to the East Sea and also where the Gulf of Thailand borders it. It is part of the Mekong Delta area and lies some 350 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. With ongoing infrastructure development and improved traffic infrastructure, traveling there is easier than ever.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Leaving behind the dizzying city of Saigon being onward the tranquil and ultimate beauty of Cai Be Wetland of Mekong Lush-Mighty River Delta, this chance will bring you to explore the most amazing daily...
Mekong Tours will bring you going away from Ho Chi Minh hustle City to the tranquil Cai Be wetland of Mekong Delta for the lovely experience time on the boat trip to visit the world water of a mighty river in Asia...
Mekong Tours will bring you going away from Ho Chi Minh hustle City to the tranquil Cai Be wetland of Mekong Delta for the lovely experience time on the boat trip to visit the world water of a mighty river in Asia...
Visiting the Mekong river delta: Cai Be Floating Market, Can Tho and Chau Doc. Chau Coc to Phnom Penh distance: 130 km The speedboat’s travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes; departing at 7:00 a.m.
