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Is Ca Mau City Worth It? Top Places to Eat & See on Your Mekong Tours

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.

Tour in Details

Why Ca Mau City is Worth Visiting

Unique Geographic Location

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.

Peaceful Lifestyle & Cultural Identity

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.

Diverse Nature & Ecotourism Potential

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.

Unique Local Cuisine

The food in Ca Mau City is a standout in itself. Don’t miss:

  • Ca Mau crab (firm, meaty taste)
  • Fermented Ba Khia crab
  • Salt and chili grilled mudskipper fish
  • Silkworm rice cake with spicy chicken, and young bee salad
  • To try it all, visit the lively Ca Mau Market, where fresh seafood and street food can be had.

Affordable Travel, Easy Access

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.

Top Places to Go in Ca Mau City

Ca Mau Cape (Dat Mui)

  • Location: Dat Mui Commune, Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province
  • Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
  • Entrance fee: Free; boat tours: 50,000 – 150,000 VND/person depending on the route

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.

River city meets Vietnam’s southern tip

Ca Mau Cape (Source: doanhnghieptiepthi)

U Minh Ha National Park

  • Location: Khanh An Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province
  • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person
  • Boat rental: 200,000 – 300,000 VND per small group

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’s wild heart near Ca Mau

U Minh Ha National Park (Source: thamhiemmekong)

Ca Mau Market & Local Life

Main markets:

  • Pham Boi Chau Market (Ward 7, Ca Mau City)
  • Nguyen Tat Thanh Night Market
  • Agricultural Market on Ly Thuong Kiet Street
  • Opening hours: Day market: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Night market: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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

Pham Boi Chau Market (Source: nguoiquansat)

Hon Da Bac Island

  • Location: Khanh Binh Tay Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province
  • Distance from city center: 50 km (~1.5 hours by car)
  •  Entrance fee: Free
  • Services: Canoe rental, floating seafood restaurants, night squid fishing

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.

Ca Mau City leads to island peace

Hon Da Bac Island (Source: wikipedia)

Thi Tuong Lagoon & Bird Sanctuaries

  • Location: Spanning Cai Nuoc, Tran Van Thoi, and Phu Tan Districts
  • Suggested time to visit: Sunrise (5–7 AM) or sunset (5–6 PM)
  • Entrance fee: Free; motorboat tour: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/person

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.

Lagoon life near Ca Mau City

Thi Tuong Lagoon (Source: thamhiemmekong)

What to Eat in Ca Mau – Local Food You Can’t-Miss

Silkworm Rice Cake with Spicy Chicken (Banh tam ga cay)

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.

  • Where to eat:
    • Banh tam cay co Kieu – 52 Le Loi Street, Ward 2, Ca Mau City
    • Quan An Bong Sen – 145 Phan Ngoc Hien Street
  • Price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND per bowl (~$1–$1.7)
  • Also available at Ca Mau Market in the morning (5:00 – 10:00 AM)
Ca Mau City’s spicy noodle specialty

Banh Tam Ga Cay of Banh Tam Cay Co Kieu (Source: kienthuc)

Ca Mau Crab (Cua Ca Mau)

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.

  • Where to eat:
    • Quat Mo Seafood Restaurant – 14–16 Bui Thi Truong Street, Ward 5
    • Cua Thu Thiet Restaurant – 57 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Ward 5
  • Price: 450,000 – 550,000 VND/kg (~$18–$23)
  • You can also buy live crabs at the Ca Mau Market to bring home.
Ca Mau’s crab: sweet, fresh, iconic

Ca Mau Crab of Cua Thu Thiet Restaurant (Source: cuathuthietcamau)

Grilled Mudskipper with Salt & Chili (Ca thoi loi nuong muoi ot)

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.

  • Where to eat:
    • Quan An Thuy San Quoc Cuong – 234 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ca Mau City
    • Seafood stalls in Tran Van Thoi District
  • Price: 60,000 – 90,000 VND/serving (~$2.5–$3.5)
Ca Thoi Loi Nuong Muoi Ot

Grilled Thoi Loi Fish – Tran Van Thoi Stalls (Source: dienmayxanh)

Straw-Grilled Snakehead Fish (Ca loc nuong trui)

A forest classic from the U Minh area, grilled on straw right away. Serve with herbs, rice noodles, and tamarind sauce.

  • Where to eat:
    • Quan Ca Loc Dong Que – 164 Nguyen Trai, Ward 9
    • Some restaurants inside U Minh Ha National Park
  • Price: 120,000 – 180,000 VND/fish (~$5–$7.5)
Ca Loc Nuong Trui of Quan Ca Loc Dong Que

Ca Loc Nuong Trui of Quan Ca Loc Dong Que (Source: mia)

Grilled Vop Clams (Vop nuong muoi tieu chanh)

A rare shellfish that lives in Ca Mau’s mangrove forests. Sprinkled with pepper, salt, and lime, fresh herbs, and coastal umami in perfection.

  • Where to eat:
    • Quan Hai San 63 – 63 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 6
    • Fisherman-owned eateries near Hon Da Bac Island
  • Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND/plate (~$2–$3.3)
Grilled Vop clams near Hon Da Bac

Grilled Vop Clams near Hon Da Bac (Source: sethohler)

Fermented Ba Khia Crab (Banh Khia Rach Goc)

Pickled sea crab in salt, mixed with chili, garlic, and sugar. It’s salty, spicy, assertive — and completely local.

  • Where to eat or buy:
    • Quan An Dac San Ba Khia – Rach Goc Town, Ngoc Hien District
    • Or packaged for takeaway at Ca Mau Market
  • Price: 60,000 – 100,000 VND/jar (~$2.5–$4)
Fermented Ba Khia Crab

Fermented Ba Khia Crab (Source: dienmayxanh)

Young Bee Salad (Goi  ong non)

Roasted bee larvae of the U Minh forest, combined with banana blossom, herbs, and a pinch of chili. Nutty, protein-rich, and pleasantly surprising!

  • Where to eat:
    • Homestays and eco-lodges near U Minh Ha National Park
    • Some of them serve it as part of a full forest-style meal
  • Price: 80,000 – 120,000 VND/plate (~$3.3–$5)
Ong non served in full forest meals

Ong Non Served in Full Forest Meals (Source: taucaotoc)

Hotpots & More (Lau Mam, Bun nuoc leo, Banh tam cay…)

  • Lau Mam U Minh: Fermented fish hotpot with freshwater fish, snails, banana blossom, and herbs
  • Bun nuoc leo: Light fermented fish and rice noodle soup
  • Chao ca ro: Snakehead fish porridge
  • Banh tam cay: Rolled noodles with spicy sauce
  • Where to eat:
    • Quan Lau Mam Sau Tri – 76A Pham Boi Chau, Ward 7
    • Or try dozens of stalls at Ca Mau Market from morning to noon
  • Price range: 30,000 – 150,000 VND/dish (~$1.3–$6.5)
Lau Mam U Minh the best in Can Tho city

Lau Mam U Minh (Source: vov)

What to Buy – Best Souvenirs from Ca Mau

 Live Ca Mau Crab (Cua Ca Mau song)

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.

  • Where to buy:
    • Ca Mau Market – Seafood section (Pham Boi Chau Street, Ward 7)
    • Shops on Phan Ngoc Hien Street specializing in seafood export
  • Price: 450,000 – 550,000 VND/kg (~$18–23)
  • Home delivery within Ca Mau City or long-distance shipping and packaging service
 Live Ca Mau Crab at Ca Mau Market

Live Ca Mau Crab at Ca Mau Market (Source: ekago)

Pickled Ba Khia Crab, Fish Sauce, and Shrimp Paste (Ba Khia, Mam Ca, Mam Tep)

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.

  • Where to buy:
    • Ca Mau Market, Rach Goc Town (Ngoc Hien District)
    • Specialty store: Dac San Banh Khia Rach Goc, 52 Tran Van Thoi Street
  • Price:
    • Ba Khia jar: 70,000 – 120,000 VND (~$3–$5)
    • Shrimp paste: 45,000 – 65,000 VND (~$2–$2.7)
    • Fish sauce: 40,000 – 90,000 VND depending on brand
Shrimp Paste at Ca Mau Market

Shrimp Paste at Ca Mau Market (Source: thamhiemmekong)

Rach Goc Dried Shrimp & Mudskipper (Tom kho, ca kho thoi loi)

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.

  • Where to buy:
    • Rach Goc Fishery Co-op, Ngoc Hien District
    • The Ca Mau Market agricultural market section
  • Price:
    • Dried shrimp: 400,000 – 700,000 VND/kg (~$16–$30)
    • Dried mudskipper: 180,000 – 250,000 VND/kg (~$7.5–$11)
Rach Goc Dried Shrimp

Rach Goc Dried Shrimp (Source: dacsancamau)

U Minh Forest Honey, Fermented Fruit Wine & Wild Veggies

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.

  • Where to buy:
    • Mat ong U Minh Co Tu – Khanh Lam Commune, U Minh District
    • Souvenir corners at eco-lodges near U Minh Ha National Park
    • Gift shops in the Ca Mau Hotel lobbies or the Ca Mau Specialty Product Showroom, 290 Tran Hung Dao Street
  • Price:
    • Honey: 250,000 – 400,000 VND/liter (~$10–$17)
    • Ruou trai giac: 120,000 – 180,000 VND/bottle (~$5–$7.5)
    • Pickled bonbon: 50,000 – 70,000 VND/jar (~$2–$3)
U Minh Forest Honey

U Minh Forest Honey (Source: dacsanmuicamau)

Final Tips for Your Trip to Ca Mau

Stay for 2–3 Days to Truly Explore

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.

Pack for the Tropics (and the Bugs!)

Ca Mau features a year-round humid, sunny climate, so pack:

  • Mosquito spray (particularly for forest excursions in the U Minh region)
  • Sunscreen
  • Wide-brimmed hat or scarf for protection from the sun
  • Light long-sleeve shirts for additional skin protection during lengthy treks
  • Always Ask Prices First

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.

Embrace the Peace — It’s Part of the Magic

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.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ca Mau City

1. Is Ca Mau worth visiting?

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. 

2. Was Ca Mau in the Vietnam War?

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.

3. What is Ca Mau famous for?

Ca Mau, Vietnam, is most famous for:

  • Ca Mau crab – sweet, hard, and one of Vietnam’s finest seafood treats.
  • Mangrove forests – especially U Minh Ha National Park and Ca Mau Cape National Park.
  • Being the southern tip of Vietnam, with GPS coordinate marker 0001.
  • Rich southern heritage, floating markets, and rural coast living.

4. Is Ca Mau in the north or south?

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.

Ranana

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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.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

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!

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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".
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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.
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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).
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